Exploring Halle Bailey’s Response to Racist Backlash and Her Sister Chlöe’s Support Amid ‘Little Mermaid’ Casting Controversy

Halle Bailey’s performance as Ariel in Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” is generating hype and excitement. Her rendition of “Part of Your World” exudes a new kind of urgency, showing Ariel’s desperation for answers and her own sense of agency in the story. Bailey, a multi-hyphenate talent, faced numerous challenges during the shoot. Simulating underwater scenes, silent acting, combating racist abuse, and carrying the weight of fleshing out a beloved character without speaking were just some of them.

Bailey’s casting as Ariel was not immune to online vitriol, but she sees her portrayal of the character as an inspiration for Black audiences. “Especially for the Black and brown babies out there, I hope they feel filled with love and confidence in who they are because it’s essential that they see themselves in roles like these,” she said.

Bailey’s sister Chlöe supported her through the audition and shoot, even moving to London for two months to help her transition. The aspiring artist also found solace in her own music, writing songs she uses as mantras to keep going. Bailey has become more confident in herself, thanks to the challenges she faced while filming “The Little Mermaid.”

In the new movie, Ariel’s willfulness stems from her curiosity about the world on land and a hunger to see it for herself. Expanding Ariel’s character arc in this way allowed for the exploration of themes beyond the original animated film. Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel embodies these motivations, lending her own nuances to an already-charismatic character.

The story of “The Little Mermaid” still resonates because of its timeless portrayal of a young woman going on a journey of self-discovery. “It’s really a story about this beautiful, passionate, headstrong girl who feels like she doesn’t fit in with anyone around her because she sees something that no one else sees,” director Rob Marshall explained. Bailey sees a reflection of herself in Ariel and hopes to inspire a generation of viewers who see her in the same light.

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