Halle Bailey addresses backlash over black Ariel in new Little Mermaid film

The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey has once again addressed backlash received over her casting as Ariel in Disney's live-action version of the classic cartoon.

For anyone playing catch up, when Disney first dropped a trailer for its new film, people got uppity over the fact Bailey isn’t caucasian, proving a large portion of the internet is made up of losers. 

Speaking in a new video posted on her YouTube channel, Bailey addressed the backlash, and her comments are truly inspiring. 

“With all of the commentary and people's opinions going on, it just reminds me to be grounded and grateful that I have this opportunity,” she began.

Bailey added: “I know what it would've meant to me as a little girl to have been able to see a Black Ariel. If I would've seen that, it would have changed my whole outlook on life.”

The star’s words echo previous comments she’s made about the importance of the role, with Bailey previously telling People she felt ‘grateful’ for being able to bring the character to life for young Black children. 

She explained: "The fact that now it's getting to be played by me, a person who looks like me, woman of colour, I'm just like, wow, I'm so grateful for what it will do for all the other little Black and brown boys and girls who will see themselves in me. 

“Because I know if I had seen myself when I was younger, I think my whole perspective would've changed." 

YouTube/hstar324

In the lead up to the film’s release, Bailey has also spoken frankly about the pressure she’s faced stepping into the iconic character’s shoes.

Speaking to E! News, the actor shared: “I'm so excited about this film. You know being here today is so surreal. I'm just a fan of all of the other projects and the fact that I get to be a part of something like this. It's amazing." 

She went on: "I definitely think that because I love this movie so much, and I've treasured it since I was a little girl, I did put a bit of pressure on myself. Just because I want to deliver all of the feels that I saw when I was a little girl."   

Bailey added: "Knowing that gave it my all and gave 110 percent into everything of this film, I am really proud of myself."  

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