Halle Bailey Reflects on Racist Backlash to Her 'Little Mermaid' Casting, Says She Learned to 'Block Out the Noise'

Halle Bailey is sharing how the racist backlash to her casting as Ariel in Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid has affected her three years later.

The actress, who is busy promoting her upcoming rom-com You, Me & Tuscany, spoke about how the film was overall a “beautiful experience” for her while speaking to The Independent.

“I feel like it taught me to listen to myself and the good voices inside. I learned how to block out the noise,” she shared.

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Speaking to the conversation that was surrounding her race at the time, Halle reflected, “How do I explain it… It was actually freeing to be in the middle of this conversation where so many different opinions were coming in, and they were so opposite from one another.”

She continued, “I felt like I was watching myself inside a cup, seeing how people react to it. Growing up in the industry can really develop your sense of self, and for me, it keeps me grounded in a way. I know for some people it’s the opposite but I just always think to myself, ‘None of this is real.’”

Halle, 26, says she uses nature as a way to keep her grounded and provide perspective.

“I love feeling small, realizing that the world is so big and beautiful and I’m just a tiny, tiny part of it,” she said. “The fact I’m here is a blessing, and I’m grateful [to be doing music and acting], but at the same time, this is not what matters in life. What matters is keeping our feet on the ground, and holding the people we love.”

Last week, Halle and her sister Chloe Bailey hosted a special private screening of You, Me & Tuscany, which hits theaters on April 10. See the photos of them together here!