Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid proved divisive. At the center of much of the debate was Halle Bailey, the young actress cast as Ariel. Three years later, she sat down with The Independent to discuss the experience and the support she received behind the scenes from other actresses who have also faced online hostility.
In her reflections, Bailey comes across as thoughtful and measured. However, Variety’s reporting on the interview frames the experience in a way that seems at odds with the actress’s own words.
Amid Criticism, a Personal Experience
Of playing Ariel, Bailey said, “It was a beautiful experience for me — and I feel like it taught me to listen to myself and the good voices inside. I learned how to block out the noise.” Variety suggests that the noise came from “racist trolls” and “toxic fans.”
Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo by Giles Keyte. ©: Walt Disney World Announces V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days 2026 for Annual Passholders
While her casting did raise concerns about fidelity to the beloved animated film, and there were almost certainly hateful comments directed at her, that does not seem to be where Bailey has placed her focus. “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…”
Rather than describing herself as a victim in the middle of a debate, Bailey uses words like “conversation” and “different opinions.” Overall, her remarks appear to come from a place of personal and professional satisfaction.
The Little Mermaid struggled at the box office, though how much of that can be attributed to Halle Bailey versus Disney’s creative choices remains a matter of debate. Considering the many factors that influence a film’s production, promotion, and release, the lead actress is just one part of a much larger picture.
Still, being the star comes with its own unique challenges.
Support Behind the Spotlight
As part of the conversation, Halle Bailey mentioned the actresses who offered her support in the leadup to The Little Mermaid. Variety suggests that they reached out “amid the racist backlash.” Yet Bailey only notes that they reached out to her during a stressful time in the public spotlight.
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Zendaya as Chani in Dune: Part Two (2024), Warner Bros. Pictures
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She said that she heard from Snow White actress Rachel Zegler, adding, “Zendaya also reached out, and Ariana Grande was so nice.” All of these actresses have been at the center of their own cultural debates and responded to public backlash in very different ways. Still, Bailey suggested that their experiences created a special bond.
A screenshot from The Little Mermaid – Disney+
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“As women, I think we form a little protective bubble around each other, especially when we see a peer going through lots of opinions. Rachel was definitely one of those people. I love her,” Bailey said. “We all understand what a vulnerable place it is to be, and at the end of the day, we are young women… we’re self-conscious… we’re insecure. I’m insecure at times, and sometimes the opinions of people can muddy your own thoughts. So it’s special to have a community who’s there to say, ‘You’re amazing. We’re here for you.’”
Bailey’s Reflection vs. the Narrative
While Variety repeatedly frames the backlash Bailey faced as “racist,” the actress herself focuses on her personal experience, the diversity of opinions, and the support she received. This contrast highlights how media framing can shape a narrative, sometimes amplifying conflict, whereas Halle Bailey’s reflections from her time as The Little Mermaid emphasize growth, resilience, and the community she found among her peers.
How do you feel about Variety’s framing of this Halle Bailey interview? Let us know in the comments!
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[“Variety suggests that the noise came from “racist trolls” and “toxic fans.” “]
Well, with The Media’s propaganda, there is always some truth mixed in with the big lie, to confuse the reader.
“Racist trolls” – Evolutionary psychology – nearly everyone organically prefers their own race. For evolutionary reasons, and also for cultural reasons. This is natural, always was, always will be. This fact was verified by brain-scan experiments (these days, hushed up).
So, if everyone is racist, then there are “Trolls”, which, in this context, is anyone providing an opinion that goes against their propaganda.
“Toxic Fans”: This is true, it means the fanbase is now “toxic” to the movie, causing the movie’s finances to be poisoned.
So, Variety is telling us the truth.
If you race-swap beloved characters, then you will beget “racist trolls” and “toxic fans” and they are the vast majority of the potential audience.
It is correct to be a “racist troll” and “toxic fan”. Because when they make anti-White movies, and anti-male movies, and movies designed to persuade kids to have operations to cut their genitals off, and what not, then being silent is the most evil action of all, well apart from giving Disney / Netflix / Hollywood your cash. Never give them your cash.
To follow on: The big lie I mentioned is they hide the fact that they deliberately want to convert an IP’s fanbase into “racist trolls” and “toxic fans”, because their goal is to destroy all White IPs. Burn them to the ground, until there is no White culture left. This is where Variety lies to us, or at least hides the truth: it refuses to tell us that this is what is going on. It’s NWO.