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OUR ARIEL: Halle Bailey

RACISTS HAVE targeted actress Halle Bailey after Disney revealed that it had cast her in the live action remake of The Little Mermaid.

Bailey, one half of singing duo Chloe x Halle, was announced as the actress cast in the title role this week.

And while the announcement has been praised by black women and girls who have long lamented the lack of representation in Disney films, not everyone is happy about the news – especially those who believe she is the wrong choice for the role solely because of her skin colour.

One detractor even sought to argue that scientifically Bailey as Ariel made no sense because she is not white. Ignoring the fact that Ariel is a fictional cartoon. About a mermaid. Who is friends with a talking crab.

Attempting to point out the huge flaw in casting Bailey, one critic tweeted: “Mermaids live in ocean. Underwater = limited sunlight. Limited sunlight = less melanin. Less melanin = lighter skin colour. Because they live underwater, which has no access to light beyond a certain depth, Ariel and every other mermaid in existence would be albino.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t it physically impossible for Ariel to be black? She lives underwater, how would the sun get to her for her to produce melanin?! Nobody thought this through..?” another tweeted confused by the decision said.

One tweeted: “I’m gonna say it, hate me if you must but no! Ariel is a white red head! Halle Bailey looks perfect for Tiana [The Princess and the Frog] not Ariel.”

Another said: Please no! The Little Mermaid is a white, blue eyes, redhead. Stop ruinning [sic] Disney classics.”

Despite the negative reactions, the casting announcement has been heavily celebrated. Bailey, who stars in Grown-ish has received backing from famous friends.

Her namesake, Halle Berry, showed support for the young star on social media.

She tweeted: “In case you needed a reminder...Halles get it done. Congratulations [Halle] on this amazing opportunity, we can’t wait to see what you do!”

Rob Marshall, the director of The Little Mermaid said: “After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance – plus a glorious singing voice – all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role.”

Janelle Monáe tweeted: “Our Ariel, perfect choice. Congrats Halle, my love.”

Production on The Little Mermaid is scheduled to start early next year.

Further cast announcements are expected to happen over the next few weeks.

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