Halle Bailey Addresses Backlash After Being Cast as Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid'

Halle Bailey is breaking her silence on the backlash of being cast as Ariel in the upcoming The Little Mermaid live-action remake.

While attending Variety’s 2019 Power of Young Hollywood event, the 19-year-old singer/actress briefly addressed being a person of color cast in the iconic Disney role.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Halle Bailey

“I feel like I’m dreaming,” Halle shared with Variety. “And I’m just grateful. I don’t pay attention to the negativity; I just feel like this role is something bigger than me. And it’s going to be beautiful. I’m just so excited to be a part of it.”

After news broke of Halle Bailey‘s casting, the original Ariel Jodi Benson defended Disney for casting the young star in the role.