Celebrities

ICYMI, Disney just announced that Halle Bailey will be starring as Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, and needless to say, this news just about shattered the Internet. While many have praised Disney for the colorblind casting, others are up in arms about the very notion of a black Ariel. One Hollywood entertainer is so not having the racist reactions, though — in fact, his take is enough to shut the haters down instantly. Naturally, I’m talking about Todrick Hall’s response to The Little Mermaid casting backlash, which he posted on Instagram for all the naysayers to see.

The Instagram, which features a stunning illustration of Halle as Ariel, was posted on Friday, July 5, and there’s a lot to unpack. For one, Hall makes an important point about the fact that essentially all non-white races have been historically MIA from Disney films. And as for those traditionalists who are dead set on Ariel having the same iconic fiery mane they remember from their childhoods — well, Hall has a good point in saying there’s no reason why Bailey can’t be a redhead in the film. This is 2019, and basically anything is possible with computer-generated imagery.

Here’s the full caption, because TBH, it speaks for itself:

View this post on Instagram

Message to all you “NON-RACISTS” out there covering their racism by pretending to be hair color purists. I know that my opinion is going to be swayed because I'm African American but I just have to say that as a HUGE Disney fan I always wished that there was more representation of not just black people but any other race. I think it was problematic for EVERY single Disney princess to be white to begin with but when Aurora, Snow White & Cinderella were created we were still having to eat in separate parts of restaurants. Art should reflect the times and If white people get Elsa, Anna, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Merida (who also has red hair), Snow White, Belle, Ariel & Rapunzel it seems a bit entitled to compare the fact there is one princess for Native Americans, blacks and asians is enough. And we all know that the Princess and the Frog was nothing in comparison to those classic movies that were made with Disney's all star Dream Team. And also the one black Princess WAS A FROG THE WHOLE FUCKING MOVIE. Also, she's a mermaid and it's 2019…If they can CGI Margot Robbie's face onto an Olympic figure skater's rotating body, I think they can handle giving a black girl red hair. It could actually be beautiful, but either way, that seems like such a small detail to harp on. I know it's probably a hard concept to grasp, but this is how minorities have felt for the past thousand years and we've just had to deal with it. Fun fact for you also, There are over 60 Disney animated films and only 8 of them STAR people of any other race than white The Jungle book, Moana, Coco, Princess & the Frog, Pocahontas, Mulan, Aladdin, Lilo & Stitch so in the words of my good friend Taylor Swift…you need to calm down. If they were to all of a sudden decide to do Cinderella and cast a man as Cinderella and have a gay prince, it would be ridiculous for people to fight and try to compare the representation because there has NEVER BEEN A GAY PRINCE. People were mad that Brandy was cast as Cinderella and guess what? She was great and the world moved on. I think we can give Halle Bailey a shot at finally being part of “your world” you RACISTS. ALSO, can I be Sebastian ? Thanx bye

A post shared by TODRICK (@todrick) on

Did you hear that? It’s the sound of deafening applause — because Hall just said what many outraged people have been thinking, but couldn’t put into words.

There’s a lot to unpack here. For one, Hall makes an important point about the fact that essentially all non-white races have been historically MIA from Disney films. And as for those traditionalists who are dead set on Ariel having the same iconic fiery mane they remember from their childhoods — well, Hall has a good point in saying there’s no reason why Bailey can’t be a redhead in the film. This is 2019, and basically anything is possible with computer-generated imagery.

And then Hall takes it home with a reference to one simple, yet oh-so-fitting TSwift song title: “You need to calm down.” #MicDrop. The music video for the Pride anthem, which she dropped on June 14, features a slew of LGBTQIA+ celebs — including Hall. Even though there are throngs of protesting homophobes, the stars ignore them and keep living their best lives. Obviously, it’s a fitting message for the recent uproar around The Little Mermaid — all you have to do is replace homophobia with racism.

I’m shook, you’re shook — we’re all shook. Hall also notes that many people were skeptical when Brandy was cast in the 1997 version of Cinderella (which happens to be my all-time favorite adaptation, don’t @ me). And what happened? Oh yeah, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella was a smash success. With 60 million viewers tuning in, it was the most watched TV musical in decades, and it was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards.

Fortunately, plenty of celebs and fans have expressed their support for Bailey since the casting news broke.

“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,” said director Rob Marshall in a statement.

Meanwhile, Zendaya tweeted: “Yeeeeessss!! Here for thiiiissss!!” after the news broke, and Halle Berry tweeted, “In case you needed a reminder… Halles get it DONE. Congratulations @chloexhalle on this amazing opportunity, we can’t wait to see what you do!” Mariah Carey tweeted, "Congratulations Halle!! My kids and I are so excited for the emancipation of Ariel." And Janelle Monáe weighed in, too, saying, “PERFECT choice” and “congratssss Halle my love.”

Hall — a singer, dancer, songwriter, Broadway star, and drag queen who’s choreographed for everyone from TSwizzle to Beyoncé — is certainly no stranger to making powerful statements. He’s known for being ”unapologetically out”, and also fiercely loyal to his A-list besties, including Swift. Basically, he’s the kind of BFF you definitely want in your squad.

So, everyone may not be on board with Bailey portraying Ariel quite yet. But support from such talents as Hall — as well as Bailey’s no doubt stunning performance — is sure to render the skeptics speechless eventually. In the meantime, I’ll be over here crying at the mere thought of Bailey belting out, “When’s it my turn? … Wish I could be / Part of that world.”

The time has come, Halle Bailey. It’s finally your turn.

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