Halle Bailey breaks silence on casting controversy ‘I learned to listen to myself’
The actress says facing criticism helped her trust her inner voice
Halle Bailey is reflecting on the intense spotlight that came with her breakout role and how it ultimately helped her tune out criticism and trust herself.
In a new interview with The Independent ahead of her upcoming film You, Me & Tuscany, the 26-year-old star opened up about the impact of being cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid.
This role brought both global recognition and a wave of racist backlash online.
Despite the controversy, Bailey described the experience as “beautiful,” saying it taught her one of the most important lessons of her career: how to block out negativity and focus on her inner voice.
“I feel like it taught me to listen to myself and the good voices inside,” she said, adding that learning to ignore the “noise” surrounding public opinion has been “freeing.”
The backlash, largely from critics opposed to a Black actress portraying the iconic Disney princess, placed Bailey at the center of a broader cultural conversation.
Rather than being overwhelmed, she said the moment gave her a unique perspective on fame.
“I felt like I was watching myself inside a cup, seeing how people react to it,” she explained, describing the experience as both surreal and eye-opening.
Directed by Rob Marshall, The Little Mermaid featured Bailey alongside Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem.
The film marked a major milestone in Bailey’s transition from music to leading roles on screen.
The actress, who first rose to fame as part of the R&B duo with her sister Chloe Bailey, said growing up in the entertainment industry has helped her stay grounded amid the highs and lows of public life.
“None of this is real,” Bailey shared, explaining that maintaining perspective has been key to navigating fame — especially as she steps into a new chapter as a Hollywood leading lady.
Now starring opposite Regé-Jean Page in You, Me & Tuscany, Bailey said she feels more prepared for audience reactions this time around. The film, directed by Kat Coiro, arrives in theaters April 10.
Looking back, Bailey said The Little Mermaid “showed me the ropes,” giving her the confidence to embrace both praise and criticism without letting it define her.