Halle Bailey was cast as the fictional mermaid in Disney's live-action remake.
The social media r*acists are on full display today. This time, they're seething over Disney's announcement that Halle Bailey was chosen to portray the fictional mermaid, Ariel, in their live-action remake of the iconic animated film, The Little Mermaid.
While most of Black Twitter has been rejoicing over the incredible news, some bitter fans of the original fairytale movie have taken to the site to attempt to prove why the mythical creature, whose race plays no significance in her story, must be portrayed by a white actress.
Take a look, below:
While the hate for Disney's choice in the movie's lead actress is noticeable — and, frankly, expected — several Twitter users didn't sit by and allow it to overshadow Halle's incredible achievement. See how many came to her defense, below, and perfectly prove why Ariel could have been played by an actress of any race.
Dear those stating that Ariel has to be white because she’s Danish...
— Nerdy PoC (@NerdyPoC) July 3, 2019
1. The Little Mermaid is (presumably) set in the Caribbean, which is (now hear me out) largely Black 🤭
2. Believe it or not, but there are Black Danish people in the world. 😱😱 https://t.co/gHfMpEHWcc
People are using a white person playing a live action Tiana as a counter argument to Halle playing Ariel like the Princess and the Frog isn’t centered around Tiana’s blackness and ethnic/cultural identities. Same with Milan and Moana.
— Chico Nasty (@TorreyCrosby) July 4, 2019
Like what is Ariel’s ethnic or cultural identity...fish? The whole movie is centered around the fact that she is a mermaid (a fictional creature) and her romance with Prince Eric...make it make sense pic.twitter.com/Nh1LkxPocV
— Chico Nasty (@TorreyCrosby) July 4, 2019
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