Halle Bailey reveals which Hollywood stars supported her amid 'The Little Mermaid' casting backlash

Bailey reflected on the online criticism and viral #NotMyAriel campaign after being cast, in a new interview

Halle Bailey has revealed that several high-profile peers, including Zendaya, Rachel Zegler and Ariana Grande, reached out to support her during the racist backlash that followed her casting as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

According to an interview with The Independent, Bailey reflected on the wave of online criticism she faced after being announced in the role, which sparked controversy across social media platforms and led to the viral #NotMyAriel hashtag. Despite the hostility, Bailey said she found strength in the encouragement of fellow performers who understood the pressures of public scrutiny.

“Zendaya also reached out, and Ariana Grande was so nice,” Bailey said, adding that Zegler was among those who offered consistent support during the period. The connection between Bailey and Zegler was particularly meaningful, as both experienced similar reactions to their casting in major productions.

Bailey described the importance of solidarity among young women in the entertainment industry, noting that shared experiences can create a sense of protection and reassurance. “As women, I think we form a little protective bubble around each other, especially when we see a peer going through lots of opinions,” she said.

Reflecting on the experience, Bailey said it ultimately contributed to her personal development. “It was actually freeing to be in the middle of this conversation where so many different opinions were coming in,” she explained, adding that it helped her focus on her own voice rather than external criticism.

The singer and actress is now preparing for the release of her upcoming film You, Me & Tuscany, marking her continued transition into more mature roles while embracing what she describes as a new stage in her life and career.