It was announced this week that singer Halle Bailey was cast as the lead for Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. The immediate response to the news was one of overwhelming support and elation from fans.
https://twitter.com/chloexhalle/status/1146509551497170944
However, most recently, some Disney fans have begun to trend the hashtag #NotMyAriel, expressing their criticism and racism at the casting all in one, with many arguing that Ariel should appear, as in the cartoon, with red hair and pale skin.
https://twitter.com/ShortNoze/status/1146565185223761923
Several profanity-laden posts flooded the internet with disapproval of Disney’s casting. Many of those who have posted in opposition to Bailey being tapped for the lead have been accused of being racist, but they deny the claim, stating that they were simply upset that the iconic princess would look nothing like she did during their childhood.
https://twitter.com/evanmcswag992/status/1146612738363293696
On the other side of the coin, stated facts like, “Ariel is a…mermaid…why does it matter if she’s black…”
https://twitter.com/HillaryMonahan/status/1146551030135558145
"iM nOt rAcIsT bUt tHe LiTtLe mErMaID nEeDs tO bE wHiTe"
Spare me the nonsense that Ariel NEEDS to be white, she is a MYTHOLIGIAL SEA CREATURE.
— Skyler Shuler (@SkylerShuler) July 1, 2019
Both Bailey and Disney have yet to comment on the controversy surrounding her casting. Bringing back memories of Zendaya being cast as “Mary Jane” in the new Spider-Man movies? Sound off. We want to hear from you. What do you think about Bailey being cast as Ariel in the upcoming remake? #staytuned…We are sure that there will be more to come on this developing story.
