Donald Glover Praises Halle Bailey For "Little Mermaid" Role: "You Earned It"

BY Erika Marie 4.5K Views
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Donald Glover, Halle Bailey
He just wants her to ignore the negativity and be excited about her new adventure.

Unproblematic actress-singer Halle Bailey has been at the center of a Disney classic controversy. Following the announcement that she would portray the character of Ariel in Disney's live-action film for The Little Mermaid, there were some who had a meltdown because they didn't want to see a white character played by a woman.

The backlash caused many entertainers to speak out in support of the Grown-ish star, including Donald Glover. While on the red carpet at the The Lion King premiere, a live-action Disney film that he stars in as the adult version of Simba, the artist was asked about his thoughts regarding Bailey's casting. With a joyful smile on his face, Glover told E! News correspondent Zuri Hall that he "thought it was so special."

"We were just watching that film and I'm like...that's such a great story but I'm just like, I dunno [he makes a strange face]," Glover said. He also had a few words of advice for the young star as she embarks on her career-changing role. "I just hope that she's like, having fun. And don't let anybody make you feel the opposite of how you want to feel. It's a very special role and you earned it, so I hope you're listening."


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.