Stephanie Mills Extends Support to 'The Little Mermaid' Star Halle Bailey Amid Racist Backlash
Halle Bailey isn’t fighting back her naysayers alone.
The star of Disney’s The Little Mermaid received some encouraging words from singer and actress Stephanie Mills, who applauded this rising Hollywood star amid racist backlash towards the latest live-action remake.
Mills, who portrayed Dorothy in the all-Black-casted Broadway musical The Wiz, sent words of encouragement to the 23-year-old while drawing parallels to her own experience in an open letter shared to Facebook before the film’s premiere on Friday, May 26.
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“As a young Black girl playing the [role] as Dorothy in 7-time Tony Award-winning Broadway play The Wiz, I know what this baby #HalleBailey has been dealing with,” Mills wrote in a Facebook post.
The industry veteran shared, “I got so much hate mail, I was told Judy Garland ‘is turning over in her grave.’ All because a little Black girl was playing a [role] that was once played by a white girl.” She added, “It’s sad to see the same thing is happening to this beautiful, talented, smart, and intelligent actress.”
Speaking to the Grown-ish star directly, Mills said, “God put you in this place and time….So let your light shine. Hold your head up high, walk in your peace, and celebrate the greatness that you are.”
The 66-year-old continued, “They told me I would never make it on Broadway, they told me I couldn’t sing, they told me I was too dark, I have watched and listened to ‘they’ try to tell you why you shouldn’t and couldn’t. Well this weekend your movie comes out. I am so proud of you and how you handled all the naysayers.”
Mills wrapped up her note by telling the Grammy-nominated artist that while they may have never met, “I have been in your shoes. Baby girl, let them know that this #LittleMermaid is made of teflon… Love, auntie SM." The star also encouraged her followers to go view the movie.
Unfortunately for critics, Bailey’s acting career has only just begun as she is set to star in the upcoming new adaptation of The Color Purple, presented by Oprah Winfrey, coming to theaters this Christmas.
The film also stars Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia Barrino, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Aunjanue Ellis, Danielle Brooks, David Alan Grier, and tons more.
