Halle Bailey Breaks Silence on Backlash of Being Cast in 'The Little Mermaid'

Halle Bailey has no time for haters.

The 19-year-old actress is breaking her silence on the backlash she faced after being a person of color cast as Ariel in the upcoming The Little Mermaid live-action remake.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Halle Bailey

“I feel like I’m dreaming,” Halle shared with Variety at the Power of Young Hollywood party. “And I’m just grateful. I don’t pay attention to the negativity; I just feel like this role is something bigger than me. And it’s going to be beautiful. I’m just so excited to be a part of it.”

After news broke of Halle Bailey‘s casting, the original Ariel Jodi Benson defended Disney for casting the young star in the role.