Freeform Responds To The “Poor, Unfortunate Souls” In ”The Little Mermaid” Controversy: “Spoiler Alert – The Character Of Ariel Is A Work Of Fiction”

Last week, Disney announced Halle Bailey of Chole x Halle as its lead for the highly anticipated live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” which prompted a negative reaction from the internet’s closeted racists. Although many insisted their criticisms were not fueled by racism, highlighting the fact that Halle doesn’t resemble the animated underwater princess, others went so far as to start a petition titled, “#NotMyAriel,” to protest Halle’s casting. 

But now, in response to the racist request, Disney’s cable network, Freeform, is firing back at the “Poor, Unfortunate Souls,” who’ve been opposed to the idea of a black woman in the role. 

“Yes. The original author of ‘The Little Mermaid’ was Danish,” Freeform, home of the show, “Grownish,” wrote in an open letter. “Ariel….is a mermaid. She lives in an underwater kingdom in international waters and can legit swim wherever she wants (even though that often upsets King Triton, absolute zaddy). But for the sake of argument, let’s say that Ariel, too, is Danish.” 

“Danish mermaids can be black because Danish *people* can be black,” the network continued. “Ariel can sneak up to the surface at any time with her pals Scuttle and the *ahem* Jamaican crab Sebastian (sorry, Flounder!) and keep that bronze base tight. Black Danish people, and thus mer-folk, can also *genetically* (!!!) Have red hair. But spoiler alert- bring it back to the top – the character of Ariel is a work of fiction. So, after all, this is said and done, and you still cannot get past the idea that choosing the incredible sensational, highly-talented, gorgeous Halle Bailey is anything other than the INSPIRED casting that is because she “doesn’t look like the cartoon one,” oh boy, do I have some news for you…about you.” 

 

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An open letter to the Poor, Unfortunate Souls: ______ #TheLittleMermaid #Ariel #MyAriel

A post shared by Freeform (@freeform) on Jul 6, 2019 at 6:16pm PDT

Freeform’s open letter came after Twitter erupted in a debate over the role of Ariel, which came days after the dispute over the role of Ursula. As racists claimed to be outraged over the character, questioning if it would be fair to use white characters for other Disney princesses like Tiana, Mulan, and Jasmine, other Twitter users decided to give in to the request.

“Fine. I call that, and I’ll raise you. From now on, white actresses can play every Black Disney princess, and Black actresses can play ever white Disney Princess. That seems fair,” one wrote user, while another said, “White people complaining they cast a black girl as Ariel: Disney created 49 films from 1937-2009 before delivering their first black princess with Tiana. Black girls watched an entire catalog NEVER seeing themselves. For 70 years. You spoiled, racist brats.”

What are your thoughts?