Original “Little Mermaid” Voice Actress Defends Disney’s Casting: “The Most Important Thing Is To Tell The Story”

In the wake of the racist controversy over Disney’s casting in the live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” actress Jodi Benson, who voiced the underwater princess in the 1989 animated classic, is speaking out about the outrage. 

During the Supercon convention in Florida, Benson defended Disney’s casting choice and highlighted her own differences with Ariel. But according to her, “the most important thing is to tell the story.” 

“As a family, we have raised our children, and for ourselves, that we don’t see anything that’s different on the outside,” Benson explained. “I think that the spirit is what really matters. What you bring to the table in a character as far as their heart, and their spirit, is what really counts.” 

“Let’s face it,” Benson continued. “I’m really, really old – and so when I’m singing ‘Part of Your World,’ if you were to judge me on the way that I look on the outside, it might change the way that you interpret the song. But if you close your eyes, you can still hear the spirit of Ariel.”

Benson’s remark came just days after Disney’s network, Freeform, slammed critics over the racist outrage, reminding the “poor, unfortunate souls,” that the entire story is a work of fiction.