LOS ANGELES – Halle Bailey protect his peace.
The actress and six-time Grammy nominee was honored Thursday at the Essence of black women in Hollywood lunch, where she got emotional discussing the challenges facing black women in entertainment.
Accepting her award, Bailey said she was “burned” by the spotlight: Firstly, with racist reaction to his casting Ariel in Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid” and then again last year, with merciless speculation on social media about her appearance and whether she was pregnant. (Bailey, 23, announced in January that she had welcomed a son, Halo, with boyfriend DDG.)
“During one of my proudest moments playing Ariel, that's when I discovered two things about being black in Hollywood,” Bailey said on stage . “It can be unfair and open you up to criticism just for being yourself. Not because you're a bad actor or gave a bad performance, but simply because you look like one.
She also talked about “my perfect little angel, Halo,” and called out the invasive attention surrounding her pregnancy.
“There was no way for me to share the greatest joy in my world with anyone,” Bailey said, wiping away tears. “Halo was my gift. I had no obligation to expose myself or my family to this unyielding spotlight.
“With the state of the world and men trying to impose their will on women's bodies, no one on social media was going to tell me what to share,” Bailey said, drawing roaring cheers and applause. “Remember when Zion David Marley, which came from a queen named Lauryn Hill, entered the world? Do you remember how private Beyoncé was about her pregnancy? Every woman in the world has the right to choose what to do with her body.
The “Grown-ish” star was lovingly introduced by her sister and musical partner, Chlöe Bailey, who cried throughout the presentation. (On two occasions, a stagehand came to bring him his tissues.)
“Halle, my beautiful sister, I am so proud to be by your side as you rise to new heights,” Chlöe said. “Not only as an artist and sister, but as a friend, daughter and your new favorite title, a mother. Thank you for giving me one of the greatest gifts of my life by making me an aunt .Halo has the coolest mom on the planet.
Bailey was one of four women honored at Thursday's event, along with Danielle Brooks, Oscar nominee (“The Color Purple”), TV executive Kathryn Busby (“The Afterparty”) and writer Nkechi Okoro Carroll (“The Resident”). The pre-Oscar party took place at noon on the warm roof of the Academy Museum, where, after a much-delayed start, guests pecked at salmon and butter lettuce and bent over for food. 'shadow. Earlier in the day, Zendaya stole the show at a more subdued reception downstairs, gracefully taking selfies with crowds of stunned partygoers.
Hosted by Essence magazine, the annual Black Women in Hollywood brunch is one of several parties held in Los Angeles in the days leading up to Sunday's Oscars ceremony.
