Disney's new live-action ''The Little Mermaid'' was a big box-office hit over the weekend, grossing $163 million worldwide.
But it also elicited some racial backlash and review bombing because it stars an African-American actress as Ariel.
Stephanie Mills, who played Dorothy in ''The Wiz'' (1975), wrote an open letter of support to Bailey. Mills, a Drama Desk nominee for her musical, recalls: ''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. ... They told me I would never make it on Broadway, they told me I couldn’t sing, they told me I was too dark.''
Mills added: ''It’s sad to see the same thing is happening to this beautiful, talented, smart and intelligent actress. Halle, 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.'' |
