<div>Roommates, <em>The Little Mermaid</em> is one of the biggest topics of discussion since #HalleBailey has been cast to play #Ariel! Halle might be seeing a lot of backlash, but she&#8217;s also getting a lot of support as well.</div>
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<div>According to Entertainment Weekly, the original Ariel is so here for Halle playing the part! Jodi Benson, who voiced the role of Ariel in 1989, defended Halle&#8217;s casting after trolls complained the mythical character could not be black.</div>
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<div>&#8220;We need to be storytellers,&#8221; Jodi says. &#8220;And no matter what we look like on the outside, no matter our race, our nation, the color of our skin, our dialect, whether I&#8217;m tall or thin, whether I&#8217;m overweight or underweight, or my hair is whatever color, we really need to tell the story.&#8221;</div>
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<div>Social media users have gone into an uproar that has led to the spread of harsh racial commentary about a children&#8217;s film. Some are even making use of the hashtag #NotMyAriel, and have created a petition to change Disney&#8217;s decision.</div>
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<div>Jodi, however, says none of those things matter.</div>
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<div>&#8220;I think that the spirit of a character is what really matters,&#8221; Jodi says. &#8220;What you bring to the table in a character as far as their heart and their spirit is what really counts.&#8221;</div>
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<div>Unfortunately, the casting decision is shedding light on a deep rooted issue in our country. Racism and prejudice are still alive and well. So much so, folks have taken offense to a black woman playing a creature that does not exist.</div>
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<div>Many black celebs have come to Halle&#8217;s defense as well, and congratulate her for landing the role. Stars such as Yara Shahidi, Zendaya, and Halle Berry all send well wishes.</div>
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<div>In a statement, Freeform defends Halle as well. The statement speaks to Ariel&#8217;s existence being that she is &#8220;a work of fiction.&#8221;</div>
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<div>Despite the negativity, Halle says she is excited and in shock over her new role. We wish her all the best!</div>
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