Halle Bailey tearfully recalls pregnancy speculation at the Essence Awards
LOS ANGELES – Halle Bailey is protecting her peace.
The actress and six-time Grammy Award nominee was honored Thursday at the Essence Black Women Luncheon in Hollywood, where she spoke emotionally about the challenges facing Black women in entertainment.
While accepting her award, Billie spoke candidly about being “burned” by the spotlight: first, with racist backlash over her casting as Ariel in Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid,” and then again last year, with relentless speculation. On social media. About her appearance and whether she was pregnant. (Billie, 23, announced in January that she welcomed son Hello with boyfriend D.J.)
“During one of my proudest moments playing Ariel, I discovered two things about being black in Hollywood,” Billy said on stage. “It can be unfair and can open you up to criticism for just being you. Not because you’re a bad actor or you gave a bad performance, but just because you look who you are.”
She also spoke about her “perfect little angel, Halo,” and called out the massive interest in her pregnancy.
“There was no way in hell I would share the greatest joy in my world with anyone,” Billie said, wiping away her tears. “The aura was my gift. I had no obligation to expose him, me, or my family to those inexhaustible lights.
“With the situation the world is in, and men trying to impose their will on women’s bodies, no one on social media told me what I should share,” Bailey said, drawing cheers and applause. “Remember when David Marley’s Zion, who 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 their bodies.”
The “Grown-ish” star was lovingly introduced by her sister and musical partner, Chloe Bailey, who cried throughout the show. (Twice, the stagehand walked over to get her tissues.)
“Haley, my beautiful sister, I’m so proud to stand by your side as you soar to new heights,” Khloe said. “Not just as an artist and a sister, but as a friend, a daughter, and your new favorite title, mother. Thank you for giving me one of the greatest gifts of my life by making me an aunt. Hello has the most amazing mother on the planet.”
Billie was one of four women honored at Thursday’s ceremony, along with Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks for “The Color Purple,” television director Kathryn Busby for “The Afterparty,” and writer Nkechi Okoro-Carroll for “The Resident.” The pre-Oscars party was hosted at midday on the rooftop of the Academy Museum, where, after a much-late start, guests nibbled on salmon and butter lettuce and wandered around in search of shade. Earlier in the day, Zendaya stole the show at a more casual reception downstairs, where she posed for selfies with crowds of stunned revelers.
Hosted by Essence magazine, the annual brunch is one of many parties held throughout Los Angeles in the days leading up to the Oscars on Sunday.
