Halle Bailey has responded to trolls unhappy with her casting as Ariel in Disney's forthcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
The singer, who is one half of the duo Chloe X Halle, was announced as the star of the reboot last month, prompting some Twitter users to create the hashtag #NotMyAriel to claim that the main role should be played by a white star.
The 19-year-old star, who will join Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina in the new film, offered a graceful reaction to the backlash at Variety's Power of Young Hollywood Gala this week.
She told the publication: "I feel like I'm dreaming and I'm just grateful.
"I don't pay attention to the negativity. I just feel like this role was something bigger than me, and greater.
"It's going to be beautiful. I'm just so excited to be a part of it."
Despite the backlash, the Grownish star's casting has also been praised by legions of Disney fans - and the actress even received some love on social media from her namesake, Academy Award winner Halle Berry.
Berry congratulated the multi-talented star on Twitter, writing: "In case you needed a reminder... Halles get it DONE. Congratulations @chloexhalle on this amazing opportunity, we can't wait to see what you do!"
Asked how it felt to receive support from the star, Bailey answered: "Of course, yeah. I've always loved Halle Berry. She's a beautiful person inside and out."
“After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role,” director Rob Marshall said when Bailey's casting was announced.
The Little Mermaid will mark the singer’s feature film debut, after finding musical success with her sister Chloe.
The sister act found fame after they were discovered by Beyonce on YouTube, who went on to sign them to her Parkwood Entertainment record label.
The pair then joined the Grammy-winner herself on her Formation World Tour in 2016.
