Recently, the casting of Halle Bailey in the role of Ariel in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the 1989 classic The Little Mermaid has spawned a hefty amount of racist backlash online. Many detractors don’t seem to believe a Black woman can be a mermaid.

One person who is hitting back at Bailey’s detractors is comedian Nicole Byer, who responded to a white woman on Twitter who apparently believed she was a better fit for Princess Ariel.

LOL, other than white… WHO ARE YOU? https://t.co/fTQIQHy3XX

— nicole byer (@nicolebyer) July 9, 2019

In addition, a fan theory made by Byer during one of her standup routines has resurfaced on Twitter, making many question if the villainous Ursula is really the hero.

Ok so here’s the thing: pic.twitter.com/s4Wjsw9iF7

— Kaleeezy (@itskaleop) July 8, 2019

“Ursula is a shape-shifting sea witch who chooses to be a fat, beautifully made up, incorrect octopus,” Byer said. “And she only turns into a thin white woman to go where the people are.”

Byer then goes on to theorize that perhaps Ursula is not the famed villain she was designed to be.” Maybe she took Ariel’s voice to show her that having a voice is more important than looking like every other f*****g basic b***h,” Byer continued.

The role of Ursula in director Rob Marshall’s upcoming retelling of The Little Mermaid is slated to be played by Academy Award-nominated actress Melissa McCarthy.

Here’s another Ursula theory that has us wondering as well:

And now that I think about it… keep Melissa as Ursula and make sure we don’t ignore the racial element of this. I want us to engage with the idea that a white woman wants to steal the voice of a Black woman. Biiittchhhhh, the think pieces write themselves lol

— Tre’vell Anderson (@TrevellAnderson) July 3, 2019

The film is scheduled to begin production in April 2020.

READ MORE:

Here’s Who We Think Should Play Prince Eric And Ariel’s Sisters In ‘The Little Mermaid’

‘Halles Get It Done’: Halle Berry Gives Stirring Congrats To Halle Bailey After Some Fans Confuse ‘The Little Mermaid’ Casting

8 Pieces Of Beautiful Fan Art Inspired By Halle Bailey’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ Casting

Meet Your New Ariel: Everything About ‘The Little Mermaid’ Star Halle Bailey, From YouTube Starlet To Beyoncé Protégé

Halle Bailey To Star As Ariel In Disney’s Live-Action ‘The Little Mermaid’

We Said Lizzo! Fans Rally Around Entertainer, Not Melissa McCarthy, To Play Ursula In Live-Action ‘The Little Mermaid’

Photo: Getty Images / Disney

Princess Ariel

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