Chloe Bailey has revealed how she felt when her sister, Halle Bailey, received intense criticism over her role in the live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.”
Halle starred as Ariel, but when the film was released, many people were divided over her casting. Much of the criticism came in the form of racist comments, as some objected to the character being portrayed by a Black actress.
The live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” was one of the most anticipated films of 2023. However, its release was overshadowed by intense criticism from some viewers over Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel.
For Chloe, the other half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle, watching the controversy play out was emotionally difficult.
“It broke my heart,” the singer said in a sit-down with Variety.
She added, “Seeing her put so much hard work and time into an iconic role, I just wanted people to see how incredible she was in it, because this was all happening before the movie even came out. But my sister is resilient, and I’m happy she proved all the naysayers wrong.”
Chloe Says Beyoncé Shaped Her From Childhood
Chloe and Halle first gained major attention in the entertainment industry after posting a cover of Beyoncé’s “Pretty Hurts” in 2013, which caught the superstar’s attention. Beyoncé later signed the sisters to her company, Parkwood Entertainment.
However, Chloe’s connection with the iconic singer began years earlier, when she met her on the set of “The Fighting Temptations,” an encounter that left a lasting impression.
“I have always been the biggest Beyoncé fan since I was a little girl. Meeting her when I was four, and how kind she was to me on the set, only sparked a greater love for her. She had such a pure spirit that my four-year-old self clung to,” she revealed.
More than a decade after being signed by Beyoncé, Chloe remains grateful for the singer’s mentorship.
Looking back over the years, she said she appreciates how much the music icon’s presence has shaped and impacted her life and career.
“Being able to study her performances and being a true BeyHive fan and then being able to be signed to her and actually have intellectual conversations with her about life, the industry, and music is something I’ve never taken for granted. I really appreciate her ear,” Chloe noted.
To this day, she still holds onto advice she received from Beyoncé, which focused on handling the noise of the internet.
“One of the first pieces of advice she gave us was the ’no scroll’ rule: don’t read the comments, don’t read what people are saying, and don’t even let it fill your head up,” the “Have Mercy” singer said.
Chloe Credits Bond With Halle For Industry Success
As for her and her sister’s success in the entertainment industry, Chloe believes their close bond played a major role.
“We had each other. We were never going through anything alone. We would act together, sing together, and were each other’s best friends,” she said.
According to the singer, having someone to lean on who fully understood what she was going through was a “saving grace,” one she remains grateful for, even as they now appear to be pursuing solo career paths.
“I’m grateful that we had each other growing up in this industry. You know how they say to never walk down the street by yourself and always have a friend with you? It was almost like that,” Chloe also noted.
Chloe Bailey Teases Future Music With Halle
Chloe and Halle’s most recent musical collaboration is the track “so i can feel again,” released on October 24, 2025, as part of Halle’s debut solo album, “love?… or something like it.”
Before that, their last joint project was in June 2020 on their sophomore studio album, “Ungodly Hour,” after which they took a hiatus from performing as a duo.
Speaking about the group, Chloe clarified that they have not split and still plan to release music together.
“The band never broke up! We just had different endeavors happening at different times,” Chloe said.
“We’ve both been strengthening who we are as individuals, so when the music comes back as a duo it’ll be even better. We’ve strengthened the two halves of the heart,” she added.