Halle Bailey, a Hollywood singer-actress, has now explained why she chose to hide her pregnancy. She delivered a poignant acceptance speech as a recipient of the recently ended 2024 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards.
“We are Black women in entertainment, and although we signed up for the challenges of the spotlight, in this current climate, that spotlight burns brighter, hotter, and uninterrupted, whereas the scrutiny of its magnification leaves no concealment,” the 23-year-old said Thursday while reflecting on her career and the birth of her son, People reports.
She discussed how she had matured in the spotlight over the past eight years, as well as the unpleasant parts, such as the racist abuse she faced after it was reported that she had been cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid.
Even though the part changed her life, she stated, “It cannot compare to the greatest joy of my life.” And that was becoming a mother to my precious little angel, Halo,” in reference to the birth of her son, whom she discreetly welcomed last year.
Bailey, with tears in her eyes, said that she had kept her pregnancy a secret in “a place of protection.”
“There was no way in hell I was going to share the biggest joy of my world with anyone. Halo was my gift. He is the greatest blessing, and I had no obligation to expose him, me, or my family to that.”
“With the state of the world and the place it is in with men trying to force their will on our bodies, no one on social media, and for damn sure, no one on the planet, was going to tell me what to do with my body or what to share with the world,” she expressed.
The “Grown-ish” actress remained silent about her pregnancy with her boyfriend DDG in 2023 until she revealed their first child’s birth on Instagram in January.
She also said in her speech how some of the most powerful women in her life encouraged and supported her choice.
“Do y’all remember when Prince Z David Marley [Zion David Marley], who came from a queen named Lauryn Hill, entered the world? Do you remember how private Beyoncé was about her pregnancy? We have that right. Every woman in the world has that right to choose what to do with their bodies and what to share with anyone or everyone.”
Bailey finally wiped away tears and expressed her gratitude to those who stood by her side, saying, “Thank you to some of the strong women in my life, like my beautiful sisters standing here on the stage with me, for setting examples of resilience, confidence, and independence.”
According to USA Today, four other recipients included “The Resident” writer Nkechi Okoro Carroll, “The Afterparty” TV executive Kathryn Busby, and “The Color Purple” Oscar candidate Danielle Brooks.