Halle Bailey felt uncomfortable during her media tour in Mexico as “The Little Mermaid” prepares for its Mexico premiere – and it has to do with the tasteless comments and questions she received during the interviews.
Let’s unpack what exactly happened. But, first, let’s understand where this may stem from.
Though the Latine community shines thanks to the beauty of its diversity and cultural uniqueness, there are unfortunate truths that weave the very complex fabric of the community. One of those truths is the prevalence of colorism and racism – and this is as unacceptable as the generational trauma that continues to travel through our lineage.
Throughout time there have been people who have spoken up against the discriminatory nature within the Latine community. Yet, remnants of it remain – even today.
What some people don’t realize is how these problematic behaviors are often internalized, regardless of how much they reject this revolting ideology. The reality is that at some point it will come to light. In fact, we witness this on a daily basis. And a lot of the time it comes from our own people.
This recently happened to Juan Patricio Borghetti Imérito when he was talking about Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel in the latest adaptation of the Disney classic.
Borghetti, also known as “Pato,” is an Argentine television host who has found success in Mexico. He’s been featured in an array of novelas such as “Sueños de Juventud,” “Rebelde,” and “Atrévete a soñar.”
As Bailey embarked on her Latin American media tour for her film, she appeared on a Mexican morning television program, “Venga la alegría,” where she spoke to Pato, one of the program’s hosts. During the live interview, the Argentine host tried to “innocently” express his admiration for the actress for her role. But it was one comment that turned things sour. In an attempt to flatter the star, he told Bailey that no one saw her skin color while watching the film.
In Spanish (and translated to English) he said: “None of us who were in that room yesterday were seeing the color of your skin.” ¿Que le pasa a este wey?
By Bailey’s body language and response, it was evident this was something that didn’t sit well with her. After the internet caught whiff of Borghetti’s statement, thousands started to express their anger and disdain towards the Mexican show and the Argentine host. A lot of people claimed that his comments were racially motivated and that he was not prepared to interview Halle Bailey.
Bailey followed suit too. El Universal reported that she allegedly complained to Disney Studios about the tone-deaf interviews she experienced during her time in Mexico. According to El Universal, she also said she didn’t appreciate that type of exposure, especially via people who were not prepared to meet with her.
In simpler terms, what Borghetti said in is that he “doesn’t see color.” This is a popular phrase used by people who would rather clean their hands like Pontius Pilate on the very present racial issue in our society. If anything, this harms Black and Brown communities more because it may make them feel more invisible. News flash: Black and Brown are beautiful skin colors, and you can acknowledge it without being racist.
Theresa M. Robinson, DEI & Anti-Racism Educator, Master Trainer TMR & Associates, who was previously featured in Forbes explains what this means.
“I don’t see color is the get-out-of-talking-or-doing-anything-about-racism card that ‘good white people’ carry in their wallet,” she told Forbes. “They flash it every time the subject of race or racism comes too close for their continued comfort.” Arguably, the “I don’t see color” assertion is a subtle manipulation requesting an immediate change of topic.
