Halle Bailey is sharing the many reasons why she decided to keep her pregnancy private, People writes.
The singer and actress, 23, was one of four honorees at Thursday's 2024 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards. During her acceptance speech, Bailey reflected on her career and the birth of her son Halo, whom she quietly welcomed last year.
"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," she told the room.
"I've learned from that spotlight over the past eight years. I've also, if I'm being honest, been burned by it, too, as we all have," she said, referencing the racist backlash she faced following the announcement she'd been cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid.
The role changed her life, but, she continued, "it cannot compare to the biggest joy of my life. And that was becoming a mom to my perfect little angel Halo." The star became tearful as she explained why she chose to keep her pregnancy private, a decision that came from "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," she shared.
Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
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