Part 2/10:
Indeed, as The Little Mermaid struggled financially globally—failing to meet expectations in both domestic and international markets—the mainstream media jumped on the race-baiting bandwagon. Headlines quickly suggested that the film's poor performance was a consequence of a racist backlash against casting Halle Bailey as Ariel. Notable outlets like CNN and The Hollywood Reporter highlighted this angle, claiming that racist sentiments in China and South Korea were dampening box office numbers.