Halle Bailey shares why she kept her pregnancy private

Singer and actress Halle Bailey. (Courtesy/Instagram)

Halle Bailey recently discussed why she chose to keep her pregnancy private.

At the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, where she was honored, the 23-year-old singer and actress spoke about her journey and the arrival of her son Halo, whom she discreetly welcomed last year.

In her acceptance speech, Bailey spoke about the unique challenges faced by Black women in the entertainment industry.

"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 said, as reported by People.

Reflecting on her experiences, Bailey mentioned how the spotlight has taught her lessons but also how it has hurt her, particularly highlighting the racist backlash she encountered after being cast as Ariel in "The Little Mermaid."

"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 stated.

Bailey shared that, despite these challenges, becoming a mother to Halo was the ultimate joy.

She explained her decision to keep her pregnancy private, saying, "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 further justified her choice by referencing the global context, stating her autonomy over her body.

"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," Bailey said.

Halle, who is in a relationship with DDG, only revealed her pregnancy after giving birth, sharing the news in a January Instagram post.

During her speech at the Essence event, Bailey highlighted the support and inspiration from "some of the strong women in my life," which helped her during her pregnancy.