Halle Bailey Gets Emotional Discussing Why She Didn’t Share Pregnancy News: Son ‘Halo Was My Gift’

Halle Bailey shares the many reasons why she chose to keep her pregnancy a secret.

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 even though we’ve signed up for the challenges of the spotlight, in this current climate, that spotlight burns brighter, hotter, and unbroken, while scrutinizing its increase leaves no room for concealment,” she told the room. .

“I’ve learned from that spotlight over the past eight years. I’ve also, if I’m honest, been burned by it, like all of us,” she said, referring to the racist backlash she faced after announcing she had been cast as Ariel. Little Mermaid.

The role changed her life, but, she continued, “it doesn’t compare to the greatest joy of my life. And that was becoming a mom to my perfect little angel, Halo.” The star broke down in tears as she explained why she decided to keep her pregnancy a secret, a decision that came from a “place of protection”.

Halle Bailey on the red carpet at the 2024 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Tia and Tamera Mowry hit the red carpet as the stars stepped out for the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards

“There was no way I could share the greatest joy in my world with anyone. Halo was my gift. He is the greatest blessing and I had no obligation to expose him, myself or my family to that,” she shared.

She decided on privacy during her pregnancy partly because of the “state of the world”.

“With the state of the world and where it’s at with men trying to force their will on our bodies, nobody on social media, and damn sure nobody on the planet, was going to tell me what to do with my body or what to share with the world “, she said.

Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey pose on the red carpet at the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards.

JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Zendaya dressed up her baggy Boyfriend jeans with a super tight corset and a new bob haircut

Last year, the “Do It” singer kept quiet about her pregnancy with boyfriend DDG until she announced the birth of their first baby in an Instagram post in January. During a speech at Essence, she said that she was supported in her decision and inspired by “some of the strong women in my life.”

“Do you remember when Prince Z was David Marley [Zion David Marley], which came from a queen named Lauryn Hill, entered the world? Remember how private Beyoncé was about her pregnancy? We have that right,” she said. “Every woman in the world has that right to choose what to do with her body and what to share with anyone or everyone.”

Wiping away tears as she spoke, the star ended her statement with words of gratitude. “So thank you. Thank you to some of the strong women in my life, like my beautiful sisters who are standing here on stage with me for setting an example of resilience, confidence and independence,” she said.

Halle Bailey and DDG on February 1, 2024.

Leon Bennett/Getty

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Bailey was presented with the award by her sister Chloe Bailey, who told PEOPLE last month, “Halle is the best mom ever.”

– She is the best mom. I’m in love, and sometimes I feel like he’s my child – said Chloe.

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Source: HIS Education