Halle Bailey tearfully calls out invasive baby rumors: 'I had no obligation to expose him'

LOS ANGELES – Halle Bailey is protecting her peace.

The actress and six-time Grammy Award nominee was honored Thursday at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, where she got emotional discussing the challenges facing Black women in entertainment.

Accepting her award, Bailey opened up about being “burned” by the spotlight: First, with racist backlash to her casting as Ariel in Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid,” and then again this past year, with ruthless speculation on social media about her appearance and whether she was pregnant. (Bailey, 23, announced in January that she welcomed a son, Halo, with boyfriend DDG.)

“During one of my proudest moments being cast as Ariel, that's when I discovered two things about being Black in Hollywood,” Bailey said on stage. “It can be unfair and it can expose you to criticism just for being you. Not because you're a bad actor or you've given a poor performance, but just because you look like you do.”

She also talked about “my perfect little angel, Halo,” and called out the invasive attention around her pregnancy.

“There was no way in hell I was going to share the biggest joy of my world with anyone,” said Bailey, wiping away tears. “Halo was my gift. I had no obligation to expose him, me, or my family to that unyielding spotlight.

“With the state of the world, and men trying to force their will on women’s bodies, no one on social media was going to tell me what to share,” Bailey said, earning roaring cheers and applause. “Remember when Zion David Marley, who came from a queen named Lauryn Hill, entered the world? Do you remember how private Beyoncé was about her pregnancy? Every woman in the world has the right to choose what to do with their bodies.”

The “Grown-ish” star was lovingly introduced by her sister and musical partner, Chl?e Bailey, who cried throughout the presentation. (Twice, a stagehand walked over to bring her tissues.)

“Halle, my beautiful sister, I am so proud to stand by your side as you soar to new heights,” Chl?e said. “Not only as an entertainer and a sister, but as a friend, a daughter, and your new favorite title, a mother. Thank you for giving me one of the greatest gifts of my life by making me an auntie. Halo has the coolest mom on the planet.”

Bailey was one of four women honored at Thursday’s event, along with Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple”), TV executive Kathryn Busby ("The Afterparty") and writer Nkechi Okoro Carroll ("The Resident"). The pre-Oscar bash was hosted midday on the toasty rooftop of the Academy Museum, where after a much-delayed start, guests pecked at salmon and butter lettuce and ducked around to find shade. Earlier in the day, Zendaya stole the show at a more temperate reception downstairs, graciously taking selfies with throngs of starstruck revelers.

Hosted by Essence magazine, the annual Black Women in Hollywood brunch is one of many parties thrown across LA in the days leading up to Sunday's Oscars.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Halle Bailey tearfully recalls pregnancy speculation at Essence awards