The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey has shocked fans after sharing a TikTok video accompanied by an explicit sound.
On Monday (May 22), the 23-year-old singer-turned-actress attended the premiere of the live-action remake of the 1989 original in Sydney, Australia.
The Grammy nominee - who will be portraying the red-haired mermaid in the movie - showed up in a striking blue ball gown, and decided to share a TikTok video of her stunning look.
In the clip, Bailey was seen strutting toward the camera in her breathtaking dress, however, fans were more focused on the sound she decided to use -- and just how uncharacteristic it was from the new Disney princess.
Check out Bailey's TikTok below:
Rather than choosing a family-friendly song, the singer opted for a track called Pound Town, by Sexyy Red and Tay Keith.
Some of the very explicit lyrics - clearly audible in the TikTok video - include: "I’m out of town, thuggin' with my rounds / My c*****e pink, my b***y h*** brown."
The juxtaposition between the explicit track and the PG-rated Disney movie she’s promoting was not lost among her fans, as many flocked to the comments section with their shock.
One dismayed fan wrote: "JAW DROPPED!!!!"
Another equally-shocked user remarked: "The sweet face with the most insane audio."
A third person jokingly asked: "Is this on The Little Mermaid soundtrack?" while a fourth user quipped: "Ariel left the sea and don’t how to act!"
Jokes aside, Bailey has been hailed by fans and critics who went to early screenings during the Disney movie's star-studded premieres in Los Angeles on May 8 and in the UK (May 15).
The Guardian's Ellen E Jones commended that the 'Do It' singer is "the best thing about this film" and its "only unmitigated triumph," while The Times' film critic Kevin Maher penned that she "knocks all naysayers into place with an innately charismatic turn and full-throttle vocal powers".
Digital Spy applauded the young actress in their 4* analysis, writing: "The Little Mermaid retains the heart and spirit of the animated classic, while adding new elements that offer a fresh perspective on familiar events. Thanks in large part to Bailey's outstanding performance, this adaptation has the potential to captivate a new generation of Disney fans."
In addition to this, the original Ariel voice actor Jodie Benson sang Bailey's praises during an interview with Entertainment Weekly, saying: "It's been great for me to be able to just love on her and support her and her family."
"And to know that she was in great hands with all of the staff, and especially with Rob and John. And to know just the beautiful way that she has been able to capture Ariel and all that is part of Ariel. And just how incredibly proud I am of her, just wanting her to know that I was there for her in whatever way I could be. She did it. She has told this beautiful story, and I'm just so thrilled for her," she added.
The film is directed by Rob Marshall and will feature a soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken. It will also have four new original songs with lyrical changes to include consent.
The Little Mermaid will be released in US and UK theatres on May 26.
