'Right to choose what to share’: Halle Bailey opens up about decision to keep her pregnancy private

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Halle Bailey, acclaimed singer and actress, opened up about her decision to keep her pregnancy private, during her acceptance speech at the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards.

Bailey, who was honored as one of the distinguished recipients at the prestigious event, took a moment to reflect on her journey in the spotlight and the birth of her son, Halo.

Halle Bailey reveals heartfelt reason for keeping pregnancy private

With tears welling up in her eyes, Bailey explained that while she had embraced the challenges of fame, the intense scrutiny that came with it left her feeling exposed.

"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 told the gathering.

"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 said, referencing the racist backlash she faced following the announcement she'd been cast as Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid'.

However, Bailey emphasized that despite the transformative role, nothing compared to the joy of becoming a mother to her son Halo.

She continued, "It cannot compare to the biggest joy of my life. And that was becoming a mom to my perfect little angel Halo."

She chose to keep her pregnancy private, a decision that came from "a place of protection".

"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 shared.

Bailey's decision to maintain privacy during her pregnancy was influenced by various factors, including her concerns about the state of the world and the pressure faced by women to conform to societal expectations.

"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," she said.

Bailey, known for hits like 'Do It', made waves when she quietly welcomed her first child with boyfriend DDG, sharing the news on Instagram in January after maintaining privacy throughout her pregnancy.

During her acceptance speech at the Essence Awards, Bailey reflected on the significance of her choice and drew parallels to other influential women who prioritized privacy during their pregnancies.

Referencing figures like Lauryn Hill and Beyonce, Bailey highlighted the importance of women having the autonomy to choose what to share with the world about their bodies and personal lives.

With tears in her eyes, Bailey expressed her gratitude to the strong women who inspired her, including her sisters, for their resilience, confidence, and independence.

"Every woman in the world has that right to choose what to do with their bodies and what to share with anyone or everyone."

"So thank you. Thank you to some of the strong women in my life, like my beautiful sisters standing here on the stage with me for setting examples in resilience, confidence, and independence," she said.

Presenting Bailey with the award was her sister Chloe Bailey, who shared her admiration for Halle's motherhood journey, describing her as "the best mom ever".

"She's the best mom. I'm in love, and I feel like he's my baby sometimes," said Chloe.

Halle Bailey shares heartwarming story behind son's name

Halle Bailey, the multifaceted talent known for her prowess in singing, songwriting, and acting, recently delighted fans by revealing the adorable name of her newborn son and opening up about her experience as a new mother.

In a heartwarming revelation, Bailey disclosed that the name Halo was not just a random choice but a thoughtful suggestion from her boyfriend.

"It was actually my boyfriend's idea," she shared, adding, "He's the one who came up with his name."

Bailey expressed her fondness for the name, highlighting how both she and her partner instantly fell in love with it. "We just agreed, and we loved it. I love the name Halo," she exclaimed.

Bailey's joy as a new mother was palpable as she gushed about her baby boy.

"It's so exciting, this new role for me. I'm obsessed with my baby boy," she effused, calling him "the sweetest angel in the world".