The Real Reason Behind The Little Mermaid's Controversial Ursula: Exclusive Interview

The makeup artist for The Little Mermaid has responded to the criticism surrounding Ursula's appearance. Some members of the LGBTQ+ community have expressed their displeasure with the design, claiming that it borrows heavily from the iconic drag queen Divine, who also influenced the character's original animated look. As the artist responsible for the live-action adaptation is not a member of the LGBTQ+ community, there has been a significant amount of backlash aimed at him.

Peter Smith King, the makeup artist in question, recently spoke with Insider and shared his thoughts on the matter. Here's what he had to say:

"I find it offensive that my capability as a makeup artist is being questioned based on my sexual orientation. It's ridiculous to suggest that only a queer makeup artist can do justice to the role of Ursula. While I understand the sentiment behind claiming representation, it's unfair to put down others who don't fit the mold. As a makeup artist or designer, one doesn't necessarily need to have a personal attachment to the nature of their work. During discussions with Melissa McCarthy, we both shared our admiration for drag queens and their makeup, but it was not the basis of my design for Ursula. Insider claims that the original Ursula was based on Divine, but I deny any such connection between drag and my version of Ursula. With 42 years of experience in the field, I am confident in my qualifications to design for The Little Mermaid."

The Backlash Against The Little Mermaid Explained

The Little Mermaid has received immense praise for its revamped portrayal of Ursula. However, the controversy surrounding the film's makeup design has cast a negative light on this otherwise bright spot. This, however, is not the only aspect of the movie that has sparked controversy. From the moment it was announced, The Little Mermaid has faced criticism for its existence as a live-action Disney remake. While some of this criticism may be valid, there are other more insidious critiques that have been building for years. Halle Bailey's casting as Ariel prompted a wave of racist backlash against the project. Despite these attacks, Bailey's performance as Ariel has been widely acclaimed, proving the unfounded nature of these criticisms.

Despite facing significant backlash from the beginning, The Little Mermaid's live-action adaptation has received a 67 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is considered low for a Disney movie. However, with a 95 percent audience score, the film appears to be on track for box office success. Despite the controversy, The Little Mermaid continues to push forward towards triumph.