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

Mar. 15, 2025

Halle Bailey at the 2024 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards.Photo:Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

halle bailey

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Halle Baileyis sharing the many reasons why she decided to keep her pregnancy private.

The singer and actress, 23, was one of four honorees at Thursday’s 2024ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards. During her acceptance speech, Bailey reflected on her career and the birth of her sonHalo, whom she quietly welcomed last year.

“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 room.

The role changed her life, but, she continued, “it cannot compare to the biggest joy of my life. And that was becoming a mom to my perfect little angel Halo.” The star became tearful as she explained why she chose to keep her pregnancy private, a decision that came from “a place of protection.”

Halle Bailey at the 2024 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards red carpet.Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Halle Bailey at Essence Black Women in Hollywood held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

“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.

She opted for privacy during her pregnancy in part due to “the state of the world.”

“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.

Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey pose at the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards red carpet.JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey attend the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy

JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

“Do y’all remember when Prince Z David Marley[Zion David Marley], who came from a queen namedLauryn Hill, entered the world? Do you rememberhow 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 their bodies and what to share with anyone or everyone.”

Wiping away tears as she spoke, the star ended her remarks with words of gratitude. “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.

Halle Bailey and DDG on February 01, 2024.Leon Bennett/Getty

Halle Bailey DDG Black Music Collective los angeles 02 01 24

Leon Bennett/Getty

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source: people.com