Little Mermaid star freaks out after receiving DM from Serena Williams

Halle Bailey, who is set to star in Disney's new adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" could barely contain her joy, letting fans know she had received a private message from WTA icon Serena Williams.

The singer-turned-actress was featured in the Instagram series 'Seen', where viewers are given a glimpse at the power of communication through direct messages. Bailey was asked about the time she received an Instagram DM from the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

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"I remember going to my DMs and seeing it and just freaking out and I didn’t know what to say," Bailey said. "The first DM that Serena Williams sent me, she sent a really nice message something along the lines of, “I’m really proud of you keep going.” My sister and I look up to her and her sister [Venus Williams] so much so I was dying at the interaction."

Bailey also recalled their encounter on the red carpet at the 2023 MET Gala, and had high praise for Williams and her family.

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"I think I ended up thanking her and telling her how beautiful her family is and how Olympia, her daughter, is so special," added Bailey. "She gave me her number and I’ve been too scared to text her because I’m like ‘what that’s Serena Williams.’ I actually just saw her at the Met and she was so kind. I met her husband [Alexis Ohanian] and I’m just so happy for her.”