H.E.R. becomes the first Filipina and Black person to portray Belle
Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, more popularly known as H.E.R., becomes the first Filipina and Black person to portray Belle in the upcoming live musical. H.E.R. has consistently embraced her Filipino heritage and has used her platform to highlight it.
E.J. Ramos David took to Twitter after he noticed the inclusion of Tagalog Baybayin, a Philippine script, on Belle’s apron in recently released photos and artwork to support the musical.
Swipe below to see the photos. You can watch “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” live on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Can’t watch it live? You can stream the special on Disney+ the next day.
