Ashman was initially reluctant to agree to work on Beauty and the Beast because he had just recently been diagnosed with AIDS. Additionally, he had already begun writing songs for Aladdin (1992). Ashman's health began deteriorating soon after he completed The Little Mermaid.
Ashman initially hesitated to contribute to Beauty and the Beast due to his recent diagnosis of AIDS. He was also composing songs for Aladdin (1992) at the same time. Following the completion of The Little Mermaid, Ashman's health started declining.