Once again, ‘Lifetime’ network causes media uproar following the announcement of yet another celebrity biopic film debut. Lifetime will release a biopic film for the late singer and actress, Aaliyah and they have chosen Disney star/ singer, Zendaya for the lead role.
The news did not go over well with Aaliyah’s family and most of her fans. Interesting Aaliyah’s family shared the same sentiment with Whitney’s family and feels that Aaliyah’s world influence warrants a higher platform than TV. Here’s their statement:
” Aaliyah was more than a singer, she was and still is an American music icon whose legacy continues to live on and influence today’s music culture, just as Ray Charles, Notorious B.I.G., Selena and Johnny Cash. Considering the magnitude of her fans ‘affection’ alone, she deserves to have a tribute much more grand than a television network debut that won’t even consider the perspectives of those who were closest to Aaliyah. “
” Disregarding the families and dishonoring the legacies of celebrated figures who have passed on, big networks want to exploit their stories for a buck. We’re here to make it clear that it’s NOT okay! Lifetime Television is trying to dictate the status of our heroes, our heroines and -in this-case-our beloved Aailyah. We implore everyone to call Lifetime Television, send emails and bombard social media so they know we demand respect for our cultural icons. “
The controversy surrounding Zendaya not being black enough stems mostly from the fans who feel that other black celebrity persons were a better fit for the lead role instead.
Well, Zendaya issued her response to the critics saying:
” Well Alot of people say that I’m not ‘black enough” this is my father. I think half black is enough. It doesn’t matter what color you are, it’s about how you portray the character. ““For those who don’t know Angela Bassett and Tina Turner, they look nothing alike, but she [Angela] was that character, so that’s what its all about. “
Will need to bury the hatchet on this one. I’m not sure why the complexion comparisons were even drawn up in the first place. There are many SHADES of BROWN people. I guess we’ll have to wait and judge Zendaya’s performance when the biopic film debuts.
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