I'm just a 17 year old girl who got cast to play one of her biggest inspirations #positive
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 17, 2014On Tuesday, June 17, it was revealed that Lifetime was planning to air an Aaliyah biopic. 17-year old Disney acress/singer Zendaya was picked for the lead role.
There was an immediate backlash from fans who didn't think Zendaya was right for the part of the singer who died at age 22, in a 2001 plane crash. Aaliyah's family family responded by putting out a statement.
Fans we hear your comments and concerns !! unfortunately we cannot confirm the family is behind the project at this time
— Aaliyah (@AaliyahHaughton) June 17, 2014However ,we do ask that you are respectful to the artist playing the role, for they may not fully have or know the details about this role
— Aaliyah (@AaliyahHaughton) June 17, 2014On Wednesday, June 18, TMZ reported that the family will attempt to stop the film from airing.
Barry Hankerson, who is Aaliyah's uncle and former manager says the family has hired an attorney and will exhaust all legal remedies to block the movie.
Hankerson says Lifetime never contacted the family to seek permission and his niece's life story deserves to be seen in movie theaters and not a made for TV flick.
Zendaya responded to all of the backlash via a series of tweets.
"She's been an inspiration and influence in my whole career, her talent still shines brighter then ever, all I wanna do is honor her," she wrote on Tuesday. "Show how much she accomplished in only 22 years....she's beautiful inside and there will never be another Aaliyah, I just hope to share her beautiful story, and make her proud up in heaven. I'm just a 17 year old girl who got cast to play one of her biggest inspirations."
What's your take on this controversy? Is Zendaya right for the role? Should Aaliyah's family block the film?
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