Zendaya Talks Biopic Criticism from Aaliyah’s Family

Photo Credit: Instagram
Photo Credit: Instagram

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Disney actress Zendaya became a target of controversy after it was confirmed she nabbed the role of deceased R&B singer Aaliyah in an upcoming Lifetime biopic about the singer’s life, and fans of Aaliyah aren’t happy she took the role since Aaliyah’s family is urging them to boycott it.

But Zendaya says she is going forward with the film. She tells Access Hollywood:

“I think people are entitled to their own opinions. Some people know me from the Disney channel and maybe they don’t think I can handle the role or do whatever. But at the same time, I was cast in the part. I auditioned like everyone else and I was cast. My passion and my love for Aaliyah is so strong. I’m just going to channel her and do my best to honor someone that I love so much and have and taken so much from in my career.”

Regarding Aaliyah’s family not being on board with the biopic, she says:

“We haven’t started production or anything. But the family was my number one concern. My important thing about this was the mother & the brother… and that Lifetime reached out. I didn’t feel comfortable until they did. So they’re working on that and reaching out to the family to make sure everything’s ok. I wrote a letter, a whole bunch of things. I’ve been an Aaliyah fan my entire life. I auditioned like anyone else and I got cast in the part. I want it to be something [the family] is proud of and what she would be proud of. It’s a Lifetime movie. So it’s just to honor her. And to show how incredible she is and the things she was able to do.”

This of course come just days after Zendaya clapped back at the folks who feel she’s not “black enough” to play the role.

17 comments

  1. I wish she would take a page out of Lil Mama’s book and stop talking and let her talent speak for itself. Lil Mama got more backlash for playing Left Eye but she didn’t say a word. She didn’t respond to what people said about her. Nope. She just killed the part and made her haters eat crow. Now that’s how you do it.

    1. You’re right but you have to remember Lil Mama is tougher than Zendaya. She’s been through more and been bashed longer for multiple reasons. Because of that she has tough skin.

  2. I read another interview where she said she took the role because some dude told her she reminded him of Aaliyah. Now see these dudes are out here saying whatever they have to as a way to get the panties and these young girls start believing the hype. And because of that we have another wack Lifetime movie in the making.

  3. I don’t think there’s anything left to be said. Prove yourself when it’s time to film the movie. Interviews won’t change opinions, but talent does.

  4. Lord we get it. You think you’re perfect for the part and you love Aaliyah. Now just shut up and show us how talented you are in the movie. Enough talking.

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