After news broke on who would be selected to play the late and great Aaliyah in Lifetime’s new biopic set to release later this year, an array of mixed feelings could be found circulating around the streets and the web. On one hand, many were ecstatic a dedication film was finally in the works to honor our dearly missed baby girl. But on the other, many were displeased with the actress selected, Zendaya Coleman and the film in general.
Zendaya had a few things to say of her own :
I’m just a 17 year old girl who got cast to play one of her biggest inspirations #positive
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 17, 2014
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
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 16, 2014
Other current celebrities chimed in on the widely discussed controversy. Friend of Zendaya, Keke Palmer had this to say:
Ppl kill me attacking folks! Zendaya is perfect for Aaliyah. Quit playin’.
— Keke Palmer (@KekePalmer) June 16, 2014
However, it seems Zendaya and Keke are up against a group who feels different. So different that a reported petition was put in place to stop the biopic. This petition basically reads :
“This petition is to stop the making of this Aaliyah biopic. It’s wrong that Aaliyah’s mother or brother didn’t have a say so in this movie that is being made. The fans didn’t get a say so and neither did any of Aaliyah’s friends. As her fans, we’re going to do anything in our power to stop this movie. Little do we know, this is hurting Mrs. Haughton and Rashad. They’re about to make something that didn’t even get approved from her family. That is beyond disrespectful. If you agree that this movie shouldn’t be made, you need to vote. If you really respect Aaliyah, you have to respect her mother and her brothers wishes. It’s only right. It was Aaliyah’s life. And they’re taking it too far now. We need to put a stop to this!”
Aaliyah’s Uncle, Barry Hankerson responded to this devised petition via twitter:
Biopic can not be done with out being around the family so would fans go against the haughtons or respect that the project won’t stop. — Barry Hankerson (@BarryHankerson) June 17, 2014
Without a doubt, this biopic has stirred up a great deal of buzz within the music and movie worlds. It’s almost certain a close eye will be kept on the progression of this project to see if any sort of changes will be made to the upcoming film.
