Aaliyah’s Family Reacts to Lifetime’s Plans for Biopic
The Lifetime Network recently announced its plans to produce an original television film following the life of the late R&B artist Aaliyah, but the family of the late star reportedly does not approve of the biopic.
According to TMZ, Aaliyah’s uncle and former manager, Barry Hankerson, say the family is upset that no one contacted them about the Aaliyah movie, tentatively titled “Aaliyah: Princess of R&B.”
In retaliation, Hankerson says the family will block any of Lifetime’s attempts to use music by Aaliyah and have hired a lawyer to assist them in blocking the release of the project all together. The family believes a television film is too small for the legacy of Aaliyah.
Aaliyah’s estate also took to Twitter to clarify that they are not behind the project at this time.
“Fans we hear your comments and concerns !! unfortunately we cannot confirm the family is behind the project at this time,” they wrote.
Despite not being involved with the project, the family did urge fans to be respectful to Zendaya Coleman who was cast for the role of Aaliyah in the Lifetime biopic.
“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 And her family’s involvement #teamaaliyah,” they wrote in Zendaya’s defense.
The 17-year-old Disney star has been subjected to verbal lashings by die hard Aaliyah fans since news surfaced that she would take on the role, causing her to speak out on Twitter.
“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 tweeted. “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 #babygirl #forever #OneInAMillion.”
“Aaliyah: Princess of R&B,” is currently scheduled to premiere on Lifetime in the fall, but a legal battle between the network and the estate may cause significant delays.
(Photo Credit: Facebook/Aaliyah Fan Page)
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