She is not “Black Enough” to play Aaliyah – Zendaya speaks out

Lifetime Network is making a biopic about the life and times of late singer Aaliyah, titled Aaliyah: Princess of R&B.

Disney Star, 17-year old Zendaya Coleman has snagged the coveted role to play her, but ever since both the biopic and the lead star were announced, there has been an uproar from fans and Aaliyah’s family and the drama hasn't stopped.

You see, Zendaya is bi-racial, meaning her dad is black while her mum is white and hence she’s been criticized for not being “black enough” to play the part. Finally she has given her opinion about it;

“A lot of people say I’m not black enough. Half black is just enough. ​It doesn’t matter what color you are, it’s about how you portray the character. For those that don’t know, Angela Bassett and Tina Turner, they look nothing alike but she was that character so I think that’s what it’s all about.”

Aaliyah’s family who is unhappy about the biopic, has also released a statement asking fans to protest online.

“Aaliyah was more than a singer, she was -and is still – 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 Aaliyah. We implore everyone to call Lifetime Television, send emails and bombard social media so they know we demand respect for our cultural icons.

We will not sit idly by while they misrepresent and reap profits from our luminaries. There is more at stake than the public could imagine.”

For me, as long as she is not white, I don’t really see anything wrong with her playing the role. Aaliyah herself wasn't all that dark; in fact she was slightly light in complexion. Except there is something else the family isn't saying, then their objections doesn't really make sense to me.