Zendaya Coleman, Aaliyah

The family of the late R&B singer Aaliyah has expressed outrage over news that a film about the star’s life will be made. 

From TMZ:

Aaliyah’s uncle and former manager, Barry Hankerson, tells us the family is pissed that no one from the network contacted them about the movie.

Hankerson says the family will block any attempt on Lifetime’s part to use any of Aaliyah’s music.  He says the family has hired a lawyer and will do everything they can to block release of the flick.

The family is not opposed to a big, theatrical film, but thinks a TV movie is too small for someone as big as Aaliyah.

Read more at TMZ

Earlier this week, it was announced that Disney star Zendaya Coleman was selected to play the lead role in the Lifetime biopic. Since the announcement, fans issued a wave of backlash, with some even going as far as supporting a petition in protest of the film.

Here’s an excerpt from the petition:

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.

Coleman has been criticized as well. Fans took to social media to highlight the fact that she looks nothing like Aaliyah. Despite the opposition, the young star didn’t let it get her down. “I’m just a 17 year old girl who got cast to play one of her biggest inspirations.” she tweeted.

Should Lifetime put an end to the movie?

Was the network disrespectful for not involving Aaliyah’s relatives/fans? 

Sound off below!