Aaliyah's Family Wants To Shut Down Production Of Her Biopic

Zendaya responded to backlash after it was announced that the Disney actress would be taking on the role of late R&B singer Aaliyah in a Lifetime channel biopic.

"I'm just a 17 year old girl who got cast to play one of her biggest inspirations," she tweeted Monday, as some social media users aired their frustration about the casting choice.

The network announced it had chosen the "Shake It Up" actress and singer, 17, to star in a TV movie about the "Back and Forth" singer's life and career.

"She's been an inspiration and influence in my whole career, her talent still shines brighter (than) ever, all I wanna do is honor her,” Zendaya wrote.

“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."

Aaliyah died tragically in a plane crash in 2001, at the age of 22. The Lifetime biopic, reportedly titled "Aaliyah: Princess of R&B," is slated to begin production later this summer.
Despite the network's gesture, Aaliyah’s family is reportedly upset about the film being made.

Lifetime did not contact her family ahead of making the film, Aaliyah’s uncle and former manager Barry Hankerson reportedly told TMZ. The family has hired lawyers and will attempt to stop the network from using any of the late “Try Again” singer's music.

"Unfortunately we cannot confirm the family is behind the project at this time," a message posted to Aaliyah's memorial Twitter account read.

"However, 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."

Her family also believes Lifetime is "too small" of a network "for someone as big as Aaliyah," Hankerson told TMZ.

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