Wendy Williams, Lifetime Network Slammed For Aaliyah Biopic, Film Stirs Controversy Via Twitter
Wendy Williams is definitely in hot water following the premiere of the Lifetime biopic, Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B. But, apparently, she had no idea the film would receive such backlash because if she did, she wouldn’t have opened the door for criticism on Twitter.
The 50-year-old talk-show host took to the social media platform following the premiere of the film to ask fans about their favorite Aaliyah song. The question may have been befitting if the late singer’s music had been used in the film.
Her family made it quite clear that they would not support the production of the film, and refused to share the rights to her original music. Theref0re, none of the big hits were heard in the film. So, of course, fans of Aaliyah, Timbaland, and Missy Elliot had absolutely no reservations about slamming Williams for her attempt at portraying the late star’s legacy.
Here’s what fans had to say:
“Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B” starts now on @lifetimetv. Grab a snack. RT if you’re watching. http://t.co/0N6oaEmvSs #aaliyahmovie #Aaliyah
— Wendy Williams (@WendyWilliams) November 16, 2014
@WendyWilliams @lifetimetv yall put this production in the wrong hands of drag queen wendy Williams…… TERRIBLE production
— CoCoAsh PR (@TheRealCoCoAsh) November 16, 2014
@WendyWilliams @lifetimetv #aaliyahmovie #Aaliyah I'm a fan that feels disrespected by this
— MUZIQLOVECHILD (@MUZIQLOVECHILD) November 16, 2014
@KevOnStage She don't even know the name of the song. No wonder she couldn't get anything cleared. At Your Best done by Isley Brothers first
— DW (@RainingOnU) November 16, 2014
According to Atlanta World Daily, Williams was advised not to move forward with the project. However, she refused and pushed to have the biopic completed without the support of the family or any of the original music. Now, that decision has obviously backfired and fans aren’t the only people displeased with the film.
Unfortunately, Williams obviously doesn’t agree with the problematic aspects of the film. During a recent interview with Billboard, she revealed she opted to become involved with the production of the film because she felt the story “needed to be told correctly.”
“Lifetime needed to tell this story correctly. Fans won’t say, “Oh, my God, how could you disgrace her memory?” And nosy people like me who want to find out things will also be fine.”
Executive producers Howard Braunstein and Debra Martin Chase recently discussed the film with the Washington Post, reports the Boston Herald. Although they admitted biopics are quite difficult to develop, Braunstein and Chase insist they put forth a gratuitous effort to capture her legacy in a tasteful manner.
“Biopics are hard. People have an opinion and social media allows them to voice that opinion. But at the end of the day, our goal was to make the best movie possible.”?
Do you feel Aaliyah’s biopic was a disgrace to her legacy? Share your thoughts.
[Image via Bing]
