We are sad Zendaya will no longer portray Aaliyah. Production is currently on hold.
— LifetimePR (@LifetimeTV_PR) June 29, 2014
You win. Former Disney child star Zendaya Coleman has abandoned the coveted role as singer/actress Aaliyah in an upcoming Lifetime biopic.
Zendaya quit after mounting pressure from Aaliyah’s family and fans who were offended that a biracial/mixed race actress was chosen to portray a black woman.
Lifetime Network made the announcement earlier today in a tweet on Twitter.com.
Aaliyah’s uncle and former manager, Barry Hankerson, led the charge of angry opposition to Zendaya’s casting in the role.
He said the family would block any attempt on Lifetime’s part to use any of Aaliyah’s music.
Lifetime was expected to start filming this summer, but the filming has now been put on hold. Aaliyah died in a plane crash in 2001.
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