Simone's family, who has created a Twitter account under her name, blasted Saldana for a quote she posted after the first trailer for 'Nina' was released on Wednesday.
- March 3, 2016
AceShowbiz -
It's not a secret that Nina Simone's family, like a lot of critics out there, isn't happy about Zoe Saldana's casting in the upcoming biopic about the late singer. After the first trailer for "Nina" was released on Wednesday, March 2, the musician's estate vented their frustration on Twitter while responding to the actress' tweet.
Saldana quoted Simone in her own post, writing, "I'll tell you what freedom is to me- No Fear... I mean really, no fear," and then adding the hashtag "#NinaSimone." Later on Wednesday, Simone's official Twitter account, which is described as the "official Twitter for the estate & legacy of Dr. Nina Simone," commented on the tweet by telling the "Guardians of the Galaxy" star to "take Nina's name out your mouth. For the rest of your life."
.@zoesaldana Cool story but please take Nina's name out your mouth. For the rest of your life.
— Nina Simone (@NinaSimoneMusic) 3 March 2016
Saldana was tapped to star in the biopic after Mary J. Blige dropped out of the project. Many fans, however, disagreed with the casting, saying Saldana's not black enough to portray Simone.
Directed by Cynthia Mort, the movie is slated to be released in the U.S. on April 22. On Facebook, Simone's family urged fans to host their own Nina Simone listening and viewing parties on that day.
"We can use this date as another opportunity to celebrate Nina's life and music. Let's create a positive from a negative by coming together and acknowledging the authentic Nina Simone," they wrote in a post. "Nothing can diminish Nina or her legacy. No one can rob Nina of her gift -- or rob us of the gift she shared with us."
