Lifetime is really pushing the envelope with this Aaliyah biopic. Ratings will be through the roof by the time it actually debuts because it’s one controversy after another. First the public was outraged about Zendaya being cast because she wasn’t “black” enough. Now the network is going to touch on a subject everyone old enough to know is taboo: Babygirl’s relationship to R&B star R. Kelly.
As previously reported, Aaliyah was on 15 years old when the story surfaced she’d married R. Kelly, who was 27 years old at the time. They both adamantly denied the speculations but a marriage certificate surfaced some time later, thus disproving their statments. It was believed her parents got it annulled.
Executive Producer Debra Martin Chase disclosed:
“Aaliyah’s personal and professional relationship with R. Kelly will be explored with care in the film as we set out to depict her life with the utmost respect. Above all else, it’s our hope to inspire an entirely new generation with her music and larger-than-life talent.”
And now we have the real reason her family is against this sought after biopic. Aaliyah and Kelly’s relationship was one of the those things everyone knew about but no one ever discussed out of respect. Her family need to understand this isn’t a shot at Aaliyah’s memory, as she was the victim. R. Kelly’ had a predatory history before and sadly after Aaliyah; ask any Chicago native, especially Kenwood Academy High School attendees. Most notable worldwide was his trial for child pornography that he was acquitted of.
In all honestly, there is really no way Lifetime could leave this topic out of the movie and expect it to be credible. Yes, it’s an uncomfortable subject but it was a vital piece of Aaliyah’s history. Moreover, this is a subject that could help many young girls inside and outside of the industry. The more we shed a light on issues, the less likely they will occur
Do you think Lifetime is disrespecting Aaliyah’s legacy or is the family being too overprotective? Leave us a comment below!
