Zendaya Coleman will no longer play Aaliyah in the upcoming Lifetime biopic Aaliyah: Princess of R&B.
It was announced earlier this month that the 17-year-old Disney star would portray the late singer in the made for TV movie based off Christopher Farley’s best-selling biography ‘Aaliyah: More Than a Woman.’ But, she has now dropped out of the project.
“Zendaya is no longer involved in the project,” a rep for the actress told E! News on Sunday.
There were reportedly production issues, including problems obtaining the rights to Aaliyah’s music.
“Aaliyah has always been an inspiration to Zendaya,” the source said. “She was honored to portray her and pay tribute to her. If she is going to do it, she wants to do it right.”
Aaliyah’s family has publicly condemned the film, and has reportedly hired a lawyer to halt production.
The movie was scheduled to begin filming in the summer and air this fall.
Zendaya thanked her fans for understanding. “My Zswaggers are the BEST! Thank you for your undying support thru everything!” she said.
