by 
News spread like wildfire of confirmation that triple threat Zendaya Coleman would be playing Aaliyah in an upcoming Lifetime network biopic. The announcement was met with surprise and mostly negative responses from fans who disagree with the casting decision.
The angriest of Aaliyah fans have started an online petition to stop the making of the movie, the main reason to halt the production being to respect the family’s wishes. Here’s the full petition:
“This petition is to stop the making of this Aaliyah biopic. It’s wrong that Aaliyah’s mother or brother didn’t have a say so in this movie that is being made. The fans didn’t get a say so and neither did any of Aaliyah’s friends. As her fans, we’re going to do anything in our power to stop this movie. Little do we know, this is hurting Mrs. Haughton and Rashad. They’re about to make something that didn’t even get approved from her family. That is beyond disrespectful. If you agree that this movie shouldn’t be made, you need to vote. If you really respect Aaliyah, you have to respect her mother and her brothers wishes. It’s only right. It was Aaliyah’s life. And they’re taking it too far now. We need to put a stop to this!”
However, their statement was met with a statement from the film’s casting director Twinkie Byrd, who defended her decision. She told TheYBF:
“Zendaya embodies everything you want in a actress to play Aaliyah. She is a Poised, Professional, STRONG Actress (studied at California Shakespeare Theater and American Conservatory Theater). A Triple Threat Actor, Singer Dancer. She LOVES AALIYAH and will do a Wonderful Job! She is of mixed ethnicity. Her name is Bantu (Zimbabwe) meaning “To Give Thanks”. Let’s not Hate on it but Congratulate! She is a GREAT CHOICE!”
