Family of Aaliyah may seek to block Lifetime biopic

The family of Aaliyah have expressed concern about Aaliyah: Princess of R&B, the planned Lifetime biopic of the R&B singer who died in a plane crash in 2001 aged 22.

A tweet posted on the official Aaliyah Twitter account yesterday read: “Fans we hear your comments and concerns !! unfortunately we cannot confirm the family is behind the project at this time.”

Aaliyah’s uncle and former manager have told US gossip site TMZ that the family is unhappy at not being consulted and has sought legal advice regarding the possibility of stopping the movie. TMZ reported that the family would not oppose a theatrical film, but think a ‘a TV movie is too small for someone as big Aaliya’.

Lifetime announced casting for the original movie this week with singer Zendaya in the lead role. Filming is due to start this summer and the film is slated to bow on the US cable net this autumn.

Aaliyah Productions, Inc. is making Aaliyah: Princess of R&B with Howard Braunstein (The Informant!) and Debra Martin Chase (The Princess Diaries) executive producers.

US-based Lifetime could not be reached as TBI went to press.