As the Lifetime premiere of the biopic for late singer Aaliyah nears, actress Alexandra Shipp has faced much criticism as she took on the role of the late singer; now she has revealed her attempt to contact the biggest critics of the upcoming film- Aaliyah's family.

Alexandra Shipp Addresses Haters Of Aaliyah Biopic 'Everyone Has An Opinion These Days'

She told Hip Hollywood earlier this month, "I tried to contact the family before I even accepted the role. I asked for an address. Then I was like, I love Aaliyah; and after reading the script really loved her story."

Shipp added that she was attracted to the part when she saw more similarities between the Rock The Boat singer and her own life.

Alexandra Shipp Talks Aaliyah & R. Kelly's Relationship 'He Was Her First Love'

"She's very close with her brother, Rashad. That just rang super true to me because I'm very close with my big brother. I was like,me and James are gonna get on an airplane. We're fly ourselves, we'll drive ourselves. Give me an address."

Unfortunately, they were not able to get in touch with Aaliyah's mother or brother. The Drumline: A New Beat actress said she was remorseful that she could not get in touch with the family to get their approval of her playing the role.

"To be able to tell these people how amazing I think their daughter is. And what a huge honor it would be for me to portray her in a movie. I really hope that they do see that in the work that we have done."

Aaliyah's close ones were very much against the movie from the beginning as they said they felt her story deserved to be told on the big screen. On top of that, they expressed concerns with how her scandalous relationship with R. Kelly would be portrayed. Aaliyah married the Happy People crooner when she was 15-years-old. He was in his late twenties at the time. The marriage was quickly annulled.

Aaliyah: Princess Of R&B airs on Lifetime November 15 at 8/7c.

Tags
Aaliyah Movie, Alexandra Shipp