Aaliyah Lifetime Movie Actress: Alexandra Shipp Opens Up About Backlash After Taking On Role, 'It's Hard' [VIDEO]
The debut of the highly controversial biopic of late singer Aaliyah is just days away, and the movie's lead actress has been out and about speaking on the backlash she has received after taking on the role, despite Aaliyah's parents attempt to shut down the movie.
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In one of her latest interviews, Alexandra Shipp spoke with Extra TV's Tracey Edmonds and opened up about the criticism she has experienced just for signing on to the role of Aaliyah in Lifetime's Aaliyah: The Princess Of R&B.
"It's been hard, you know? When people sit behind a computer screen they can say some very mean things. At the same time, I know why I did this movie. Because I am a huge fan of Aaliyah.
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"Because I know way too many people who have never heard of her. I think the fans will love this movie. It celebrates this woman. For me, that's why I wanted to do it. Because I wanted to be a part of the celebration."
Of course Shipp was asked about one of the most talked about aspects of the movie - Aaliyah's relationship with R. Kelly. The More Than A Woman singer made headlines at the beginning of her career when she tied the knot with R. Kelly at 15 years old. He was in his late twenties at the time. Word is that the particularly storyline is one of the main concerns for Aaliyah's parents when it comes to the upcoming movie.
Shipp said, "Keep in mind this isn't HBO and Showtime, this is Lifetime. We are going to be talking about her relationship. At the same time this is a movie celebrating the woman's life, not unearthing any craziness about it."
Aaliyah: The Princess Of R&B airs Nov. 15 at 8/7c on Lifetime.
