Disney star Zendaya Coleman has decided to no longer play the role of Aaliyah in an upcoming Lifetime biopic.
Coleman had been set to star in Aaliyah: Princess of R&B , but has dropped out of the film with rumors that the role may be too mature for the Disney starlette, according to the New York Daily News.
The biopic was set to be an in-depth look at the late singer’s life, which ended unexpected when she was killed in a plane crash at the age of 22. Some controversy arose around the film regarding Aaliyah and R. Kelly’s relationship, which may have involved an illegal marriage when Aaliyah was 15 and the rapper was 27.
Executive producer of the film, Debra Martin Chase, told Perez Hilton that the purpose of the film was to honor the singer’s memory and shed light on her life.
“Aaliyah's personal and professional relationship with R. Kelly will be explored with care in the film as we set out to depict her life with the utmost respect,” said Chase. “Above all else, it’s our hope to inspire an entirely new generation with her music and larger-than-life talent."
Lifetime still has not announced whether or not Coleman will be replaced or if they will cancel the project all together