Wendy Williams is standing by her decision to go forward with the upcoming biopic about deceased singer Aaliyah despite the musician’s family stating publicly that they were against the making of the film.
Williams, who is executive producer on the Lifetime movie, appeared on Friday morning’s “The View” and told the co-hosts that she expects Aaliyah’s relatives to like what they see.
See video: Former ‘View’ Co-Host Sherri Shepherd Denies Having Beef With Rosie O’Donnell
“The family is not happy that the movie is being done but we did it so tastefully, I think the family would be proud,” Williams said. “We’re not throwing anybody under the bus.”
Alexandra Shipp is starring in “Aaliyah: Princess of R&B” and got the lead after Zendaya Coleman dropped out of the project when fans on social media called for a boycott of the film.
See video: Lifetime’s ‘Aaliyah’ Biopic Trailer Set to Iggy Azalea’s Music
The movie faced further controversy after casting Chattrisse Dolabaille for the part of rapper Missy Elliott and Izaak Smith as Timbaland. Fans insisted on social media that both actors were too light-skinned for those roles.
The “Princess of R&B,” is also executive produced by Howard Braunstein and Debra Martin Chase, and tells the story of Aaliyah’s life, which ended when she died in an airplane crash at age 22 in Aug. 2001.
Watch Wendy Williams on Friday morning’s “The View” above.
“Aaliyah: Princess of R&B” will air on Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
