Zoe Saldana Breaks Silence Over Nina Simone Backlash

The Inquisitr has followed the constant backlash over Zoe Saldana playing jazz singer Nina Simone in the title biopic Nina for months now. It seems as though everyone has an opinion on Saldana’s portrayal of Nina. The only person we haven’t heard from is the actress herself; that is until now.

Zoe Saldana opened up about the backlash she’s receiving from everyone over her choice to take on the role of Nina Simone. HipHollywood caught up with Saldana at a pre-Oscar party and the actress said just how she felt about those naysayers:

“I guess what kept me from being hurt by the negative comments was that I’m doing it for my sistas and my brothas and I don’t care who tells me I’m not this or I’m not that, I know who I am and I know what Nina Simone means to me.”

Controversy over Zoe Saldana’s involvement in the biopic sparked almost immediately after it was announced that she would be replacing fan favorite Mary J. Blige. The constant backlash only continued on when Nina’s daughter Simone commented on not being asked to help with the biopic that would establish her mother’s legacy in the industry.

Of Saldana’s casting Nina’s daughter Simone said:

“The one actress that I’ve had in my heart for a very long time, whose work I’m familiar with already, is Kimberly Elise. Many people have spoken to me about Viola. I love her look. I love her energy. Both of the actresses that I’ve mentioned are women of color, are women with beautiful, luscious lips and wide noses, and who know their craft. I also have no problem introducing someone we’ve never heard of before who can play my mother.”

Are you excited to see Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone? Do you think she will be able to pull it off?