Aaliyah Biopic Will Address Secret Marriage To R. Kelly


An Aaliyah biopic in production will reportedly address the singer’s secret marriage to singer R. Kelly, which generated controversy at the time for the 12-year age different between the two.

The movie, which is tentatively titled Aaliyah: Princess of R&B, is based on a biography written by Christopher Farley. The film is still in the early stages of production, but the announcement that it will tackle the singer’s marriage is already stirring controversy.

When she was just 15 years old, Aaliyah entered into a secret marriage with the 27-year-old Kelly. The film’s executive producer, Debra Martin Chase, said that the relationship will take center stage in the film.

“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. Above all else, it’s our hope to inspire an entirely new generation with her music and larger-than-life talent,” Chase said.

Both R. Kelly and Aaliyah denied the secret marriage, but documents showed that they signed a marriage certificate falsely listing her age as 18. Aaliyah’s parents reportedly had the marriage annulled.

Aaliyah’s family is angry over the unauthorized Lifetime movie, and has tried to stop production.

In a statement on the movie, the family noted:

“Aaliyah was more than a singer, she was – and is still – an American music icon whose legacy continues to live on and influence today’s music culture, just as Ray Charles, Notorious B.I.G., Selena and Johnny Cash.

“Considering the magnitude of her fans’ affection alone, she deserves to have a tribute much more grand than a television network debut that won’t even consider the perspectives of those who were closest to Aaliyah. Disregarding the families and dishonoring the legacies of celebrated figures who have passed on, big networks want to exploit their stories for a buck. We’re here to make it clear that it’s not okay!”

Aaliyah will be played by Disney Channel star Zendaya, who has also recorded four of the late singer’s songs for the film. Aaliyah died in 2001 in a plane crash. She was 22.

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