Zoe Saldana Breaks Down Talking About Nina Simone Biopic
In 2016, a biopic was released on Nina Simone starring Zoe Saldana. Filmed in 2010, the movie was slammed by critics and social media, especially Saldana’s darkened skin and prosthetic nose.
In a 2017 interview with BET.com, Saldana apologized for the film and she is now speaking out again.
During a recent live stream, Saldana was asked about how she feels about the biopic today.
“I should have never played Nina… I should have done everything in my power with the leverage that I had ten years ago, which was a different leverage but it was leverage nonetheless -- I should have tried everything in my power to cast a Black woman to play an exceptionally perfect Black woman.”
She continued, “It’s growing. It’s painful. I thought back then that I had the permission because I was a Black woman and I am -- but it was Nina Simone. And Nina had a life, she had a journey that should be honored to the most specific detail because she was a specifically detailed individual.”
Saldana also said through tears, “She deserved better. With that said, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry… because I loved her music.”
Watch below:
