Kanye West Will Not Be Starring in Spike Lee's Chiraq
Fans who were looking forward to seeing Kanye West flex his acting chops in Spike Lee's upcoming film, Chiraq, are in for some disappointing news. According to Pitchfork, the rapper's rep revealed that he will not be appearing in the film, but may be involved in the project in another capacity.
"Contrary to published reports, Kanye West will not be starring in Chiraq," the representative said. "However, there are discussions for West's possible involvement in the film's soundtrack, schedule permitting."
Reports surfaced in April that Lee was pursuing West, Samuel L. Jackson, Common and Jeremy Piven for the musical comedy's ensemble cast. Chiraq is about a woman who wants to end gang violence in Chicago; the story is loosely based on the classic Greek tale Lysistrata.
The movie is set to be released both in theaters and online via Amazon Original Movies.
Though the film hasn't even begun shooting yet, controversy has already started following it with South Side Alderman Anthony Beale, who takes issue with the film's name. "That's an insult to the city of Chicago," he said. "I don't care what he changes [the name] to, but not that one." Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel, who sat down with Lee to talk about the film, shares Beale's sentiments that the name of the film misrepresents the Windy City.
It wouldn't be a Spike Lee joint if it wasn't ruffling a few feathers, right?
Watch Lee's moving acceptance speech at the 2012 BET Honors below:
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(Photos from left: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for TIME, Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival)
