Aaliyah’s family releases statement on bipoic
It’s no secret that Aaliyah’s camp has been against the production of her made-for-TV movie for quite some time. As recently reported, the Haughton family, who has been kept out of the loop entirely, threatened to block any attempt on Lifetime’s part to use any of the “Rock the Boat” singer’s music as well as the release of the flick itself.
Now, on behalf of the entire Haughton family, Aaliyah’s uncle and former manager Barry Hankerson has released a statement, urging fans to bombard Lifetime Network with calls and letters to cease production of the film:
“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! Lifetime Television is trying to dictate the status of our heroes, our heroines and – in this case – our beloved Aaliyah.
We implore everyone to call Lifetime Television, send emails and bombard social media so they know we demand respect for our cultural icons. We will not sit idly by while they misrepresent and reap profits from our luminaries. There is more at stake than the public could imagine.”
With so much drama already behind the film’s production, we are beginning to wonder if this film will ever see the light of day.
Do you agree with Hankerson? – ruthie hawkins/@ruubabie
