Queen Latifah & Paula Patton Defend Zoe Saldana Role As Nina Simone: She’s of African descent!

Queen Latifah, Zoe Saldana, Paula Patton

Queen Latifah, Zoe Saldana, Paula Patton

Not everyone is in disagreement with Zoe Saldana playing the role of Nina Simone in the upcoming biopic about the legendary jazz singer.

Queen Latifah and Paula Patton recently shared their support for Saldana.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah

During a recent interview with the Associated Press, Latifah stated,

I think Zoe Saldana is a great actress, so I am looking forward to it. She is of African descent — I don’t see why she shouldn’t play the role. I just want to see it. Get rid of the hype and let’s go watch a movie.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton

Patton shared similar views, stating.

Imagine being in her shoes and enduring that. It’s not cool, and it’s not right. Clearly, someone thought she was perfect for it — she’s an amazing actress, she’s beautiful — and you haven’t even given her a chance and you haven’t seen it yet. I think we have to be in a place where we celebrate each other and are kind to one another, and say, ‘There’s alternate versions of a story’. Give her a shot, try to enjoy it and stop judging.

As you know, the biopic has been slammed by some for selecting a woman of Hispanic/Latina descent, who needs to wear what some call ‘black face’ for the role.

zoe saldana-nina simone backlash-the jasmine brand

[Variety Latino, The Associated Press]

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Authored by: TJB Writer