Fantasia Barrino Explains Why She Didn’t Want A Stunt Double For Abusive Scenes In ‘The Color Purple’ Remake: ‘I Could Let Go Of Every Man That’s Ever Put His Hands On Me’

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia Barrino Explains Why She Didn’t Want A Stunt Double For Abusive Scenes In ‘The Color Purple’ Remake: ‘I Could Let Go Of Every Man That’s Ever Put His Hands On Me’

Singer/actress Fantasia Barrino was able to face her unresolved feelings from the abuse she’s endured over the years thanks to “The Color Purple” remake.

During a new interview, Fantasia Barrino, 39, opened up about her decision to take on abusive scenes for the upcoming musical version of the 1985 drama film “The Color Purple.” As you may know, Fantasia Barrino stars in the remake as Celie, an abused and poor Black woman living in the South in the early 20th century. She also played the role when she was in her early 20s on Broadway.

While the part challenged her by bringing up her past, Fantasia used her experiences to help push through the tough scenes. The former “American Idol” winner reportedly experienced physical and sexual abuse in previous relationships, which directly correlated to her character. In the original film, Celie’s husband, Mister, physically abuses her. However, instead of utilizing a stunt double during filming, Fantasia insisted on taking the hits herself.

The R&B singer explained,

“I could let go of every man that’s ever put his hands on me. I freed myself from that.”

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia also shared her experience of surviving an overdose. During her interview, she admitted to being hospitalized after overdosing on aspirin and sleeping pills in 2010. She said she became tired from the amount of hurdles she was faced with during that time. The “Truth Is” singer was supporting her family financially, fighting against her father in a lawsuit over her memoir, and dealing with foreclosure.

While she doesn’t describe the incident as a “suicide” attempt, she said,

“I just wanted the noise to stop.”

Fantasia continued, sharing that the encouraging words a nurse told her during her hospitalization helped her overcome the hardship. She added,

“‘I’ll never do that again, because I have purpose. I’m going to speak into every young person’s life and tell them, ‘Don’t you dare give up.’”

Fantasia Barrino

“The Color Purple” film follows Celie Harris, a young Black woman facing many problems, including; domestic violence, incest, pedophilia, poverty, racism, and sexism. She ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

Other celebrities who are part of the remake are Taraji P. Henson (as Shug Avery), H.E.R. (as Squeak / Mary Agnes), Ciara (as Nettie Harris), and Halle Bailey (as young Nettie). The musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” is scheduled to hit theaters on Christmas Day.

Are you going to see “The Color Purple” remake when it releases? Let us know in the comments below! 

[Sources: 1, 2]