Zoe Saldana has expressed remorse for altering her complexion to portray Nina Simone in Nina, a 2016 biopic about the jazz legend.
The Afro-Latina actress attracted criticism for accepting the role and was lambasted for darkening her skin, donning a full bodysuit, and using false teeth, in her attempt to take on the characteristics of Simone.
At the time of its release Simone's daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, said the film was: "not how you want your loved ones remembered."
Although Saldana brushed off the condemnation at the time of her casting, she later acknowledged that she should have made better decisions around how she played the role.
Now, during a Bese interview posted to Tuesday on Instagram, Saldana said she regrets taking up the part entirely.
The Afro-Latina actress attracted criticism for accepting the role and was lambasted for darkening her skin, donning a full bodysuit, and using false teeth, in her attempt to take on the characteristics of Simone.
At the time of its release Simone's daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, said the film was: "not how you want your loved ones remembered."
Although Saldana brushed off the condemnation at the time of her casting, she later acknowledged that she should have made better decisions around how she played the role.
Now, during a Bese interview posted to Tuesday on Instagram, Saldana said she regrets taking up the part entirely.
“I should have never played Nina,” she repeated throughout the chat.
Explaining: "I thought back then that I had the permission because I was a black woman - and I am," Saldana elaborated, "Nina had a life and a journey that should be honoured to the most specific detail because she was a specifically detailed individual."
She then apologised to fans of the singer for dishonouring Simone, saying: "She deserved better, and I am so sorry."
Reflecting on what she might have done differently, Saldana said she should have used her clout to get producers to recast the role: “I should have done everything in my power to cast a Black woman to play an exceptionally perfect Black woman.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A WHITE PERSON DO NINA'S SINNERMAN WELL I CANNOT THINK OF ANYONE BETTER
OF COURSE NO ONE CAN DO IT LIKE THIS 1965
'SO I RAN TO THE DEVIL, AND HE WAS WAITING
ALL ON THAT DAY AND I SAID POWER, POWER LORD'
Explaining: "I thought back then that I had the permission because I was a black woman - and I am," Saldana elaborated, "Nina had a life and a journey that should be honoured to the most specific detail because she was a specifically detailed individual."
She then apologised to fans of the singer for dishonouring Simone, saying: "She deserved better, and I am so sorry."
Reflecting on what she might have done differently, Saldana said she should have used her clout to get producers to recast the role: “I should have done everything in my power to cast a Black woman to play an exceptionally perfect Black woman.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A WHITE PERSON DO NINA'S SINNERMAN WELL I CANNOT THINK OF ANYONE BETTER
OF COURSE NO ONE CAN DO IT LIKE THIS 1965
'SO I RAN TO THE DEVIL, AND HE WAS WAITING
ALL ON THAT DAY AND I SAID POWER, POWER LORD'
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