Zoe Saldana Nina Simone Movie Role: New Pic Surfaces of 2014 Cannes Film Festival Biopic Character, Now Trending on Twitter
Good news, Zoe Saldana: You're trending on Twitter.
Bad news: People are still upset that you're playing Nina Simone.
After a new picture of Zoe Saldana made to look like Nina Simone surfaced, many took to Twitter to share their disappointment. The Dominican and Puerto Rican actress is being criticized for the color of her skin. People believe she is not "black" enough to play Nina Simone in a biopic that premiered at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
One user said, "Hollywood makes the worst portrayals of black people. Nina Simone was dark [skinned] and identified herself as black. Why would you [choose] Zoe?"
Another said, "Whoa wait Zoe Saldana is playing Nina Simone? Holy white washing."
Based on the picture, some accused Saldana of having worn blackface to portray the singer. Users quickly shared who they thought would have been a better choice, such as India Arie or Viola Davis.
Simone Kelly, Nina Simone's daughter, previously said that Saldana was not the perfect choice.
"My mother was raised at a time when she was told her nose was too wide, her skin was too dark," she said. "Appearance-wise this [Zoe Saldana] is not the best choice."
Saldana has said that she considers herself a black woman.
When press in the Dominican Republic said that she was dark-skinned, she felt the need to clarify: "No! Let's get it straight, I am a black woman," she said.
Latinos are usually confused or incorrect when it comes to choosing a race. Many don't know what else to identify with as Hispanic/Latino is not a race. It's obvious that other racial groups feel the same way and are not sure how to categorize Latinos, such as Zoe Saldana.
Mary J Blige was originally supposed to play Nina Simone, but she had to back out because of scheduling conflicts.