As previously reported, Lifetime is set to begin work on a made-for-TV biopic about the late R&B artist Aaliyah. Now, the New York Post reports that the film will detail her controversial relationship with R. Kelly.
The singer, who died tragically in a plane crash at age 22, was alleged to have secretly and illegally married Kelly, her mentor, in 1995 when she was 15 and he was 27.
The couple denied the union, though a marriage certificate was eventually revealed, which falsely listed Aaliyah's age as 18. The marriage was reportedly annulled by her parents once news of it became known to the public.
The film, Aaliyah: Princess of R&B is based on the bestselling biography Aaliyah: More Than A Woman, written by former Time music editor Christopher John Farley. Starring Disney Channel actor/singer Zendaya, it will chronicle the singer's life from age 10 until her death. Filming is expected to begin this summer with the movie premiering this fall.
Executive producer Debra Martin Chase told the Post's Page Six about the film's portrayal of Aaliyah's relationship with R. Kelly, who has a contentious history of alleged relationships with underage girls.
"Aaliyah's personal and professional relationship with R. Kelly will be explored with care in the film as we set out to depict her life with the utmost respect," she said. "Above all else, it's our hope to inspire an entirely new generation with her music and larger-than-life talent."
As previously reported, Aaliyah's family is not onboard with the project and said they are blocking the network's attempts to use any of Aaliyah's music and working with lawyers to stop the film's production.
Watch Aaliyah and R. Kelly perform together in the music video for "At Your Best (You Are Love)" below.
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