Executive producer confirms the late singer's rumoured romance wit her mentor will be included
The Lifetime biopic of the late R&B singer Aaliyah will explore her controversial relationship with her mentor R. Kelly, the film's executive producer confirms.
Aaliyah was just 22 when she was tragically killed in a 2001 plane crash. Before her death the star scored huge success in music, under the guidance of her mentor R. Kelly.
The professional relationship was alleged to have turned personal, with claims that the pair secretly married in 1994, when she was 15 and he was 27, an illegal union.
Though the pair denied the reports, a marriage certificate was eventually discovered that falsely listed Aaliyah's age as 18. The marriage was reportedly annulled by her parents.
The movie, which stars Disney star Zendaya and is based on a biography by Christopher John Farley, will look at Kelly and Aaliyah's relationship.
Aaliyah died in 2001 at the age of 22 (WENN)
Executive producer Debra Martin Chase has told Page Six: "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. Above all else, it's our hope to inspire an entirely new generation with her music and larger-than-life talent."
The TV film has already been surrounded by controversy, with its star Zendaya forced to hit back at backlash over her casting.
"She's been an inspiration and influence in my whole career, her talent still shines brighter then ever, all I wanna do is honor her...Show how much she accomplished in only 22 years....she's beautiful inside and there will never be another Aaliyah," Zendaya tweeted this month.
"I just hope to share her beautiful story, and make her proud up in heaven #babygirl #forever #OneInAMillion," she continued. "I'm just a 17 year old girl who got cast to play one of her biggest inspirations #positive."
