Fantasia X’d From Mahalia Movie?
Singer Fantasia Barrino may lose her role as Mahalia Jackson in the late gospel singer’s biopic because producers feel her status as an unwed mother contradict the values of the gospel film.
According to reports, producers may already be searching for a replacement for the former American Idol winner in Missy Elliott.
“The family thinks if Fantasia plays the role, it’s going to sully the name of Mahalia. They think she’s got the wrong image, having a child out of wedlock.” said the movie’s executive producer, Adrian Taylor, according to the New York Post.
According to sources, producers are also livid with Barrino for lying about her pregnancy, initially saying her weight gain was for the role.
Production on the film has been halted until Fantasia’s child in born. The stoppage in production may force director Euzhan Palcy to drop out of the film.
Yet, according to Dino Gankendorff, who represents Mahalia Jackson’s estate, Jackson’s family has little knowledge of the situation,
“I’m not really aware of any objections that the heirs have to the casting of Fantasia. I understand that they were getting ready to film and that she is pregnant, and I don’t know who is she pregnant by.”
Fantasia’ due date is December 27.
