Winnie Mandela Threatens Legal Action Against Jennifer Hudson Bio-Pic

Winnie Mandela, the ex-wife of South African leader Nelson Mandela, is threatening legal action against the makers of a bio-pic in her honor, in part because Jennifer Hudson has been cast to play her in the film.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela claims she was not consulted for the film and coincides with the Creative Workers Union of South Africa who objected to plans for Jennifer Hudson to portray Winnie in the film.

According to Mandela, a South African actress would have been a better fit for the role.

Despite her disapproval, the producers of the film, Andre Pieterse and Darrell Roodt, have decided to continue on as schedule with the making of Winnie-A Story after failing to make an agreement with her lawyers.

The film will tell the story of the woman described as the “mother of her country” despite being convicted of kidnapping a 14-year-old who was later found beaten to death and being charged with 40 counts of fraud.

The producers say they meant no disrespect by making the film.