STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Zoe Saldana Breaks Down Talking About Nina Simone Biopic

“She deserved better.”

In 2016, a biopic was released on Nina Simone starring Zoe Saldana. Filmed in 2010, the movie was slammed by critics and social media, especially Saldana’s darkened skin and prosthetic nose.

In a 2017 interview with BET.com, Saldana apologized for the film and she is now speaking out again.

During a recent live stream, Saldana was asked about how she feels about the biopic today.
“I should have never played Nina… I should have done everything in my power with the leverage that I had ten years ago, which was a different leverage but it was leverage nonetheless -- I should have tried everything in my power to cast a Black woman to play an exceptionally perfect Black woman.”

RELATED: Zoe Saldana: 'I Find It Uncomfortable' Talking About Race

She continued, “It’s growing. It’s painful. I thought back then that I had the permission because I was a Black woman and I am -- but it was Nina Simone. And Nina had a life, she had a journey that should be honored to the most specific detail because she was a specifically detailed individual.”
Saldana also said through tears, “She deserved better. With that said, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry… because I loved her music.”
Watch below:

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.