Twitter Goes In On Zoe Saldana For Playing Nina Simone In Blackface

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Video: 1st Trailer For Nina Simone Biopic 'Nina' Starring Zoe Saldana

LOS ANGELES (AURN | AP) — After many delays, the Nina Simone biopic starring Zoe Saldana and David Oyelowo will be simultaneously released in theaters, digital HD and video-on-demand next month.

Distributor RLJ Entertainment said Tuesday it will release “Nina” in all formats on April 22.

Saldana plays the Grammy-nominated singer and outspoken civil rights activist who struggled with depression and alcoholism after finding fame. Oyelowo plays her stalwart friend Clifton Henderson, who helped her return to her music.

The film’s release has been delayed several times. RLJ Entertainment originally announced “Nina” would open in theaters in December 2015.

Controversy surrounded the casting of Saldana, a Black Latina who is shades lighter that Simone. Fans of Simone’s were disappointed that filmmakers didn’t find a darker-skinned actress who looked more like her, as her some of her struggles in the music industry were exacerbated by what she felt was the negative perception of her looks.

The recently release trailer was also met with skepticism on social media. Saldana, appears to have darker skin and a wider nose in a poster and video promoting the movie.

https://twitter.com/EricJDickey/status/705064717585256449

https://twitter.com/audacityofDOPE_/status/705086123769466880

Nina Simone’s estate’s official Twitter account fired off a message responding to the actress tweet about freedom:

The documentary “What Happened, Miss Simone?” directed by Liz Garbus, was nominated for an Academy Award this year.