Tearful Zoe Saldana Regrets Nina Simone Biopic: ‘I Should’ve Never Played Her’ #ICYMI

Despite years of backlash and disapproval from Nina Simone‘s family, celebrity admirers, and fans alike, 2016 saw Zoe Saldana don the role of the R&B icon/civil rights activist in the unauthorized biopic, ‘Nina.’

At the time of its release (as we reported here), the Afro-Latinx actress defended her decision to portray Simone:

“There’s no one way to be black,” Zoe said. “I’m black the way I know how to be. You have no idea who I am. I am black. I’m raising black men. Don’t you ever think you can look at me and address me with such disdain.”

Years later, the 42-year-old actress is singing a different tune. Recently taking to Instagram Live, a tearful Saldana opened up to ‘Pose’ creator Steven Canals to express regret over accepting the controversial gig.

Did you miss any of the action? See it inside:

Zoe Saldana talking about how she regrets playing Nina Simone on a recent live stream (1/2) pic.twitter.com/FMFzPUyRIG

— Fiona Applebum says block Shaun King! (@WrittenByHanna) August 4, 2020

Zoe Saldana talking about how she regrets playing Nina Simone on a recent live stream (2/2) pic.twitter.com/3HEMRHwmpK

— Fiona Applebum says block Shaun King! (@WrittenByHanna) August 4, 2020

As seen in the clip above, Zoe expressed:

“I should have never played Nina. I should have done everything in my power with the leverage that I had 10 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,” she said. “I thought back then that I had the permission because I was a Black woman…and I am. But, it’s Nina. And Nina had a life and a journey that should be honored to the specific detail.”

Saldana continued by stating:

“We’ve been appropriating ourselves with someone like Nina Simone for a very long time. And I just want her story to be told and I want it to be right because she deserves it,” she added. “I’m so sorry because I love her music. I know better today and I’m never going to do that again. Never.”

*****

Click here to watch the interview in full.