Tubi is no stranger to getting mixed reviews for some of its unique productions, but rarely has that polarized response veered into outright controversy.
That changed recently when attention around the trailer for the forthcoming film, ‘The Rapper Who Got Shot in the Heel,’ reached a new height – earning the streamer some serious side-eyes in the process.
Believed to be not-so-loosely based of the traumatic experience of rapper Megan Thee Stallion (who was shot by fellow emcee Tory Lanez), the straight-to-streaming venture’s official plot line describes it as the story of two music artists who “are having a secret love affair behind their friend Chelsea’s back. One night after a lot of partying and drinking everything goes wrong, leading to a shooting that will forever change their relationship.”
After its movie poster and trailer (seen above) began gaining traction on the Web, critics slammed it for being “insensitive” and “distasteful” with some even accusing it of mocking Megan’s plight.
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‘Heel’ director Alvin Gray – most noted for his Prime video motion picture ‘The Nurse That Saw the Baby on the Highway’ (inspired by Carlee Russell‘s hoax kidnapping story) – refutes the notion, however.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday (December 14), he emphasized the new film is not meant to ridicule the GRAMMY-winning rapstress.
“I did not poke fun at that woman [Megan],” he said to his 7,900 followers on the platform. “I want you to understand this movie is not poking fun at domestic violence or anyone getting hurt or anyone getting shot. If you truly are a fan of mine, you know I don’t even get down like that.”
Gray says his true inspiration to make ‘Heel’ was due to a fascination with some of the misunderstood aspects of the case.
“I was intrigued by that whole thing. Because — this is my opinion, personally — a lot of things didn’t make sense,” he shared. “Guilty, not guilty, whatever the case may be, certain things just didn’t make sense to me which is intriguing. That’s how I am as a filmmaker.”
Originally believed to be streaming on Tubi, the streamer reached out to our friends at VIBE to confirm the new movie will not be hosted on its platform nor are there any plans to ever do so.
Starring Starring Ivy Christiana, Buffie the Beauty, Biker Boy Bonez, and more, ‘Heel’ has no official release date attached as of time of this report.
It’s always the dumbest of the dumb ‘not making sense’ of the easiest realities out there on behalf of their own narratives. Hadn’t heard about this loser or his d-list movies until now and I’ll make sure things stay that way from now on
The amount of disrespect this woman receives from the industry is crazy. I’m surprised Jay hasn’t put a stop to it since she’s signed with Roc Nation. Meg deserves more!!!! #JUSTICE4MEG
And if it does so what?
He called her that woman ( Megan) no her name is Megan thee stallion not that woman y’all going stop to before I call Dionne Warwick on you.
I don’t understand the name of the movie.