Since word of Zoe Saldana‘s inclusion as the lead of the Cynthia Mort-directed biopic on the legendary singer/songwriter Nina Simone, the film has been cloaked in controversy.

From esteemed movie critics to fellow singers and actors alike, the movie’s been berated by many who feel Saldana’s casting is not only inappropriate, but also speaks to a larger issue of colorism and racism within the entertainment industry.

After the likes of Queen Latifah and Paula Patton came to Zoe’s defense, the ‘Colombiana’ star is finally clapping back at critics herself and slamming those not in favor of her portrayal of Simone.  Get into her words from ‘Allure’ magazine below:

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Welcome to another edition of Retro Rewind, the original TGJ feature launched to celebrate TV and Film’s glorious and educational past.

Today, our journey takes us to 2011,the year in which ‘Me Facing Life: Cyntoia’s Story‘ was released.

Directed by Daniel Birman, the documentary follows the life of sixteen-year-old Cyntoia Brown after she is imprisoned for the murder of a 43-year-old real estate agent named Johnny Allen.

What Birman discovers while on his journey to Brown’s past shines a troubling light on the judicial system’s unfair handling of African-American minors and the harrowing realities faced by young girls forced into the sex trade.

A moving story below…

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Beyonce‘s decision to step away from Bradley Cooper‘s ‘A Star is Born’ remake didn’t go unnoticed by Lady GaGa.

How the ‘Applause’ seeking star responded to the news?

By taking the lead role for herself.

Good news below…

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Kim Kardashian is perturbed with ‘Style’ weaver Taylor Swift.

Why?

The singer’s alleged attempts to sabotage one of Kanye West’s creative moves.

Full story below…

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Late Rap icon Tupac is the latest artist to receive the biopic treatment.

‘All Eyez On Me’ arrives 20 years after the sudden passing of the Hip-Hop pioneer, who was fatally shot in 1996.

Directed by Benny Boom, anticipation for the flick has been sky-high – especially following the box office success of N.W.A bio ‘Straight Outta Compton’ last summer.

Now, on what would have been the star’s 45th birthday, a first look trailer for the flick has unleashed. The resemblance between lead Demetrius Shipp Jr and the rapper is uncanny.

Check it out below…

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Anthony Mackie is stepping into the shoes of one of the most important men in legal history.

Full story below…

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While the ‘Steve Harvey Show’s ‘Men of 90s R&B Week’ was kicked off with a visit from his legendary bandmates New Edition, singer Bobby Brown got a day all to himself.

Airing earlier today (June 15th), Brown dished on his recently released memoirs, ‘Every Little Step’ (which has already caused more than a little controversy).  Now, offering Harvey and viewers more excerpts from the book, the performer talked about his time with ex-wife/late pop icon Whitney Houston, having his heart broken by Janet Jackson, and so much more.

Watch the clips below:

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Did you catch the premiere of new show ‘Uncle Buck’ on ABC last night? If not, you may be one of the few who didn’t, as the new sitcom has debuted with impressive ratings.

Full story below…

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Sassy Vivica Fox stopped by The Wendy Williams Show today – and, as ever, she came ready to play.

Ever outspoken, the actress didn’t hold back when quizzed on a laundry list of topics – including ‘Apprentice’ nemesis Kenya Moore (who she asserts is still a “toxic trick”) and ex boo 50 Cent.

She also readily spilled on two of her new projects: a male dancer docu-series for Lifetime and the much discussed ‘Independence Day’ sequel starring Jessie Usher.

Peep the fun-filled chat after the jump…

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With 2016 racing ahead at a rapid rate, it quite literally is ‘Almost Christmas’ – which means the release of Will Packer‘s new movie of the same name is also near.

Starring a host of notable names including Mo’Nique, Gabrielle Union, Danny Glover and Keri Hilson, the film tells the tale of a beloved father who asks his family for one gift — to get along.

Drama defines their complicated relationships, which makes his request not as simple as it seems.

Following the reveal of the flick’s first trailer, an extended preview has been unwrapped. Check it out below. the film, Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, Romany Malco, Nicole Ari Parker, J.B. Smoove, and Jessie Usher also star.

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Jaden Smith‘s efforts to impact the zeitgeist with his art has seen him find a friend in one of the world’s largest talent agencies.

Awesome news below…

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The actor/rapper Donald Glover has joined the cast of Marvel’s ‘Spiderman: Homecoming’!

All you need to know about his major new move after the jump…

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