Im black the way I know how to be, she continued.
You have no idea who I am.
Im raising black men.
Credit: RLJ Entertainment
Dont you ever think you’re free to look at me and address me with such disdain.
Addressing criticism that shes too pretty to play Simone, Saldana remarked, I never saw her as unattractive.
Nina looks like half my family!
Do you consider a thinner nose beautiful, so the wider you get, the more insulted you become?
Despite the backlash, Saldana explained shes happy people are at least talking aboutNina.
Female stories arent relevant enough, especially a black female story, she said.
I made a choice.
She added, The fact that were talking about her, that Nina Simone is trending?
For so many years, nobody knew who the f she was.
She is essential to our American history.
As a woman first, and only then as everything else.
The backlash gained a second wind whenthe trailerforNinadebuted.
Simones estate tweeted to Saldana at the time, Take Ninas name out your mouth.
I think thats all that should matter.
Simones daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, also came to Saldanas defense.
Ninadistributor Robert L. Johnson also earlier addressed the controversy,likening the debate to the treatment of slaves.
The film was released earlier this year, on April 22.
