Executive producer Debra Martin Chase has confirmed to Page Six that her Aaliyah biopic for Lifetime will include details of the singer’s controversial relationship with R. Kelly.
Aaliyah, who was killed in a 2001 plane crash when she was just 22, was alleged to have secretly, illegally married her mentor Kelly in 1994 when she was 15 and he was 27. Though the couple denied the union, a marriage certificate was eventually revealed that falsely listed Aaliyah’s age as 18.
The marriage was reportedly annulled by her parents.
Debra Martin Chase told Page Six, “Aaliyah’s personal and professional relationship with R. Kelly will be explored with care in the film as we set out to depict her life with the utmost respect. Above all else, it’s our hope to inspire an entirely new generation with her music and larger-than-life talent.”
The movie, starring Disney star Zendaya and based on a biography by Christopher John Farley, will cover Aaliyah’s life from 10 years old to her death at 22.
