Zoe Saldana spoke about her experience playing the legendary singer Nina Simone , in a 2016 autobiographical film.
It was during an interview through Bese's Instagram account with "Pose" creator Steven Canals that the celebrity apologized for the role she performed.
"I should never have played Nina," said Saldana. "I should have done everything in my power with the influences I had 10 years ago, which were different levers, but were nevertheless resources," said the 42-year-old actress.
"I should have tried everything in my power to have a black woman chosen to play an exceptionally perfect black woman," she said.
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At the time of the casting , Saldana faced criticism for playing Simone, about another actress who looked more like the late legend.
While playing Simone, the Hollywood star, who identifies as Afro-Latin, had to wear a prosthesis to modify her nose, as well as darken her skin.
Amid criticism, Simone's daughter Lisa Simone Kelly expressed her displeasure at Saldana's casting . "My mother grew up at a time when she was told that her nose was too wide, her skin was too dark. As for appearance, this is not the best option," Kelly told the New York Times .
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Saldana, who attributed the growth and time to his current stance, revealed that he has come to understand why playing the role was questioned.
"So I thought I had permission because I was a black woman," he continued. "And I have it. But, it's Nina, and Nina had a life and had a journey that should have been, and should be, honored down to the most specific detail," she said.
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"Because he was a very detailed person. About his voice, his points of view, his music, his opinions and his art. And he was so honest. So, he deserved better," said the actress.
As he spoke, Saldana was excited and with a broken voice continued with his apology.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry because I love your music," said the star. "It wasn't enough. That being said, she is one of our giants and someone else should highlight her. Someone else should tell her story."
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Saldana not only believes Simone deserves to have her story told, but she believes it is something the American public should hear.
"We have been appropriating someone like Nina Simone for a long time," he added. "And I just want her story to be told, and I want it to be correct, because she deserves it. And the United States deserves it," he continued.
"I know better today, and I will never do it again. Never. I am learning. I am still processing it. I have been processing it for ten years, and I think it is a conversation I want to have," he said of his performance.
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ON VIDEO: Zoe Saldana danced and sang at the Juan Luis Guerra concert
