Photos: Aaliyah's family upset about biopic starring Disney teen, Zendaya

Lifetime recently announced that Disney star Zendaya would play Aaliyah in their upcoming biopic Aaliyah: Princess of R&B, but now news comes that the late singer's family is not pleased with the network at all. TMZ reports that Barry Hankerson, Aaliyah's uncle, claims no one from Lifetime contacted the family about the movie, and that they will attempt to prevent the network from using any of Aaliyah's music for the soundtrack. Hankerson also said that the family has hired a lawyer to see what they can do to stop production of the film.
After the Zendaya casting announcement, the Aaliyah memorial Twitter account further implied that no one from her family is involved with the project.

Fans we hear your comments and concerns !! unfortunately we cannot confirm the family is behind the project at this time
— Aaliyah (@AaliyahHaughton) June 17, 2014

However ,we do ask that you are respectful to the artist playing the role, for they may not fully have or know the details about this role
— Aaliyah (@AaliyahHaughton) June 17, 2014

And her family's involvement #teamaaliyah
— Aaliyah (@AaliyahHaughton) June 17, 2014

Zendaya, for her part, has been tactfully defending herself from people who think she's unqualified to play Aaliyah.

She's been an inspiration and influence in my whole career, her talent still shines brighter then ever, all I wanna do is honor her
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 16, 2014

Show how much she accomplished in only 22 years....she's beautiful inside and there will never be another Aaliyah, I just hope to share her
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 16, 2014

beautiful story, and make her proud up in heaven #babygirl #forever #OneInAMillion
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 16, 2014

I'm just a 17 year old girl who got cast to play one of her biggest inspirations #positive
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 17, 2014

She also corrected people who pronounce Aaliyah's name incorrectly. Point: Zendaya. That kind of thing is just unacceptable.

If you're an Aaliyah fan, at least say her name right...(AH)liyah not (UH)liyah, I may not correct my name, but I will correct hers👏
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 18, 2014