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Aaliyah fans have taken to the Internet in droves to express their disappointment with Zendaya Coleman being cast to play the late R&B star in Lifetime’s forthcoming biopic. Reasons for the widespread disapproval ranges from the 17-year-old actress not being seasoned enough to play someone as big as Aaliyah to her not being “Black enough” to represent Aaliyah. During a recent chat with Splash News, the former Disney star offered a response for her relentless critics.

“Well a lot of people say that I’m not black, but this gentleman is my father,” Zendaya said before putting her arm around her dad, who is African-American.

Zendaya, who is biracial, went on to argue that being half Black is still considered Black.

“Half Black is just enough. It doesn’t matter what color you are, it’s about how you portray the character.”

To prove her point, Zendaya then referenced Academy Award-nominated actress Angela Bassett and her memorable role as Tine Turner in “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”

“For those that don’t know, Angela Bassett and Tina Turner, they look nothing alike but she was that character so I think that’s what it’s all about.”

Zendaya’s dad, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, also offered comment to critics who are concerned that she’s too light to play Aaliyah.

“And another thing, they’re shooting this in the summer. So Zendaya will be spending lots of time in the sun and she’ll be dark enough,” he joked.

What are your thoughts on the “not black enough” comments being made about Zendaya?

Follow Jazmine on Twitter @JazmineDenise

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