Studio defends casting, but critics ask - is Zoe Saldana black enough to play jazz icon Nina Simone?

The studio behind a film about African-American soul and jazz musician Nina Simone on Thursday defended the casting of Zoe Saldana in the lead role after the actress came under fire for not being black enough.

RLJ Entertainment founder and Chairman Robert L. Johnson said Saldana, who is of Puerto Rican and Dominican ethnicity, should not be judged on her colour, but on her performance as Simone in Nina.

“The most important thing is that creativity or quality of performance should never be judged on the basis of colour, or ethnicity, or physical likeness,” Johnson, also the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), said in a statement.

“Quality entertainment should be measured by the sheer force of creativity and the commitment that an actor or actress brings to the performance.”

Johnson’s statement followed the trailer release for the film this week that spurred criticism over Saldana’s dark skin makeup and for wearing a prosthetic nose to portray Simone.

The controversy comes amid a larger spotlight on Hollywood’s diversity issues. Numerous fans of Simone took to social media to suggest other African-American actresses who could have played the role instead of Saldana.

Nina follows the relationship of an older, troubled Simone and her former nurse, Clifton Henderson, played by British black actor David Oyelowo.