Fans hoping to see Fantasia Barrino show off her vocals portraying the legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson might not get the chance.
Recent reports state that members of Jackson’s estate are horrified that the 2004 American Idol winner has become pregnant by a married man as she prepares to play the Queen of Gospel in the biographical film Mahalia!
“The family thinks if Fantasia plays the role, it’s going to sully the name of Mahalia,” executive producer Adrian Taylor told the NY Post. “They think she’s got the wrong image, having a child out of wedlock.”
Amidst the drama surrounding Barrino and her alleged boyfriend Antwaun Cook, production has been pushed further back because of the unexpected pregnancy. A few months ago the impulsive announcement came as the songstress was performing for an apartment opening in Jacksonville, Florida.
Not only are estate members disappointed but so are producers. Producers claim that Fantasia did not inform them about her pregnancy until she was about four months along. Producers of the film thought Fantasia was just putting on a few extra pounds preparing for her role.
Barrino’s pregnancy has had nothing but a negative effect on producing the film. With Fantasia’s due date not until the end of the year, the movie which was set to be finished by fall 2012 has no set begin date. Producers are willing to work with Barrino if she agrees to promptly begin filming in January. In the meantime, producers are currently looking to cast someone else in the role if Barrino cannot oblige to her contract.