Late gospel singer Mahalia Jackson’s family is upset with singer Fantasia! We toldja Tasia was picked to play Jackson in an upcoming movie role but now that she’s pregnant by a married man the family is having second thoughts.
The producers of the biographical film “Mahalia!” are also furious with 27 year old Fantasia for not telling them about her unexpected pregnancy until she was four months in, sources say.
“She [initially] claimed that she was putting on weight for the role,” an insider said. Production of the movie has been pushed back because of Fantasia’s pregnancy with her married boyfriend, Antwaun Cook.
“The family thinks if Fantasia plays the role, it’s going to sully the name of Mahalia,” said executive producer Adrian Taylor. “They think she’s got the wrong image, having a child out of wedlock.”
Because of the unexpected bump, the film’s budget has been jumped from $23 million to $27 million. Dino Gankendorff, who represents Mahalia Jackson’s estate, said, “I’m not really aware of any objections that the heirs have to the casting of Fantasia. I understand that they were getting ready to film and that she is pregnant, and I don’t know who is she pregnant by.”
Barrino’s rep said, “This is the first time I’ve heard about this. I have no comment.”
