Though Beyonce is no stranger to the big screen, she is putting rumors of her involvement in the Saartjie Baartman film to rest. She has denied being a part of the reported project.
Rumors began to swirl this week that Beyonce would be writing and starring in a film about the South African woman who appeared in freak shows because of her voluptuous shape during the 1800s. Reps for the “Irreplaceable” singer cleared the air with a statement to Billboard.
"Beyonce is in no way tied to this project. This is an important story that should be told, however."
As previously reported, Baartman was showcased under the name "Hottentot Venus" and was displayed for four years before British abolitionist tried to argue in court that she was being forced to perform against her will, eventually losing. Baartman eventually died in Paris in 1815, believed to be 25 or 26 at the time. Her body was then put on display in a museum. She did not receive a proper burial in her native South Africa until 2002.
Although Beyonce’s name is not linked to the film, Jack Devnarain, chairman of the South African Guild of Actors, reiterated the importance of telling Baartman’s story.
"The story of Saartjie Baartman is a tale of torture and humiliation of a woman, womanhood in general and an entire culture indigenous to Southern Africa. As an episode in South African history, it describes the crippling damage of racism, sexism and exploitation," he said. "Baartman was paraded as a freak and brutally robbed of her humanity. Her story needs to be told."
Beyonce’s previous acting credits include 2002’s Austin Powers in Goldmember, 2006’s Dreamgirls, and 2009’s Obsessed. She also portrayed late singer Etta James and executive produced the 2008 film Cadillac Records.
