Now, yall know #WendyWilliams is no stranger to being on receiving end of backlash for shade and unpopular opinions made on her show. The latest backlash comes from the late, great, #ArethaFranklins estate. Wendy began her criticism against #AmazingGrace, the Aretha Franklin concert film that is set to hit theaters April 5th, by saying, Aretha Franklin never was the easiest woman to deal with. I say that in a loving way, abuse I knew her too. She gave me the business as well.
She then goes on to point out details in the movie that, to most, can be counted as shade. …guys, this was a one-camera shot, and they want you to go to the movies for this, she said.when you dont have real professional people doing real professional things for you, sometimes you miss out. In response, #ArethaFranklins estate had this to say:
Aretha Franklin was an icon, a musical genius, and a much-awarded American cultural treasure. Therefore, it is astounding that on the March 15, 2019, broadcast of The Wendy Williams Show, host Wendy Williams made a series of inaccurate and disparaging statements about the Aretha Franklin concert film Amazing Grace, which opens in limited theaters on April 5, 2019, and nationally on April 19, 2019. Her commentary indicates that she has neither seen the documentary nor understands its import or intent. First, Amazing Grace
was conceived as a documentary. The footage was shot by Oscar-winning director Sydney Pollack in anticipation of broadcasting a once-in-a-lifetime event a live gospel album recording but was never completed for technical reasons. The film remnants were rediscovered, restored and championed over two decades by producer Alan Elliott. As such, the unburnished images capture Aretha Franklin in New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1972, as a premiere R&B and gospel interpreter who had just notched eight consecutive R&B Number One hits. Ms. Franklin had specifically sought to perform in a stripped-down, church-service setting. By showing a brief clip out of context and mocking its quality on her show, Williams inaccurately represented Ms. Franklin and the movie to her audience.
Second, 1972 was the era of Black Power, and Black Is Beautiful. In her short natural hair and simple makeup, Ms. Franklin was in step with the times and appropriate to the occasion. There was no showgirl glamor, no pressed hair and no eyelashes the lack of which Williams ridiculed on her program. The simplicity of the presentation givesAmazing Grace its power. Scholars, film critics, pop culture experts, and Hollywood stalwarts have raved about the film, including Oscar-winning director Spike Lee, who recently came aboard as a producer and told Variety the film is mesmerizing and transformative.
Third, Williams mentioned that Ms. Franklin made an album from this. She failed to note that the album is Aretha Franklins seminal recording Amazing Grace, which sold more than two million copies, earned a Grammy Award, and is still the biggest-selling live gospel album of all time. By not highlighting this fact, Williams further diminished both the documentary and Ms. Franklins legacy.
Fourth, Williams statement that Nobodys going to the movies to see a one-shot deal, like black-and-white, is punitive and misinformed. Thousands if not millions are clamoring to see this full-color film; many have already enjoyed repeated viewings during last Decembers Oscar-qualifying one-week run in L.A. and N.Y., where the film earned glowing reviews in publications from Rolling Stone to The New York Times. Amazing Grace earned a 95-average rating on Metacritic and a 96 critical score at Rotten Tomatoes.
Finally, Williams suggests that the Franklin Estate sought national distribution for Amazing Grace to satisfy the singers outstanding debts. This is not true. It is only through the approval of the Estate and the efforts of the films producers that it is finally being seen. The public rollout for Amazing Grace which includes screenings at African American museums and black churches this month has received support from African American pastors and fans across the country. And while Franklin had initially imposed an injunction on Amazing Grace, her objections had nothing to do with its quality; negotiations were incomplete at the time of her death. Her family feels this documentary is another prime example of The Queen of Souls genius.
Williams gave additional false information in her March 15 program. Sabrina Owens, Ms. Franklins niece and executor of her estate, has never been head of the singers security detail. Ms. Owens is a career professional who holds a Masters degree and is employed as a chief negotiator at one of the nations top public universities. Further, she is the personal representative of her mothers estate, singer and songwriter Erma Franklin. Owens also created the blueprint for Franklins Celebration of Life and week-long homegoing services. None of Ms. Franklins four sons has ever served as her manager. However, Franklins brother, Rev. Cecil Franklin, who was a Morehouse College graduate was her manager for more than 30 years, until his death in December 1989. Contrary to Williams derisive reference, there is no Cousin Junebug making decisions for the Estate.
Wendy Williams is the host of the most-watched daytime gossip show in syndicated television. However, that does not give her license to offer misleading commentary about a legacy entertainer based on unverified information. In this instance, the shows research team let Williams down. At a time when the media is fighting a battle against fake news, Williams continues to perpetuate false facts, and her commentary was irresponsible.
TSR STAFF: Chantel Kelli! @_popchanny!
Source: Detroit Free Press,https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2019/03/17/aretha-franklin-family-wendy-williams-amazing-grace/3190110002/
