Controversy hits Hollywood as Zoe Saldana is dubbed ‘not dark-skinned enough’ to play Nina Simone

There has also been disapproval from those who were closest to the late, iconic singer.

‘Appearance-wise this is not the best choice,’ she wrote.Nina’s daughter Simone Kelly has taken umbrage with the decision to cast Zoe, and has taken to her Facebook page to voice her concerns: Although Simone went on to say that she had no problem with the star’s acting ability, she admitted that she would like to see a darker-skinned actress such as Viola Davis or Kimberly Elise take the part and suggested that her mother would have wanted Whoopi Goldberg to play her.

Zoe, who is hot property in Hollywood at the moment, has seen her profile rise after starring in a string of blockbusters and dating the likes of Bradley Cooper. She is rumoured to be starring in the forthcoming Avatar sequel.