Giselle Knowles-Carter “Beyoncé” is regarded as one of the most iconic women of this time; however, rumors of her involvement with a film about the life of Saartjie Baartman has generated controversy. In early January, rumors surfaced from news sources like “The Sun” and the “Telegraph” that she is looking for another role, as an actress, and specifically playing the role of Saartjie “Sarah” Baartman. Baartman was a 19th century South African woman who was paraded around Europe in freak shows because of her body and abnormally large backside that was foreign to Europeans. The film itself is not controversial, as there has already been a French biographical film of Baartman’s life called Black Venus; however, it was the chance of Beyoncé playing her that sparked controversy and conversation.

After rumors of Beyoncé’s potential involvement in the role began to circulate, many people were outraged and extremely opposed to the idea. There were rumors that she intended to not only star in a film about Saartjie Baartman, but also that she intended to write it. Many became upset on how crass the reports were about Beyoncé’s possible role and the comparisons that were drawn between her and Baartman. One of the critics was Jean Burgess, a South African chief of the Ghonaqua First Peoples who reported to the South African press of her objection to Beyoncé’s alleged involvement in the project.

“[Beyoncé] lacks the basic human dignity to be worthy of writing Sarah’s story, let alone playing the part,” Burgess said in an interview with South Africa’s News 24.

A source told “The Sun”: “Beyoncé is desperate to be taken seriously as an actress. She now wants to write a screenplay that gains her respect — hopefully awards — from the film industry, and thinks Saartji’s story could her ticket.”

However, this description of Beyoncé’s alleged intentions can be considered offensive considering that Baartman’s tragic story should not be remembered for Beyoncé’s performance. One of the main concerns was that the movie would no longer be about conveying the story but would be focusing on the famous singer. It would be difficult for people to look at the character and not see the woman known for “Single Ladies.” Many understand that if a movie is to be made about her story, it should be portrayed in the best way possible.

Baartman was put on display in freak shows in Europe due to her body proportions. Her stage name was “Hottentot Venus,” which is now seen as a derogatory term. She died in December of 1815, but her exhibition did not. According to BBC, her brain, skeleton, and sexual organs were put on display in a museum in Paris, France until 1974. It was not until 14 years ago that her remains were finally repatriated and buried. The dehumanization she experienced is seen by many as a prime example of European colonial exploitation and racism towards Africans. Beyoncé has played a huge role in the music industry by redefining what it means to be a performer; however, her role in a movie about Baartman’s life would detract from her story.
Beyoncé’s representatives have denied any involvement of Beyoncé in a film about Baartman, but the rumors alone have generated concern and shed light on the story.

“This is an important story that should be told,” Beyoncé’s representative said to Billboard magazine, even in denying any possibility of her involvement.

While many people have been outraged at just the possibility of Beyoncé’s involvement in the film, at the same time, Baartman’s story has been more talked about due to the influence and fame that Beyoncé’s name carries.

As Baartman was neither respected in life nor in death, it is imperative that she would be portrayed in the most accurate sense if there were to be another film to tell her story. This has obviously been recognized by Beyoncé and her representatives in their decision to subdue all rumors of her interest in the lead role. Beyoncé should not play Baartman in a film about her life; however, the story is an important one, and the controversy of Beyoncé’s involvement has shed light to a story that otherwise, many may not have ever heard of.