Aretha Franklin's son angry about 'Genius' 8-part series
Aretha Franklin’s youngest son has slammed the forthcoming National Geographic series about the late star’s life and career.
In an angry, all-caps post, Kecalf Franklin aimed sharp words at “Genius: Aretha,” the eight-part series scheduled to premiere March 21, with Cynthia Erivo as the Queen of Soul.
He says the family does not support the project, contending a deal was “pushed through without our consent.”
“If you are a true fan please do not support it!!!” wrote Franklin, 50. The youngest of Aretha Franklin’s four sons, he’s known informally as Kelf.
In a footnote, he added that his criticism is not directed toward the show’s actors, “as we know they are just doing their jobs.”
Representatives for National Geographic and Disney did not respond to a request for comment Monday.
Franklin’s online tirade probably won’t be the last of the fireworks surrounding “Genius: Aretha”: There already has been pushback from some African-American fans about the casting of Erivo, a British actress who received similar criticism ahead of her role as Harriet Tubman in 2019’s “Harriet.” And an insider says there is likely to be discontent about certain storylines in the new series, including the portrayal of Aretha’s father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin.
On top of it, “Genius” arrives amid the contentious, ongoing battle over the estate of Franklin, who died in August 2018. Kecalf Franklin is among those who have lobbied to take over as the estate’s personal representative.
The eight-episode National Geographic series is set to air March 21-25. It’s the third installment of the scripted “Genius” series, following seasons documenting the lives of Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso.
“Genius: Aretha” was directed and executive-produced by Anthony Hemingway, whose credits include 2016’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson.” Executive producers also include Ron Howard and Brian Glazer.
The “Genius: Aretha” airdates and a new trailer were released last Tuesday. Franklin published his critical post three days later, writing: “Here we go again!!!”
