Despite much criticism the film faced due to its glossing over of Dr. Dre’s history of violence against women, "Straight Outta Compton" is about 4 million away from becoming a $200 million global box office earner, an accomplishment that it’ll likely reach and even surpass, by the end of the upcoming weekend, or soon thereafter (I should mention that Dre publicly apologized a few months ago, whatever that’s worth).
Now one of the women on the receiving end of Dre’s past abuse – singer Michel’le, who spoke publicly about the physical abuse she endured during her six-year relationship with the hip-hop mogul – is going to tell her own story on film; both as a scripted made-for-TV movie, as well as in a documentary.
Michel’le and producer Thinkfactory Media are teaming up for both, it was announced today – a scripted TV movie with the working title "Girl From the Hood", and a feature documentary, both about her life, which the press release describes as “one of fame, abuse and ultimately, survival and triumph."
No other information is available at this time.
When asked for her thoughts on "Straight Outta Compton" when the film was first release, Michel’le said that she wasn’t outraged that her abusive relationship with Dre was not depicted in the film: "I’m not upset that they didn’t put me in the movie," Michel’le said, adding, "It’s their movie, right? Their money."
Added Michel’le: "I was his fiancée… He told me he loved me, so I don’t think I understood it, but he was abusive, mentally and physically… I didn’t know any better, because my father never told me he loved me. When you find a guy that wants to be with you all the time, you think that’s love, right? I had to make my own world."
Michel’le alleges that during their relationship, Dre kicked her and broke her ribs, injuring her in such a way that her ribs never did entirely heal. She says he sent her to the hospital on at least one occasion during their time together. In an interview with VladTV earlier this year, she said: "I was just a quiet girlfriend who got beat on and told to sit down and shut up."
In response to Dre’s public apology, she said: "I didn’t ask for a public apology and I think if he is going to apologize he should do it individually."
Former TV host Dee Barnes also spoke about her experiences with Dre, penning an essay for Gawker, specifically detailing his brutal assault on her in 1991 – an incident that also isn’t depicted in "Straight Outta Compton."
The project re-teams Michel’le and Thinkfactory Media, who previously collaborated on TV Ones’s hit series, "R&B Divas LA."
"Michel’le is one of the most talented, fearless women I have ever met, captivating audiences both on stage and in front of the camera. The past few years of working with her have been incredible and we are thrilled she’s allowing us to lower the veil to tell her inspiring inside story as no one else could," stated Adam Reed, EVP Thinkfactory Media. "Michel’le’s conviction for life and raw honesty deserves to be shared with the world, and we are honored to give her story justice."
"I am so excited about my partnership with Thinkfactory Media. For many years I was unwilling to share my personal experiences. I am now ready to open up about my career, relationships and family," stated Michel’le Toussant. "I am confident that Thinkfactory Media will give an accurate depiction of my life and this tumultuous yet amazing journey I’ve been on."