If you ask a member of the Bey-Hive there’s nothing Beyoncé can’t do short of being born again (which may be up for debate) while those of us who admire her talent but don’t fall in the hater or stan category might see things a little different. This is most evident when it comes to discussing Beyoncé’s acting skills. When word broke this weekend that the H-Town diva plans to write and star in her on film based on the life of Saartjie Baartman (aka Sarah Baartman), a South African woman who was exploited and displayed in London freak shows during the 1800s and nicknamed “Hottentot Venus” because of her large bottom – the question of whether the Flawless singer could pull off the project quickly sparked strong opinions. According to The Sun, Beyoncé has already recruited a team of acting coaches and writers to help bring Baartman’s story to life.

Yet it seems a lot folks already ain’t here for the Yonce adaption of Baartman’s story. Some reactions to the projects have simply been: “No!” …

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Many think Bey just ain’t “woke” or aware enough to do the story justice – despite her growing image as a feminist, or that the hoopla surrounding her star-power will take away from the historic significance of Baartman’s ordeal. Those already unimpressed by Beyonce’s previous efforts as an actress, wonder why she wouldn’t allow a South African actress to take on the role. And as always, people all over the Twitter-verse were quick to chime in.

Team No Ma’am:

@GidiTaff I do t care if Beyonce wins an Oscar – I don’t want Sarah Baartman to be exploited again and again @debbieflorence @Ababa

— Nicole Johnston (@NicoleJohnston) January 3, 2016

I love Beyonce and all but I really don’t think she could pull off playing Sarah Baartman in the slightest

— Nayonce (@QueenNicki__) January 4, 2016

Maybe this is how #Beyoncé supports #BlackLivesMatter but we just don’t see the vision yet? #sarahbaartman

— Magnificent Mychal (@mychaldamagna) January 3, 2016

Soo..Beyonce is making a movie about Sarah Baartman, and she has cast herself pic.twitter.com/AfcJoPqRE0

— Mbulelo (@DuziNyosi) January 3, 2016

@Beyonce playing Sarah Baartman…. pic.twitter.com/82MiHMzOzo

— TheSwiftGrayHat (@TheSwiftGrayHat) January 3, 2016

Team Beysus:

Sarah Baartman’s story has been untold 4 too long. It should be celebrated that someone want’s to bring her story to life @firstblack_dean

— ANC-HISTORY (@ANC_LECTURES) January 3, 2016

Beyoncé making & starring in her own film as Sarah Baartman

— Vigh$ellyn (@ZaiTheGod) January 3, 2016

Weren’t you telling us how Beyoncé is a feminist, but when she wants to write a movie about Sarah Baartman, you don’t trust her with it ?

— Lindokuhle Nkosi (@TheKingsTings) January 3, 2016

I love Beyoncé and she’s playing Sarah Baartman omg I’m so here for this I really wish everyone was as hype as me *prays for the youth*

— leah (@TheRealLeahh) January 3, 2016

Personally, I don’t see Beyoncé pulling off the role, and to be honest her interest in the story did come as a bit of a surprise. I can’t help but have flashbacks to the news breaking of Zoe Saldana starring in an adaption of the legendary Nina Simone’s life, or the epic fail of Lifetime’s casting for Aaliyah’s story. Overall I’m a believer in knowing your strengths and getting the best person for the job, and when it comes to acting, I haven’t seen Beyoncé deliver the depth that would be necessary to capture this woman’s very tragic experiences. If the goal is to bring awareness to the story, hand claps to Bey. But I would hate to see the significance of Baartman’s life get lost in any vain efforts to prove people wrong about her potential as an actress.

Beyoncé has yet to confirm the news and whether she will do the story justice is to be determined. The good part is that based on the reactions so far though, a lot of folks will certainly be schooled on Sarah Baartman whether it’s through updates on the film or from people throwing shade at the project online.

Update: According to Billboard, a Beyonce rep has stated that the singer is “in no way tied” to a film on Sarah Baartman’s life.

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Sarah Baartman

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