Fantasia Barrino is pregnant with her first child. This is exciting for the former American Idol champion, but the blessed event is not without its controversy:
The father is Antwaun Cook, a married man with whom Fantastia carried on a well-publicized affair.
This fact is not sitting well with those behind Mahalia!, the biopic based on the life of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, as producers and members of that artist's family are angry that Fantasia both kept the pregnancy a secret and got involved with Cook in the first place.
“The family thinks if Fantasia plays the role, it’s going to sully the name of Mahalia,” executive producer Adrian Taylor tells Page Six. “They think she’s got the wrong image, having a child out of wedlock.”
Barrino's expecting state has also delayed production and may force directed Euzhan Palcy out of the project due to a scheduling conflict. Producers hope to complete filming by 2012, but may need to find a replacement for Fantasia if she insists on time off to breast feed and take care of her newborn.
The top rumored choice to take over if this happens? Missy Elliott.
[Photo: WENN.com]