Queen Latifah spoke in the April/May issue of Uptown magazine about her part in bringing legendary blues-jazz singer Bessie Smith to life in the upcoming HBO biopic “Bessie.”
Speaking of her compelling nude scene, a first for the New Jersey native, she compared the experience to playing “Cleo” in “Set It Off” in 1996.
“I’ve never done that before. It was a little odd but it was also a quiet, relaxing thing,” she said. “Sometimes she was so alone, and it was a moment for Bessie to acknowledge her vulnerability, which I can completely relate to … I don’t find [this nude scene] any more uncomfortable than kissing a girl in ‘Set It Off’ and sticking to the script.”
“You have to take your mind off of yourself and honor that character. Respect Cleo, respect Bessie.”
In the same interview, Latifah also shared her thoughts on the rape controversy surrounding Bill Cosby, lamenting the stain on his wholesome image and legacy.
“It’s unfortunate because he has done so much in terms of entertainment, culture and black folks,” she said. “But right is right and wrong is wrong. All these women, all these stories, it’s just – what a big stain on such an amazing career.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FhmzwXfgz8