Aretha Franklin’s Son Blasts ‘Respect’ Biopic, Insists Fans Boycott

Franklin’s son claims the film’s writers didn’t consult him, while the late singer’s attorney maintains he never actually asked to participate in the film’s creation.

Kecalf Franklin, the youngest son of the late Aretha Franklin, is not pleased with the upcoming Respect biopic.

In a heated all-caps Facebook post, Franklin blasted the production, claiming “THE FRANKLIN FAMILY (DOES NOT) SUPPORT THE MOVIE THAT IS IN PRODUCTION!!!” Kecalf went on to evenly apply that discontent to the recent biography, The Queen Next Door, which he slams for using an image of the family without his authorization.

WATCH: Jennifer Hudson Offers a Rousing Rendition Of “Respect” in Aretha Franklin Biopic Trailer

The remarks follow years of infighting between Kecalf and the Franklin estate executor, Sabrina Owens, who’s the niece of the late Queen of Soul. Owens has named head of the estate in a 2017 hearing, with Kecalf’s two brothers supporting the decision in written statements. Franklin’s attorney, David Bennett, fired back at Kecalf’s accusations via The Detroit Free Press, claiming “This is all about his attempts to become the personal representative of the estate.” Bennett adds, “at no time, to my knowledge, have (the sons) asked to participate in or be in contact with” the film’s writers.

Despite his sourness for having no input on the film’s creation, Kecalf admits in a lower case cap on the rant, “the ‘ONLY’ person my mother was in favor of for the movie was JENNIFER HUDSON. period. Everything else is being done against our wishes.”

Respect is slated for release on October 9th, 2020, starring Hudson, Marlon Wayans, and Forest Whittaker. Watch the trailer below and scroll on for Kecalf’s full statement.