Lifetime’s Salt-N-Pepa biopic airs tomorrow, but not everyone is happy about it.
Deidra “Spinderella” Roper, longtime DJ for the iconic rap group, is putting the film and her former groupmates on blast. Taking to Twitter, Spinderella said she was “wrongfully excluded from every aspect of development and production,” despite her contributions to the group.
“Words cannot fully express my disappointment when I learned a decision was made to move forward with a Lifetime biopic that wrongfully excluded me from every aspect of development and production…all the while using my image throughout, given that I played an integral role in the group’s story and success,” she tweeted.
While she didn’t call out her former groupmates—Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, who served as executive producers—by name, she said she was shocked to find that the same group that spoke up for women would turn against one of their own. “Back when Salt n’ Pepa was building our legacy, which is rooted in empowering women, I could not have dreamed that this same group would one day disempower me.”
Sorry but I gotta speak on this Lifetime special.., Too often, Black women who have made meaningful contributions in their industry are left out of historical narratives.
— Spinderella (@Spindeezy) January 22, 2021
Words cannot fully express my disappointment when I learned a decision was made to move forward with a Lifetime biopic that wrongfully excluded me from every aspect of development and production…
— Spinderella (@Spindeezy) January 22, 2021
all the while using my image throughout, given that I played an integral role in the group’s story and success.
— Spinderella (@Spindeezy) January 22, 2021
There’s nothing more unacceptable than a woman being silenced by another woman. It is for this reason, I will not be supporting it.
— Spinderella (@Spindeezy) January 22, 2021
She decided to speak out because “too often, Black women who have made meaningful contributions in their industry are left out of historical narratives.” Added Spin, “There’s nothing more unacceptable than a woman being silenced by another woman. It is for this reason, I will not be supporting it.”
While she won’t be supporting the project, she did shout out the actress who played her in the film, Monique Paul. “I wish would’ve been given an opportunity to share my true perspective with,” said Spinderella.
She ended on a positive note, reflecting on her career. “In reflection, I’m grateful I’ve managed to uphold a 30-year career of truly empowering women with my gift, against all odds. This will continue in my work and in my service.”
I do, however, want to offer a huge congratulations to the talented actresses that represented us, including Monique Paul, who I wish would’ve been given an opportunity to share my true perspective with.
— Spinderella (@Spindeezy) January 22, 2021
The great news is I’m in the final stages of writing my memoir, a personal journey navigating through life, relationships, and the industry that raised me. 30+ years is a lot of content and I’m ready to share.
— Spinderella (@Spindeezy) January 22, 2021
Spinderella, who reunited with her bandmates at “VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail the Queens” back in 2016, plans to tell her story in the near future. She is now in the “final stages” of writing her memoir, which she describes as “a personal journey navigating through life, relationships, and the industry that raised me.”
In 2019, Spinderella sued the duo, claiming she was not paid royalties owed to her. According to TMZ, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice after a confidential settlement was reached.
Lifetime’s “Salt-N-Pepa” movie airs Saturday, Jan. 23, at 8 p.m.