‘Winnie’…the movie is an insult to me – Winnie Mandela

Winnie Mandela has revealed that she is not thrilled about an upcoming biopic of hers saying she was not consulted about the movie.

Popular U.S preacher Bishop T.D. Jakes, produced the movie, chronicling the love story of former South African president Nelson Mandela and his ex-wife, Winnie Mandela.

The movie  titled ‘Winnie’ stars Grammy and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson as Winnie, and acclaimed actor Terrence Howard as Mandela.

“I have absolutely nothing against Jennifer, but I have everything against the movie itself…I was not consulted. I am still alive, and I think that it is a total disrespect to come to South Africa, make a movie about my struggle and call that movie some translation of a romantic life of Winnie Mandela…is an insult…” She disclosed in an interview with CNN.


The “Winnie” screenplay is based on the 2005 book, Winnie Mandela: A Life, written by Anne Mare du Preez Bezdrob.

“Everyone has an opinion about Winnie Mandela, and usually a strong one. She has been adored, feared and hated more than any other woman in South African history,” the book description reads.

“This biography is an in-depth and intimate look at Winnie Mandela’s personal and political life, and takes the reader on a remarkable journey of understanding,” it adds.

Bishop Jakes who has also participated in the production of the upcoming films “A Million Colours,” “Jumping the Broom,” and “Sparkle,” which features Jennifer Hudson and the late singer Whitney Houston says “Stories like ‘Winnie’ and ‘A Million Colours’ are important historically and socially…collaborations like this offer us a unique ability to provide the global community a window into African culture through the creation of quality content”