A movie about the life and legacy of singer Nina Simone is sparking controversy now that the film's trailer has been released, especially from the singer's family from Nyack.

Starring Zoe Saldana, the trailer for "Nina" has been igniting a firestorm of controversy. The Latina actress is being criticized for altering her features to include darkened skin and, according to some published reports, a prosthetic nose.

Outspoken talk-show host Wendy Williams weighed in on the trailer, calling it "just as bad as a white person in blackface."

Robert L. Johnson, the founder and chairman of RLJ Entertainment, the company releasing the film, applauded Saldana's performance. He adds that creativity or quality of a performance is not based on a person's color, ethnicity or likeness.

Three years ago when "Nina" was announced, Simone's brother Sam Waymom, who is from Nyack, said he was unhappy with Saldana's casting.

"Nina" is scheduled to hit theaters April 22.