Why Jennifer Hudson Turned Down 'Precious' Role
Singer Jennifer Hudson has revealed why she turned down the opportunity to appear in the dramatic film "Precious."
Director Lee Daniels offered Hudson the role of film's main character, Precious, shortly after she received an Oscar Award for "Dreamgirls." The actress and singer turned down the offer though because the role would have required her to gain weight.
In her new memoir, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, she described her decision over "Precious." "As much as I was moved by this film, I wanted to try a role that had nothing whatsoever to do with my weight," wrote Hudson.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The 2009 film saw actress Gabourey Sidibe play the role instead. Meanwhile, Hudson became a weight loss icon and spokesperson for Weight Watchers. In September she opened the Jennifer Hudson Weight Watchers Center in Chicago. Many reports indicated that she had become a size zero, and the singer has received criticism for her extreme weight loss.
Speaking to Ebony magazine, Hudson claimed that the misconceptions and issues surrounding her weight loss felt similar to her being "crucified" by the public. "I got crucified by I don't know how many people who cussed me out because they said I'm putting out the wrong message and telling people to be a size zero," said Hudson.
"I got called every name under the sun and was told, 'You should be ashamed of yourself for talking about being that size.'"
The backlash angered the actress, who added that the public's reaction to her weight loss was unnecessary.
"Well, honey, when I do say that I'm that size, then give me that speech," said Hudson about being a size zero. "I never said that."
Although Hudson did not appear in "Precious," the film went on to star Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, and Mariah Carey in addition to Sidibe. Tyler Perry promoted the film, which earned the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2009.
"Precious" also earned six nominations at the 82nd Academy Awards, and earned Mo'Nique the Best Supporting Actress award.
