Despite earlier reports that Beyoncé would write and star in a film about Saartjie Baartman (often known as "Hottentot Venus"), it looks like the singer will not be involved in any potential project. According to a report from Billboard, one of her representatives said "Beyoncé is in no way tied to this project. This is an important story that should be told, however."
Baartman was a South African woman who was exhibited in freak shows across England in the 19th century under the name "Hottentot Venus" due to her curvaceous figure. She became a poster child for the abolitionist movement in the country during its period of unparalleled colonial expansionism and slavery. Although she was born in South Africa in the late 1700s, she died in England, and her remains were not returned to her native country until 2002.
