"The Versace family has neither authorized nor had any involvement whatsoever in the forthcoming TV series about the death of Mr. Gianni Versace. Since Versace did not authorize the book on which it is partly based nor has it taken part in the writing of the screenplay, this TV series should only be considered as a work of fiction," a representative detailed in a statement.
Gianni Versace's Family Breaks Their Silence on American Crime Story
Penelopé Cruz Called Donatella Versace for Approval to Play Her in New Series
"Penélope Cruz, who will play Versace’s sister Donatella, admits that although the famous fashion designer’s family is not on board with the project, she made sure to be on good terms with Gianni’s sibling before portraying her on-screen. “When [
ACScreator] Ryan [Murphy] told me, I said to him, ‘This sounds really interesting, but I have to make this call and I have to talk to Donatella,'” she told
Entertainment Tonight ahead of presenting with her costars at 2018 Golden Globes. “I called her and we spoke, like, for an hour. I needed that conversation to say yes.”
The discussion went well for the actress, who also received flowers from Donatella. “It was a conversation where, I cannot share everything we talked about, but we have a good relationship,” she revealed. “She’s such a loving person, so I wanted to put out there the love and respect I have for her. It’s in my performance for sure, and I hope that when she sees, she will be happy about it.”