(CNN) -- Lifetime's biopic of the late singer Aaliyah is now without a star. The network confirmed via Twitter on Sunday that Zendaya, the 17-year-old Disney actress and singer tapped to portray Aaliyah in the TV movie, has exited the project. "We are sad Zendaya will no longer portray Aaliyah," Lifetime said. "Production is currently on hold." It's an abrupt change for the film, as Zendaya, whose full name is Zendaya Coleman, was just announced as the biopic's lead on June 16. The young star, known for her role on Disney's "Shake It Up!" and Season 16 of "Dancing With the Stars," didn't release an official comment on her departure but did acknowledge the casting shakeup on Twitter by quoting a source's statement to E! News.
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Zendaya Coleman has left Lifetime's Aaliyah biopic
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The network confirmed her exit on Twitter
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Production for the TV movie is currently on hold
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