Queen Latifah on why she doesn't care if love scenes with women in new film Bessie makes audience 'uncomfortable'

Latifah plays the legendary Bessie Smith in biopic about blues singer's life

Queen Latifah has discussed her character's sexuality in the forthcoming biopic, Bessie (AFP)

Queen Latifah has discussed the possible reactions to scenes in in her forthcoming biopic, Bessie, saying she doesn’t care if the sexuality presented on screen makes people feel uncomfortable.

The Oscar nominated actress undertakes the role of the celebrated American blues singer Bessie Smith for the HBO film based on Bessie: Empress of the Blues. It follows Smith's life after entering the music industry, her tumultuous career and the relationships she had with both men and women.

Speaking to BET, Latifah addressed the reaction sparked by a kiss with another female character.

“You know, people feel a type of way when they see any sexuality on-screen, to me, and I think it's almost human nature," she said. "People are so fascinated by it. There shouldn’t even be a discussion, but it is because people are still curious and people still wonder how they feel about things.

“At the end of the day, I don’t really care if someone feels uncomfortable about it. It is what it is, and it’s life. So you either deal with it or not, you know? That's your choice. But, it’s just part of who she is. I had to tell the story honestly."

However, Latifah said she hopes her character’s sexuality doesn’t become the overarching issue or theme taken from the film.

"I hope that it doesn't become the sole issue because it's really not just, you know, one thing about Bessie. There is so many parts of who she was. [Her sexuality] was just part of it.”