Versace Family Calls Ryan Murphy’s ‘American Crime Story: Versace’ ‘Work Of Fiction’

The Versace family recently released a statement distancing themselves from Ryan Murphy’s upcoming “American Crime Story” installment centered on the late Gianni Versace.

“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,” the statement read (via Vanity Fair).

But even though the family is not directly involved in the upcoming FX series, Donatella Versace has spoken with Penelope Cruz. The actress will play the role of Donatella in the series.

“I did have one conversation that was between she and I. I don’t want to say the details, but it was a long conversation. That was very important to me. I think she knows that the way I’m playing her, that I truly love her and respect her. I really hope that when she sees the show, she’s going to be happy. I’m sure there are going to be scenes that are hard for her to watch, because it’s a lot about the loss of her brother, which, of course, I have so much respect for. I did it with all my love,” Cruz told Entertainment Weekly.

“American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace” will center on the death of the famed designer in the hands of Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss). The role of Gianni will be played by Edgar Ramirez, and his boyfriend, Antonio D’Amico will be played by Ricky Martin.

D’Amico told the Observer (via the Guardian) in July that he didn’t like how Murphy portrayed him and Versace after he found him dead right outside of his mansion. Photos of Martin cradling Ramirez in his arms while giving life to their characters were released last year.

“The picture of Ricky Martin holding the body in his arms is ridiculous. Maybe it’s the director’s poetic license, but that is not how I reacted,” he said.

“The Assassination of Gianni Versace” will premiere on FX on Jan. 17.