Speaking exclusively to Rolling Out and BIPOC media via BIPOCXChange.com, executive producers of the NAACP Image Awards’ nominated television movie, First Lady Of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story, Judge Greg Mathis and Welch talk about telling her true story, and showing both the glamorous rise and the tragic fall associated with the “dope game.”

In this clip, moderator D’essence Smiley of rolling out, asks Welch and Mathis what audiences, familiar with the BMF on STARZ series, learn watching her biopic.

“That you go to prison for many years, you don’t see that on the series; the detrimental experience to your family, you don’t see that…you don’t see how your life has been turned upside down forever,” says Mathis.

In a candid moment, Welch addresses her portrayal in the series.  Fans and followers of the STARZ series may remember the social media firestorm created during season one of BMF.  Welch went public about “Markeisha” (played by LaLa Anthony) being depicted as a predator, and immediately challenged how the character based on her life was being shown in the series.

“I don’t want young girls to think this is how it is; me chasing a young boy.I don’t like the way they are showing my character, I think I’m a strong independent woman, and always have been, even though I chose the wrong.

In the wide-ranging interview, Welch talks about wanting hers to be a cautionary tale that shows the impact on the family, the abandonment of friends and loved ones, and her true story.  Judge Mathis echoed Welch’s sentiment and offered commentary about showing the true realities versus the glorification of the drug game.

Welch and Mathis, were joined by the film’s stars, Michelle Mitchenor (“First Wives Club”), and Tobias Truvillions (“City On A Hill”), for an FYC conversation hosted by Rolling Out, Plume | The Nominees Are.   In partnership with MegaMind Media, Plume is an interview series created exclusively by and for BIPOC media.

First Lady Of BMF is nominated for two NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series, or Dramatic Special and Outstanding Directing In A Television Movie.  Vivica A. Fox earns her first directing nomination in her feature film directorial debut.

Voting for the NAACP Image Awards’ closes this Saturday, February 24.

Cast your vote now at vote.naacpimageawards.net. 

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW: HERE

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