Fantasia Barrino Pregnancy Mucking Up Mahalia Jackson Movie

Singer Fantasia Barrino. (Reuters)

Members of the legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson's estate were aghast that 2004 "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino has become pregnant by a married man as she prepares to play the Queen of Gospel in the biographical film "Mahalia!" the New York Post reported Friday.

Producers were also furious with Barrino for not telling them about her unexpected pregnancy until she was four months in. "She [initially] claimed that she was putting on weight for the role," an insider said.

Production of the movie was pushed back because of Barrino's pregnancy with her married boyfriend, Antwaun Cook.

"The family thinks if Fantasia plays the role, it's going to sully the name of Mahalia," executive producer Adrian Taylor told the Post. "They think she's got the wrong image, having a child out of wedlock."

Barrino's pregnancy has also caused chaos with scheduling conflicts, because filming has been delayed until after her due date on Dec. 27. Director Euzhan Palcy may be forced to drop out of the project.

Producers are now scrambling to finish the movie by fall 2012. Barrino was asked to start filming as soon as January and was in negotiations to alter her contract to allow time for breast-feeding and nurturing her child on set.

In the meantime, producers were working to find a replacement if Barrino does not agree to start shooting after the New Year. Missy Elliott has been suggested.

Dino Gankendorff, who represents Mahalia Jackson's estate, told the Post, "I'm not really aware of any objections that the heirs have to the casting of Fantasia. I understand that they were getting ready to film and that she is pregnant, and I don't know who she is pregnant by."

Barrino's rep said, "This is the first time I've heard about this. I have no comment."