Donatella Versace worked side by side with her brother, Gianni, to help create one of the biggest fashion houses in the world. When her brother was murdered in 1997, Donatella was left to continue Gianni’s legacy. While the new season of American Crime Story will focus on her brother’s death, viewers will also see Donatella’s relationship with Gianni before his death and her impact on the company afterwards. Here, must-know facts about the designer before the premiere of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story on January 17 on FX.
FX
Despite much of the excitement surrounding the show, the Versace family and brand released a statement saying they had no involvement in its production and it should be viewed as “a piece of fiction.” The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyis based on the book Vulgar Favors by Vanity Fair columnist Maureen Orth. Series creator Ryan Murphy told reporters the day after Versace released its statement that Donatella sent her portrayer, Penelope Cruz, flowers. Cruz said her portrayal of the designer is a “personal homage,” adding, “all the love and respect that I feel for her is in the performance.” Cruz also said she sought Donatella’s permission and was granted it. While Donatella may not be watching the show herself, it seems like there are no hard feelings between her and Cruz.
