Niecy Nash and “Good Morning America’s” Robin Roberts teamed up for a new Lifetime movie called “Kidnapped: The Kamiyah Mobley Story.”
The project will cover the real life account of Kamiyah Mobley, who was kidnapped by a woman named Gloria Williams in 1989, a mere eight hours after she was born. Mobley didn’t find out that she was abducted until the age of 18.
In 1989 Williams drove from South Carolina to a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, posed as a nurse and took Mobley out of her biological mother‘s arms. Mobley was then renamed Alexis Manigo.
Deadline reports the film will be produced by Roberts’ production company Rock’n Robin, as well as Lincoln Square Productions. Nash, meanwhile, will play Williams, and the part of Mobley will be handled by Rayven Symone Ferrell, who also starred in “All Eyez On Me,” and “The Hate U Give.”
“I’m thrilled to share this young woman’s story and produce something so poignant for the Lifetime audience,” said Roberts in a statement. “I can’t imagine anyone else tackling the complex role of Gloria than Niecy Nash. She’s a talented and versatile actress and I can’t wait to see it all come together.”
In June of 2018, Williams was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the kidnapping and explained that she did it after suffering a miscarriage and losing custody of two children. Reportedly, Mobley knew that she was kidnapped months before Williams’ arrest but kept it a secret.
In fact, after the sentencing, Mobley said she still loves Williams, whom she still referred to as mom. The young woman also asked the court for leniency during the sentencing.
“I still feel the same way about her,” Mobley said about Williams. “My feelings toward my mother will never change.”
Williams spoke about the kidnapping as well and said it was something she never planned on doing.
“[My intent] was definitely not to take a baby,” she said during her trial.
Williams also addressed Mobley and her biological mother in the courtroom.
“I know I wronged you and I’m so sorry,” she stated. “And so many days I just wanted to pick that child up and say, ‘Get in the car. Let’s go.’ I just couldn’t.”
The Lifetime movie is slated to premiere in 2020.
