Sly Stone was not interviewed for her own documentary, and the creators of the film have revealed why.

Under a question and answer that follows a screening of Slue life! (alias burden of black genius)The producer explained why he and director Ahmir ”Questlove“Thompson decided that it would not be” empathetic “to interview the 81-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer born Sylvester Stewart on the camera.

“We interviewed sly for (the Oscar-winning documentary) Summer of soul 2020. And he had just been clean, and he just, he doesn’t have the motor function, “said Joseph Patel.” He can’t speak in full sentences. His eyes reveal an older and clarity that is there, but his motor function does not exist. ”

Patel added that early in the film’s production, the couple decided that it “does not feel right” to include Stone in view of his health.

“Ahmir’s first thing he said was:” Let’s tell this story with a lot of empathy, “” continued Patel. “It’s not empathic.”

Follows Questlove’s Oscar-winning documentary debut with Summer of soul 2021, and then Ladies and gentleman … 50 years of SNL music in January Slue life! (alias burden of black genius) is his latest documentary projects.

The film explores Stone’s life course as a frontman for the funk-rock band Sly and Family Stone. The Multiracial Group is best known for the late-60s and early 70’s as “Everyday People” and “Family Affair” and the country mark 1971 album There is a riot.

While the documentary does not skip Stone’s decades long struggle with abuse, Questlove said that the “most important part” was to present stones as a person rather than a personality, for “it is rare for black people to be seen as human beings.”

Questlove added that they omitted certain details, such as the fact that Stone temporarily chose to live in a camper at one point, in favor of those who show his humanity.

The film contains anecdotes from Stone’s three children, Novena Carmel, Sylvette Robinson and Sylvester Stewart Jr.

“My favorite part is that Novena talks about his favorite pizza,” said Questlove. “I love it.”

Slue life! (alias burden of black genius) Now flows on Hulu.