Argument over Aretha Franklin leads to man being shot

A man has been shot following an argument over Aretha Franklin hours after the legendary soul singer’s death.

He was gunned down after a debate over whether Halle Berry is to play the “Respect” and “Spanish Harlem” star in an upcoming movie.

Medical crews had to give the man – who has not been named – emergency treatment at the scene in the city of Suffolk, Virginia. Police say he is now in hospital and described his condition as “serious”.

The shooter was also treated for injuries sustained during an initial brawl, WLS-TV reports.

Aretha Franklin died on Thursday, aged 76, in her home city of Detroit. She had been ill with pancreatic cancer.

During the course of a career spanning half a century, she sold more than 75 million records and became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Tributes immediately poured in from across the world including from Sir Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and Barack Obama.

Halle Berry is not due to play her in a film although it is said Franklin had wanted her to star in the upcoming biopic. Berry reportedly turned down the role because she says she cannot sing. Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson will play the Queen of Soul instead.

Police say investigations into the shooting are ongoing.