Joseph Fiennes portrayal of Michael Jackson in the show ‘Urban Myths’ will no longer be airing.
After the show’s trailer went viral, outrage ensued over Joseph’s appearance — featuring really awful prosthetics and a crappy wig. Even Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris, took to Twitter to blast the project.
https://twitter.com/ParisJackson/status/819310838708256769
Paris’ cousin, Taj Jackson, also said he found the casting disrespectful.
@soledadobrien Unfortunately this is what my family has to deal with. No words could express the blatant disrespect. https://t.co/WKCiwOqPpN
— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) January 11, 2017
Shortly after the trailer premiered, a petition launched in which thousands of people vowed to boycott the entire series.
Sky Arts, the network behind the project, has decided to pull the episode before it airs.
“We set out to take a lighthearted look at reportedly true events and never intended to cause any offense,” the network said in a statement. “Joseph Fiennes fully supports our decision.”
1/4 We have taken the decision not to broadcast Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon, a 30min episode from the Sky Arts Urban Myths series.
— Sky Arts (@SkyArts) January 13, 2017
2/4 This decision was taken in light of the concerns expressed by Michael Jackson’s immediate family.
— Sky Arts (@SkyArts) January 13, 2017
3/4 We set out to take a light-hearted look at reportedly true events & never intended to cause any offence.
— Sky Arts (@SkyArts) January 13, 2017
4/4 Joseph Fiennes fully supports our decision.
— Sky Arts (@SkyArts) January 13, 2017
They should’ve known better.
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