That Horrible Michael Jackson Spoof Series Starring Joseph Fiennes Has Officially Been SCRAPPED Following Family & Fan Outrage

Posted January 13, 2017

Fans of Michael Jackson can breathe a sigh of relief, following outrage over the upcoming series where Michael was going to be portrayed by white actor, Joseph Fiennes.

Following the release of the images from the upcoming project which is centered around Michael, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marlon Brando, many took to social media to convey their outrage over the actor playing MJ, and what many called disrespect to his legacy.

Not only did the fans speak out, but Michael’s daughter also expressed outrage, and it looks as though those voices were heard. According to The Grio:

British broadcaster said Friday it was canceling a TV comedy starring Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson after the program was condemned by the late musician’s family.

Sky Arts said it has decided not to broadcast the program “in light of the concerns expressed by Michael Jackson’s immediate family.” It said Fiennes “fully supports our decision.”

Sky had been criticized for casting the white “Shakespeare in Love” star as the King of Pop in “Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon.” The half-hour program also features Stockard Channing as Elizabeth Taylor and British actor Brian Cox as Marlon Brando.

Jackson’s daughter Paris tweeted that she felt angry after watching a trailer for the show, which was due to be broadcast next week.

“I’m so incredibly offended by it, as I’m sure plenty of people are as well, and it honestly makes me want to vomit,” she wrote.

“It angers me to see how obviously intentional it was for them to be this insulting, not just towards my father, but my godmother Liz as well.”

The show is an episode in the “Urban Myths” series, which Sky says looks at “remarkable stories from well-known historical, artistic and cultural figures, which may or may not have happened in real life.”

It centers on a possibly apocryphal cross-country road trip taken by Jackson, Taylor and Brando after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Sky said it was intended as “a light-hearted look at reportedly true events and never intended to cause any offense.”

Fiennes defended his casting to The Associated Press last year, saying the project doesn’t promote stereotyping.

As a longtime MJ supporter, I am glad to see the plug has been pulled on this project. It was a bad idea to begin with, and glad it won’t see the light of day.

 

 

Thoughts??

 

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