After tons of backlash from his family and the general public, TV station Sky Arts has decided not to run an episode of their new show Urban Myths featuring Michael Jackson.
Reportedly, the episode began raising eyebrows a year ago when Sky Arts cast caucasian actor Joseph Fiennes as the pop icon.
Many people labelled this choice as part of the whitewashing in Hollywood and didn’t stop when the trailer was released this week. In fact, the backlash got worse.
Jackson’s own daughter, Paris, tweeted about the casting, saying she was “incredibly offended” and that the show makes her want to vomit.
@TheMJCast 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.
— Paris-Michael K. J. (@ParisJackson) January 11, 2017
At first, Sky Arts defended their choice, saying Fiennes was the best person for the role.
On Friday, Sky Arts released a series of tweets saying they decided to pull the episode, and that Fiennes agreed it was for the best.
@SkyArts 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
@SkyArts 2/4 This decision was taken in light of the concerns expressed by Michael Jackson’s immediate family.
— Sky Arts (@SkyArts) January 13, 2017
@SkyArts 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
@SkyArts 4/4 Joseph Fiennes fully supports our decision.
— Sky Arts (@SkyArts) January 13, 2017
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