Joseph Fiennes’ Michael Jackson TV Show Pulled After Family Criticism

Earlier this week, the first clip emerged of Joseph Fiennes in his controversial “Urban Myths” role as Michael Jackson. That day, Jackson’s daughter Paris tweeted that she was “incredibly offended,” adding, “it honestly makes me want to vomit.” In light of the family’s criticism, Sky Arts has pulled the episode featuring Jackson, Billboard reports. Read their statement below.

We have taken the decision not to broadcast Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon, a half hour episode from the Sky Arts Urban Myths series, in light of the concerns expressed by Michael Jackson’s immediate family. We set out to take a light-hearted look at reportedly true events and never intended to cause any offense. … Joseph Fiennes fully supports our decision.

“Urban Myths” features a string of “true-ish” celebrity tales, with other storylines devoted to Bob Dylan, Samuel Beckett, and others. The pulled Michael Jackson episode recreates the maybe-true story of him, Marlon Brando (played by Brian Cox), and Elizabeth Taylor (Stockard Channing) making a post-9/11 road trip. The series debuts January 19 on Sky Arts. 

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