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Entertainment

13th Jan 2017

TV show about Michael Jackson has been cancelled following backlash

Joseph Fiennes portrayal caused controversy.

Laura Holland

The Michael Jackson TV drama, which was due to be shown on Sky Arts, has been pulled from the schedule.

The one-off special, part of the Urban Myths series, called Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon centred around a story of how Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando became stuck in New York during the 9/11 attacks, eventually leading them to attempt to drive the whole way back to Calfornia.

People were initially surprised to hear that Joseph Fiennes – best known for his role in the 1998 movie Shakespeare In Love – had been cast as Jackson, and many were later angered after seeing the show’s first trailer.

Earlier this week Michael’s daughter Paris slammed the show saying it was insulting and incredibly offensive.

As a result of the backlash, Sky Arts has confirmed that they have decided not to broadcast the show.

According to RTÉ, a spokesperson for the show said:

“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 offence. Joseph Fiennes fully supports our decision.”

Some of Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon can be seen in the video below.

https://youtu.be/VztE0tFRt1E