Sometimes, the internet wins: Sky has decided to pull their Michael Jackson-centric episode of Urban Myths with Joseph Fiennes in the lead role.
In some ways, we’ve come a long way in terms of representation in media. But the entertainment industry still has major misfires, including the decision to cast Joseph Fiennes — a Caucasian actor — as the late Michael Jackson for a British comedy special.
The 30-minute episode of Urban Myths, titled “Elizabeth, Michael & Marlin,” was set to air on January 19, but Sky Arts tweeted Friday morning that the episode would not be airing after all:
@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
This decision was made in light of backlash from Michael Jackson’s family members, including his nephew Taj Jackson, who slammed the casting and concept as showing “blatant disrespect.”
Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris-Michael Katherine wrote on Twitter:
“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. 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 [Elizabeth Taylor] as well. Where is the respect? They worked through blood sweat and tears for ages to create such profound and remarkable legacies. Shameful portrayal.”
The Internet at large soon joined in, condemning the special, with the vitriol rising to a fever pitch after the trailer was released two days ago.
For his part, Joseph Fiennes has previously admitted to being aware of the controversy, but told the AP in February of last year:
“One must determine if this portrayal is one that is going to be positive entertainment, and one that will not bring about division and put anyone’s noses out of joint, so I went with the mind that this was a positive light-hearted comedy. I deal in imagination, so I don’t think imagination should have rules stamped on them. If it promotes stereotyping, then it’s wrong. I made a distinction that the Jackson project doesn’t do that.”
But the context of having a white man play Michael Jackson, disrespecting his memory in this way, was unfortunate no matter how you look at it. We’re glad Sky decided not to air the episode after all.
The Urban Myths series will otherwise carry on as scheduled, with Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon taking on the role of Adolf Hitler in a coming episode that also stars Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint.