Following a deluge of complaints including a Tweet from Paris Jackson, Sky have taken an episode of Urban Myths, featuring Joseph Fiennes as the late Michael Jackson, off the air.
The series is a dark comedy which focusses on never disproven but most likely untrue stories about celebrities – the quashed episode documenting a supposed road trip Jackson took after 9/11, from New York to Los Angeles, with Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor.
Following a resoundingly negative reaction to the episode – which features Fiennes in late-period Jackson make-up and regalia – Sky have taken the decision to pull the show.
Among those expressing their horror at the portrayal of Jackson was the late singer’s daughter Paris, who Tweeted: “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.”
Sky have released a statement explaining the cancellation: “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.”
