Michael Jackson Show With White Actor Cancelled After Backlash, Jackson Family Reacts

Television By TooFab Staff |
Getty/Sky Arts

We won't be seeing Joseph Fiennes play the King of Pop after all, as Sky Arts' "Urban Myths" episode about Michael Jackson has officially been canceled following protest from the late singer's family.

"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," Sky said in a statement. "We set out to take a lighthearted look at reportedly true events and never intended to cause any offense. Joseph Fiennes fully supports our decision."

The episode centered around MJ's rumored road trip from NYC to Los Angeles with Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor after 9/11. Joining Fiennes in the episode were Stockard Channing as Liz and Brian Cox as Brando. Much of the criticism was directed at Fiennes though, as many were angry a white man would be playing Jackson.

"I'm surprised the family's feelings were actually taken into consideration for once," Michael's daughter, Paris Jackson, tweeted following the decision. "We all really do appreciate it more than y'all know."

Michael's nephews TJ and Taj Jackson -- Tito's sons -- reacted to the show's cancelation earlier this morning:

Paris previously expressed her displeasure over the film earlier this week on Twitter as well.

Watch the trailer for the project below: