Paris Jackson has expressed surprise over the shock cancellation of the upcoming episode of anthology series Urban Myths: A Brand New Collection of TV Comedies that featured Joseph Fiennes playing her father, the late Michael Jackson.
‘I’m surprised the family’s feelings were actually taken into consideration for once, we all really do appreciate it more than y’all know,’ Paris tweeted in response to one of her follower’s comments about the decision by Sky Arts.
Earlier on in the week, the 18-year-old had labelled the decision to use a white actor to portray her father as ‘insulting’.
I am so incredibly offended by it, as I’m sure plenty of people are as well, and it honestly makes me want to vomit,” she said, also lashing out over her godmother, Elizabeth Taylor, being played by actress Stockard Channing.
“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 as well.”
Urban Myths: A Brand New Collection of TV Comedies is an eight-part series that recreates rumored stories about celebrities.
In the episode Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon, Fiennes portrays the late singer on an alleged road trip that Michael supposedly took with Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brandon after September 11. 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The release of the trailer earlier this week was met with huge criticism – including a petition to boycott the episode, which has since attracted more than 20,000 signatures.
‘We have taken the decision not to broadcast Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon, a 30min episode from the Sky Arts Urban Myths,’ the statement said.
‘This decision was taken 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 & never intended to cause any offence. Joseph Fiennes fully supports our decision.’
Other members of the Jackson family also expressed their relief at the episode being pulled, including T.J Jackson – the son of Michael’s brother, Tito – who wrote on social media:
‘Thank you to everyone who made their voices heard. As I said it wasn’t a comedy, it was a mockery with no taste. A great victory for his legacy.’
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