GettyMichael Jackson’s only daughter, Paris, was outraged and deeply offended by a portrayal of her father in a new comedy series.
Sky Arts caused controversy a year ago when they announced they had cast Joseph Fiennes as the King of Pop in their new show Urban Myths: A Brand New Collection of Comedies, and have sparked more with the release of the trailer yesterday.
Paris took to Twitter to slam the portrayal which stars Fiennes as MJ in a tale about his alleged roadtrip across America with Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando after 9/11.
Sky ArtsIn response to the clip, which includes a comedic portrayal of her godmother Elizabeth Taylor, Paris wrote:
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 as well.
Where is the respect? They worked through blood sweat and tears for ages to create such profound and remarkable legacies. Shameful portrayal.
https://twitter.com/ParisJackson/status/819310838708256769
The 18-year-old actress and model responded to the MJ Cast twitter account who were ‘sickened’ by it.
[tweet https://twitter.com/ParisJackson/status/819312995310260224 conversation=”false”]
[tweet https://twitter.com/ParisJackson/status/819313438358847489 conversation=”false”]
The trailer caused a huge stir on Twitter, with many outraged at Fiennes’ impersonation of the Thriller star:
https://twitter.com/LifeCoachCinda/status/819178798063226881
Ohh hell nooo! Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson is terrifying, they should have just casted one of them impersonators lurking the streets.
— BATGIRL. (@AreeshaaY) January 11, 2017
People are calling it ‘scary and disturbing’…
I hope people stop sharing that Joseph fiennes picture as Michael Jackson. It's really scary and disturbing.
— Nichelle (@nichelleimaniTV) January 11, 2017
Though some people found the portrayal hilarious…
I think Joseph Fiennes will make an excellent Michael Jackson. Can't wait!
— Jon Levine (@LevineJonathan) January 11, 2017
Transcendent Films claims that people were not understanding the context and concept…
Joseph Fiennes as #MichaelJackson is brilliant! Laughed during the trailer. If only people understood the context and concept!
— Transcendent Films (@Tr_Films101) January 11, 2017
The original debate that the series sparked was questioning why a white skinned actors was playing one of the most famous black people in history
It was argued that, after all his plastic surgery, Michael Jackson had white skin, so it would make sense to use a white person in a physical portrayal of him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le7214gXqB0
The series features a collection of myths about famous faces and leaders, with Stockard Channing playing Elizabeth Taylor, and Brian Cox as Marlon Brando.
Sky describe the series as ‘tongue-in-cheek’ and ‘mischevious’ and Fiennes said ‘It’s a light comedy look. It’s not in any way malicious. It’s actually endearing’.
