Actor Joseph Fiennes received backlash after the media caught wind of his depiction of Michael Jackson on the show Urban Myths. Jacksons family was outraged by the episode, partly because the actor cast for his role was caucasian. Paris Jackson, Michael Jacksons daughter, claimed the trailer of the episode “makes her want to vomit”. She went to twitter to express her distaste. “Where is the respect?” Paris asked. “They worked through blood, sweat and tears for ages to create such profound and remarkable legacies.”
However, Paris Jackson was not the only one to express outrage. Following the release of the trailer, social media erupted into a fire storm. Several petitions sprung up on twitter calling for the episode to never be put on air. The series was created by Sky Arts Production Company.
“We have taken the decision not to broadcast Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon, a half-hour episode from Sky Arts Urban Myths series, in light of concerns expressed by Michael Jacksons immediate family,” Sky Arts said in a statement, “We set out to take a look at lighthearted look at reportedly true events and never intended to cause any offense.”
The premise of the episode is centered around Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marlon Brandon after 9/11. Due to the grounding of all aircrafts, the trio is forced to partake in a road trip from New York to Los Angeles.