Earlier this week, UK network Sky TV copped a roasting when it released a trailer for the upcoming comedy series Urban Myths, featuring Joseph Feinnes as king of pop Michael Jackson.
Each episode of the series revolves around a particular urban legend concerning celebrities, and the one in question was all about Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando taking a “wild road trip” after 9/11.
MJ’s own daughter Paris Jackson was one of many who complained when the trailer hit, saying that it made her want to “vomit” when she saw it, and accusing Sky of disrespecting her father’s legacy.
Sky TV clearly had second thoughts, as overnight, the network released a statement saying that the upcoming episode, due to air next week, had been pulled from its schedule. They explained:
“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.”
Earlier this week, director Ben Palmer defended the decision to cast Feinnes in the role, saying:
“We were really looking for the performance that could unlock the spirit, and we really think Joe Fiennes has done that. He’s given a really sweet, nuanced, characterful performance.”
Until it inevitably leaks onto the internet at some point, the above trailer is the only glimpse we’ll get at this bizarre little piece of TV history.
Source: NPR.
Photo: C Flanigan / Getty.
