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Controversial Michael Jackson skit cancelled

Humour may be subjective, but it certainly isn’t above criticism. Some missteps are just so embarrassing that they’re almost immediately retracted as soon as they see the light of the day. Well, that is what happened with an upcoming episode […]

Humour may be subjective, but it certainly isn’t above criticism. Some missteps are just so embarrassing that they’re almost immediately retracted as soon as they see the light of the day.

Well, that is what happened with an upcoming episode of Urban Myths. The show has already been cancelled due to the universally negative reaction to Joseph Fiennes starring as the late pop singer Michael Jackson.

Members of Jackson’s family came out against the program, condemning it as shameful and sickening. Paris Jackson, eighteen-year-old daughter of the late singer, tweeted in response to the Urban Myth trailer, “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.”

https://twitter.com/ParisJackson/status/819313438358847489

This is not the first sign of controversy for the show. A petition  was launched last year over the casting of white-skinned Joseph Fiennes to play African-American Michael Jackson, accusing the program of “blackface”. Urban Myths is based on portrayals on myths about famous people throughout history. It is set to be aired on Sky Arts.

Jackson’s daughter, Paris, also tweeted about her feelings to the episode’s cancellation. She said, “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.”

You can see the trailer below, containing footage of Fiennes’ now excised portrayal of Michael Jackson.