This week, Sky Arts released the rather bizarre first trailer for the eight-part miniseries Urban Myths, featuring a host of actors portraying recognisable celebrities and historical figures from recent history.
One instalment in particular, Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon, came in for criticism due to the casting of Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson, leading to an online petition criticising the whitewashing of the King of Pop and calls to boycott the film.
Well, after attracting almost 22,000 signatures, it looks like the petition has now been successful, as Sky Arts has officially pulled the episode in question, as well as removing the original trailer.
“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”, a spokeperson for Sky Arts told Mashable. “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.”
Is Sky Arts right to pull the episode? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
Originally published January 13, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
