Yesterday we saw the first trailer for Urban Myths, the half hour ‘comedy’ show which is due to air on Sky Arts in a weeks time and it’s safe to say that the response so far hasn’t been great.
The trailer had lots of people talking on social media this evening but unfortunately for them it was for all the wrong reasons. The source of anger has mostly stemmed from their portrayal of Michael Jackson who is played by Joseph Fiennes’. Although his part in the trailer is only minor it’s been enough to cause a knee jerk reaction from some of Michael Jackson’s family.
Why? Well just take a look!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le7214gXqB0
Jackson’s nephew, Taj Jackson and daughter, Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson took it to Twitter, like most people do nowadays, to voice their displeasure at how Michael is portrayed on the show, with Taj tweeting:
@soledadobrien Unfortunately this is what my family has to deal with. No words could express the blatant disrespect. https://t.co/WKCiwOqPpN
— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) January 11, 2017
His tweet came in response to journalist Soledad O’Brien, who had criticized the decision of Fiennes’ casting over Twitter this afternoon with the following tweet:
I woke up feeling like it's going to be a beautiful day and then I remembered this is someone's idea of Michael Jackson: pic.twitter.com/sG8oxEUfs0
— Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) January 11, 2017
Paris-Michael. K. Jackson also shared her thoughts on the project in which she condemned the show for being ‘insulting’ and offensive.
https://twitter.com/ParisJackson/status/819310838708256769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/ParisJackson/status/819312995310260224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/ParisJackson/status/819313438358847489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
One does have to take into consideration the feelings of the family members when it comes to the King of Pops portrayal. Having been under the microscope throughout his whole life and having suffered many controversies over his illustrious career, it’s a tricky situation when it comes to portraying such an iconic personality.
However, I think we can all agree on how ridiculous the prosthetics look which has been intentionally done to ridicule the late singer.
Urban Myths will be showing on Sky Arts on January 19th.
Our Urban Myths are stories that have been passed down over time and have now become part of urban folklore. But are they true? We take a slightly tongue in cheek, mischievous – and deliberately ambiguous – look at what might have happened.
Did you enjoy the trailer for Urban Myths? Will you be watching the show? Sound off down below!