Sky Arts Finally Listens To Reason & Axes Michael Jackson Comedy Starring Joseph Fiennes

It took the vocal disgust of Michael Jackson's daughter to do it, but UK TV network Sky Arts has cancelled the episode of upcoming series Urban Myths set to feature Joseph Fiennes starring as the late pop icon.

Despite broad condemnation of the casting decision last year — including from extended family members such as nephew Taj, who disparaged the whole project — Sky Arts and all involved soldiered ahead with defending and making the episode.

The half-hour tale was set to recount a tale about Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando, the latter two played by Stockard Channing and Brian Cox, and their alleged attempts to get across the United States in a rental car following the attacks of September 11, 2001.

However, as NME reports, Sky has ultimately decided to nix the episode following comments made by Jackson's daughter, Paris, after seeing its trailer, in which she said the depiction of her late father "ma[de] her want to vomit" and was a "shameful portrayal". The network says they have Fiennes' full support in the call to cancel the episode.

"We have taken the decision not to broadcast Elizabeth, Michael & 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 statement read.

"We set out to take a light-hearted look at reportedly true events and never intended to cause any offence."

Paris Jackson has already expressed her appreciation for the decision, tweeting, "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".

Taj Jackson also commented, thanking his fans for "continu[ing] to fight for my Uncle Michael's legacy".

Sky Arts has removed the trailer from its online channels.

The remainder of the Urban Myths series is due to make its debut in the UK this month.

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