We’re guessing that this falls into the category of “good surprise” for Paris Jackson.
Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris, logged onto Twitter on Friday to express gratitude that Sky Arts had decided not to air an episode of the upcoming series “Urban Myths” featuring actor Joseph Fiennes portraying her father.
She also acknowledged that she didn’t think it would happen.
“I’m surprised the family’s feelings were actually taken into consideration for once,” Jackson wrote. “We all really do appreciate it more than y’all know.”
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. https://t.co/MdOZgP3tD7
— Paris-Michael K. J. (@ParisJackson) January 13, 2017
Paris went on to explain the motivation behind her speaking out, tweeting:
@MJTheRockStar7 just trying to show people that it’s definitely possible to make a difference when you stand up and speak out.
– Paris-Michael K. J. (@ParisJackson) January 13, 2017
@rockwithxu i will defend him until my last breath
– Paris-Michael K. J. (@ParisJackson) January 13, 2017
British television outlet Sky said Friday that it had decided to pull the episode following public backlash, adding that Fiennes “fully supports” the choice to do so.
“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,” the British TV channel said Friday through a spokesman. “We set out to take a light-hearted look at reportedly true events and never intended to cause any offense. Joseph Fiennes fully supports our decision.”
Jackson was among those voicing concerns over the portrayal, saying in no uncertain terms Thursday that the portrayal, saying that it “makes me want to vomit.”
Jackson declared herself “incredibly offended” after a trailer for the episode went online this week, adding, “As I’m sure plenty of people are as well, and it honestly makes me want to vomit.”
The now-scrapped episode was based on a Vanity Fair story in which a former employee of Jackson’s claimed that the pop star invited Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor to see him perform in New York City prior to the 9/11 attacks.
But after the terrorist attacks that toppled the World Trade Center towers, the story goes that the three rented a car and tried to drive back to California on their own, making it as far as Ohio.
Brian Cox was featured in the episode as Brando, while Stockard Channing portrayed Taylor in the filmed version of the alleged events.
Fiennes’ portrayal of the “Beat It” singer drew particular criticism from the public. An online petition called for a boycott of the series based on the casting.