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( 4UMF NEWS ) Michael Jackson Comedy Pulled Following Criticism: The European pay-TV company Sky has scrapped its plans to air an episode of “Urban Myths” that depicts a road trip shared between Michael Jackson, actress Elizabeth Taylor and the “Godfather,” Marlon Brando. The problem arose from Jackson’s casting: the role went to white actor Joseph Fiennes (“Risen”) and subsequently spurred claims of “whitewashing.” “We have taken the decision not to broadcast ‘Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon,’” a Sky spokesperson said. “In light of the concerns expressed by Michael Jackson’s immediate family. 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’s daughter Paris called Fiennes’ portrayal of her father “shameful” after the trailer was released this week. On Twitter, she wrote: “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.” Michael Jackson's ’s nephew, Taj, further berated the supposedly playful “Urban Myths” episode. On Twitter he wrote, “Unfortunately this is what my family has to deal with. No words could express the blatant disrespect.” The portrayal of Taylor also drew the ire of Paris Jackson, the deceased actress’ goddaughter, Variety reports. Paris tweeted, “It angers me to see how obviously intentional it was for them to be this insulting, not just towards my father, but my godmother Liz as well.” “Where’s the respect?” she added. “They worked through blood, sweat and tears for ages to create such profound and remarkable legacies. Shameful portrayal.” “Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon” was intended to shed comical light on an apparent road trip shared by the three celebrities following 9/11. The trip was reportedly taken out of Manhattan in a cheat rental car during the panic after the attacks, the Telegraph writes. The authenticity of the story has also been questioned, with Telegraph writing, “It comes from a 2011 Vanity Fair feature, which attributes the story to an unnamed employee of Jackson’s, and is supported by quotes from the actor Corey Feldman. But one of Taylor’s ‘close friends’ has denied the story.” Author Zadie Smith turned the “adventure” into a short story called “Escape from New York,” which was published in the New Yorker. Source

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