Initially when I read that actor Joseph Fiennes would be portraying Michael Jackson in a TV show I thought it was a joke! Unfortunately yesterday I discovered that the rumors were in fact true. As a Michael Jackson fan it bothered me that a white man was cast to portray an iconic African American music star.
Many people on social media (specifically African Americans) were outraged about the news of the casting and blamed Hollywood executives for who they believed were once again trying to erase black culture. Some people actually agreed with the decision and responded with comments like, “Michael Jackson wanted to be white anyway”. Even Joseph Fiennes made a statement saying that he was actually closer to Michael Jackson’s skin complexion.
If you are a true fan of Michael Jackson you would know that he suffered from a skin condition called vitiligo which causes your skin to lose pigmentation. Michael admitted in the past that he did use cream to help even out his skin tone.
In a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Michael was asked about claims that he wanted a white child to play him in a Pepsi commercial. Michael responded with the statement below.
“That is so stupid,” he answered. “That’s the most ridiculous, horrifying story I’ve ever heard. It’s crazy. I mean, why? Number one, it’s my face as a child in the commercial. Me, when I was little. Why would I want a white child to play me? I’m a black American. I’m proud to be a black American. I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am. I have a lot of pride in who I am and dignity.”
The 30-minute comedy, titled “Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon,” will be televised on the Britain satellite TV channel Sky Arts some time in 2016. The show will be about a road trip that Michael supposedly took in 2011 with his close friends Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando.
What are your thoughts?
Photo Credit: The Grio
Source: Economic Times
