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White Actor Joseph Fiennes Cast as Michael Jackson in Upcoming Project

Posted byBy Ricky Riley | Published on: | Updated on January 30, 2016 CommentsComments (1)

joseph-fiennesBritish actor Joseph Fiennes will portray the legendary King of Pop Michael Jackson in an one off 30 minute comedy which is part of the Urban Myths TV show depicting his life, according to new reports. As many may suspect Fiennes is a white male. Jackson is Black.

This casting choice seems to spit in the face of those talking about increasing diversity in Hollywood and in the British film industry. In fact, the #OscarsSoWhite movement has highlighted the undervaluation of Black actors and actresses in roles that have shown off their talent.

Actors like Jada Pinkett Smith and Idris Elba have made strong stances in Hollywood and the British film industry by announcing a boycott and talking to Parliament, respectively. Why would anyone cast a white actor when there are talented Black British actors available? The show runners must realize that Fiennes’ portrayal of Jackson is Blackface and culturally repulsive. Just in case, Twitter reminded them.

https://twitter.com/TheOrlandoJones/status/692483788912381952

https://twitter.com/Luvvie/status/692118902168485888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/_nicomadden/status/692156513939542018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/keyedhiscar/status/686652287838625792

https://twitter.com/Lexialex/status/692357160785678336

The story goes that Jackson invited actors Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando to his concert at Madison Square Garden. Allegedly, in September 2001, Jackson, Taylor and Brando were driving from New York to Ohio in an attempt to get home following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in NYC.

“I got the script the other day,” Fiennes told WENN. “It’s a challenge. It’s a comedy. It doesn’t poke mean fun, but it’s a story, possibly urban legend, whereby Michael, Marlon Brando and Liz Taylor were all together the day before 9/11 doing a concert. Airspace was shut down and they couldn’t get out and Michael had the bright idea to go to hire a car and drive.”

For those who long for Blackface shenanigans, the episode will broadcast on British TV on Sky Arts.

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