Following row over Joseph Fiennes casting

Sky has dropped its controversial comedy episode in which Joseph Fiennes plays Michael Jackson.

The episode of Urban Myths had caused a story for casting a white actor in the role, with the pop star’s daughter Paris saying: ‘|'m so incredibly offended by it, as I''m sure plenty of people are as well, and it honestly makes me want to vomit.’

The episode revolved around the story that Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brandon took a road trip to Ohio to flee New York after 9/11.The film also starred Stockard Channing as Taylor and Brian Cox as Brando and also featured one  Carrie Fisher’s final roles, playing a waitress in a diner.

In an official statement released this morning, Sky said: ‘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.

‘We set out to take a light-hearted look at reportedly true events and never intended to cause any offence. Joseph Fiennes fully supports our decision.’

The first series of Urban Myths starts next Thursday, with the story of Bob Dylan, who decides to play an impromptu visit to his friend and fellow musician Dave Stewart at home. But he gets the wrong house, and it turns out to be the home of Dave Stewart the plumber – and a massive fan of Dylan’s.

Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon had been due to form part of the second series, scheduled for April

Our episode guide is here.

Published: 13 Jan 2017