Michael Jackson fans will not be able to see actress Kat Graham play Diana Ross in the upcoming biopic Michael.
Graham took to social media on Thursday to confirm that scenes she filmed as the legendary Supremes singer did not end up in the final Lionsgate cut of the film due to “certain legal considerations.” The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, hits theaters Friday, and stars Jackson’s nephew Jafar Jackson as the pop star, Colman Domingo as his father Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as mother Katherine. Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, and Larenz Tate round out the cast.
“Prior to the release of The Michael Jackson Movie on April 24, I want to share with you that some legal considerations affected some scenes, including those I shot with an amazing crew,” Graham posted to X. “Unfortunately, these moments are no longer part of the final cut, although the team worked hard to preserve as much of the story as possible.”
THR It was previously reported that a longer initial version of the film was being prepared to feature scenes showing Jackson dealing with allegations of child sexual abuse. The third act included the portrayal of the defendant whose previous settlement with the performer’s estate stipulated that he would never be cast, which led to the film being retooled. A second film focusing on the last part of Jackson’s life before his death in 2009 was in development from Lionsgate.
Jackson shared a close relationship with Ross after they met during his time as a child with the Jackson 5. His brother Jermaine Jackson said Michael Jackson wrote the romantic song “Remember the Time” in 1992 with Ross in mind.
Graham is known for her role in the series The Vampire Diaries And for modern features like Love in the villa and Tyler Perry’s duality.
In his country Michael Review for THR“, leading film critic David Rooney called the film “surprisingly moving” and also noted that “the film leaves itself open to accusations of saintifying Michael, which will not appeal to canceled audiences.”
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