The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Writer says Urban Myths move was ‘wrong decision’
Neil Forsyth claims scrapping show sets ‘worrying precedent’
A Broughty Ferry writer has warned the decision not to screen a comedy about Michael Jackson following complaints from the singer’s family sets a “worrying precedent” for the arts.
Bob Servant writer Neil Forsyth had penned two episodes of Sky Arts’ forthcoming Urban Myths series.
His first episode – which explores the relationship between playwright Samuel Beckett and Andre the Giant – will air on January 26.
But the channel decided not to screen his second episode, Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon, which dramatised a road trip undertaken by Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brandon following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
It was a dramatisation of an urban myth that the trio had to rent a car to drive from New York to California when planes were grounded in the wake of 9/11.
The comedy had attracted controversy because Joseph Fiennes had been cast as Michael Jackson, rather than a black actor.
Jackson’s daughter, Paris-Michael Jackson, had criticised the episode on Twitter, saying she had been “incredibly offended” by it and Sky Arts then decided to scrap the broadcast.
Forsyth said: “I’m limited as to what I can say, but I can say I think it was the wrong decision and it’s been gratifying to see that’s largely been the response to it.
“While I understand the debate about the casting, I think pulling the show was the wrong way to have that debate, and it sets a worrying precedent for anyone in the creative industries.”