LOS ANGELES: The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael will no longer feature actress Kat Graham as Diana Ross, a role she had previously filmed, due to “legal considerations,” the actor has confirmed on social media, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Lionsgate, the film stars Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role. The ensemble cast also includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, alongside Miles Teller, Laura Harrier and Larenz Tate.
Writing on X, Graham said: “Certain legal considerations affected a few scenes, including ones I filmed with an incredible cast. Unfortunately, these moments are no longer part of the final cut, though the team worked hard to preserve as much of the story as possible.”
The film has already attracted attention for revisions to its narrative structure. Earlier reports suggested that an initial version included material addressing child sexual abuse allegations linked to Jackson, including dramatised sequences involving an accuser whose settlement agreement reportedly limited portrayal. That storyline was later reworked, and a second film focusing on later aspects of Jackson’s life is said to be in development.
Jackson and Diana Ross shared a long-standing personal and professional relationship dating back to his early years with the Jackson 5. His brother Jermaine Jackson has previously said that Michael Jackson wrote the 1992 song Remember the Time with Ross in mind.
Jaafar Jackson, aged 29 and making his acting debut, portrays his uncle across key moments of his career, performing iconic tracks including Beat It, Thriller, Billie Jean and Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.
In interviews, Jaafar said he kept his casting secret from close family for a year, explaining that he initially tried to avoid over-analysing his performance when watching the film for the first time.
Graham, known for The Vampire Diaries, has also appeared in films such as Love in the Villa and Tyler Perry’s Duplicity.
(With inputs from ANI)