Michael Jackson Told Oprah A White Actor Playing Him Would Be ‘Horrifying’ In This Interview

Recently, it was announced that actor Joseph Fiennes would portray iconic superstar Michael Jackson in the British TV comedy Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon, which is inspired by a rumored trip that Liz Taylor, MJ, and Marlon Brandon made across the United States together, following the 9/11 attacks.

The casting of Fiennes as Michael has caused a lot of controversy, and has led many people to wonder what Michael himself would think of the selection. Well, now we have an idea, courtesy of this 23-year-old interview between the King of Pop and Oprah Winfrey.

At the 23:48 mark, Oprah asks Michael about a rumor that he wanted a white child to play him in a Pepsi commercial, and the latter’s response, well, says it all: “That’s the most ridiculous, horrifying story I’ve ever heard. It’s crazy. Why would I want a white child to play me? I’m a black American. I am proud to be a black American. I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am.”

That statement seems pretty clear as to where he would stand. Whether that will have any bearing on the film’s progression, that remains to be seen. Check out the full interview above.

(Via Billboard)

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