They say 'imitation is the highest form of flattery' but it will never sit well with any member who lost a family.
Usually, the bereaved gathers and celebrates the tributes to their loved ones - especially legendary icons such as Michael Jackson.
On Wednesday, SkyArts have released a 50-seconder teaser of "Urban Myths". It was the first time Joseph Fienne's portrayal of the King of Pop was shown to the public. And it obviously didn't get its foreseen reception from the family and the internet.
Paris' Reaction On Twitter
Jackson's daughter, Paris, took to Twitter her dismay and revealed she was sure that she is not alone in feeling 'incredibly offended' by the portrayal of Joseph Fiennes as his late father.
Her cousin, Taj Jackson also expressed his disappointment in a tweet quoting, "Unfortunately this is what my family has to deal with. No words could express the blatant disrespect."
It is clear that not only Paris and Taj Jackson were stunned but also MJ's fans and other netizens. MJ fans have already called to boycott the show ahead of its premiere episode on January 19.
The announcement of having Joseph Fiennes play the role of the African-American singer was surrounded by controversy last year.
Fiennes rose to fame with his role as William Shakespeare in 'Shakespeare in Love.' ET reports that he's "as shocked as you may be" that he is playing as Michael Jackson in the comedy series.
The 'Urban Myths' And Its Tales
The 'Urban Myths' is a season of comedies from Sky Arts that looks at remarkable stories from icons.
The episode with Fiennes features the trio of Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson and Marlon Brando, flee post-9/11 New York to Boston in a rental car together.
The show also include depictions of urban celebrity folklore like 18-year-old Adolf Hitler attempting to get into art school, Muhammad Ali saving a suicidal man; and more stories that may or may not have happened in real life.
Popular actors such as Rupert Grint who plays the role of Adolf Hitler's friend (portrayed by Ihwan Rheon), the late Carrie Fisher as a diner burger flipper, Brian Cox, Stockard Channing, David Threlfall, Eddie Marsan, Noel Clarke and Katherine Parkinson are also part of the show.
At the end of each episode, the comedies aim to tickle the viewers' imagination and have answers to the question, "if these events really did happen, how they might have played out?"
Watch the 50-second teaser of SkyArts' upcoming series featuring Fiennes as Michael Jackson:
