Kat Graham exits Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’ due to legal issues

New York, Ap 24: Actress Kat Graham will no longer portray Diana Ross in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael, director Antoine Fuqua’s film produced by Lionsgate, due to “legal considerations,” the actor confirmed on social media. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, in the lead role, with an ensemble cast including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, as well as Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, and Larenz Tate. Graham stated that “certain legal considerations affected a few scenes, including ones I filmed with an incredible cast,” noting that these moments will not appear in the final cut. The biopic has already attracted attention for its evolving narrative. Earlier reports indicated that initial cuts addressed allegations of child sexual abuse linked to Jackson, but revisions removed those sequences, and a second film focusing on Jackson’s later life is reportedly in development. Jaafar Jackson, 29, performs Jackson’s iconic songs including Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean, marking his acting debut. He shared that he kept his casting a secret from his family for a year and aimed to watch the film without critique. Graham, known for The Vampire Diaries, has recently appeared in Love in the Villa and Tyler Perry’s Duplicity.