Why Kat Graham’s scenes as Diana Ross were cut from 'Michael' movie?
The upcoming biopic 'Michael,' about the King of Pop, will be missing a key figure from the singer's early life. Kat Graham, who played 'The Supremes' singer Diana Ross in the film, recently revealed that her role has been cut from the movie. On Thursday, the actress posted on X, "Ahead of the April 24 release of the Michael Jackson film, I want to share that 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 Swiss-born actress has previously worked in shows like 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'Hannah Montana' in addition to films like 'Love in the Villa,' 'Tyler Perry’s Duplicity,' and 'How It Ends.'
Ross' absence from the film is a huge disappointment to fans as she was an influential figure in the legendary singer's life and career. Ross first met Michael in his childhood in the late 1960s when he was a member of 'Jackson 5' along with his brothers. Despite Ross being 14 years older than Michael, the two shared a close bond that lasted for the rest of their lives. Michael was reportedly in love with her and had written the romantic song 'Remember the Time' (1992) for Ross, as per his brother, Jermaine Jackson. Furthermore, the 'Billie Jean' singer described Ross as his "mother, sister, and lover all combined in one" in his 1988 autobiography, 'Moonwalk.'
Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portrays the iconic musician in the biopic. Colman Domingo steps into the role of his father, Joe Jackson, and Nia Long stars as his mother, Katherine Jackson. Other members of his family are portrayed by Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson, Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson, Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson, Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson, and Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson. Miles Teller plays the superstar's manager and an entertainment lawyer, John Branca, with Laura Harrier starring as Suzanne de Passe, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, and Mike Myers as Walter Yetnikoff. The family's other talented singer, Janet Jackson, declined to be a part of the biopic, her sister La Toya revealed at the film's premiere.
Antoine Fuqua, famed for helming 2001's 'Training Day,' has directed, and the screenplay is by John Logan. The story covers Michael's life from the 1960s to the 1980s, starting with his involvement with the 'Jackson 5,' his meteoric rise, and culminating in his first solo concert tour, the Bad World Tour (1987-1989). The film is produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain and is slated to hit theaters on April 24.
