One day before “Michael” is set to be released in theaters, Kat Graham has confirmed that all her scenes have been cut from the film.
In March 2024, Variety reported that Graham was cast in the biopic about Michael Jackson’s life and would play Diana Ross. But when fans head to theaters to see the movie, they will notice that Graham’s portrayal of the music legend is nowhere to be seen.
Graham addressed her scenes being removed from the final cut in a statement shared on her Instagram story April 23.
“Ahead of the April 24 release of the Michael Jackson film, I want to share that certain legal considerations affected a few scenes, including the ones I filmed with an incredible cast,” she wrote.
The 36-year-old actor continued, “Unfortunately, those moments are no longer part of the final cut, though the team worked hard to preserve as much of the story as possible.”
When her casting was first announced, Graham shared how excited she was to take on the role.
“Grateful to play the legendary Diana Ross… directed by the great @AntoineFuqua,” she captioned an Instagram post in March 2024 that included a screenshot of the casting news. “I can’t wait for everyone to see this film and the brilliant performances in it. Thank you Graham King, Vickie Thomas and Mr. Fuqua for allowing me the privilege of supporting the retelling of such a pivotal era in our music history.”
Michael Jackson and Ross were friends who shared the stage together multiple times, including during the 1981 “Diana” television special and at the 1984 American Music Awards. They also both starred in “The Wiz” in 1978.
“Michael,” which hits theaters April 24 and is directed by Antoine Fuqua, tells the story of the icon’s rise to fame in the Jackson 5 before he branched out and pursued a solo career, hoping to become the biggest artist in the world. Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, is making his film debut to portray Michael Jackson, showing off his acting, singing and dancing skills.
He is surrounded by an all-star cast, including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Mike Myers as Walter Yetnikoff and Miles Teller as John Branca. Additionally, rising star Juliano Valdi portrays the young version of Michael Jackson.
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