13 "Offensive" TV Episodes That Embarrassed Their Creators

2. "Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon" - Urban Myths

Urban Myths Joseph Fiennes Michael Jackson
Sky

Sky's drama TV series is an anthology compendium of various tall tales involving celebrities, and one episode attracted particular attention - and controversy - after it depicted Michael Jackson taking a road trip across the U.S. with Liz Taylor (Stockard Channing) and Marlon Brando (Brian Cox).

The teaser trailer released for the episode, featuring Joseph Fiennes playing Jackson underneath a distracting amount of prosthetics and make-up, was widely lambasted online as disrespectful of the pop icon's legacy. Jackson's family were also heavily critical of the teaser, leading to Sky ultimately scrapping the episode.

Though the aired episodes received solid praise from critics, clearly this one fell short of the mark tonally and production-wise. Though Fiennes insisted his portrayal came from a loving, respectful place, the vitriol from fans and Jackson's family was totally understandable.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.