Joseph Fiennes’s performance in Sky TV series Urban Myths where he portrayed Michael Jackson in an episode, was criticized and not received well by the viewers. He described it as “satirical” while others called it “shameful”. The show was eventually cancelled in January before airing, ET reports.
The 46-year-old actor defended the role in a recent interview with Vulture. He says he was fine with people not supporting the choice.
“Well, it’s a satire, so we have to look at it through that lens. The depiction of the three characters [Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando] is very satirical, comic, lighthearted, to examine the disconnect of iconic celebrity,” Fiennes explained. “But it’s good that people stand up for [what they believe], and I’m all for that. I’m all for that discussion, and it means a lot to me and my fellow actors to talk about casting, getting it right, getting it wrong, and then if there’s a mistake, to examine that mistake and talk about it.”
“Maybe the controversy is good if it brings about discussion. But it is satire. It’s a 20-minute sketch, and it’s lighthearted,” the actor continued, before comparing his controversial portrayal to Saturday Night Live imitation on Jackson.
“It’s funny, because not so long ago, there was an SNL sketch where an actress played Michael Jackson and no one batted an eyelid,” he said. “It’s no less offensive than anything on SNL. That’s the level of offense.”
“Should we shut down the arts and directors and writers based on that, which has happened?” Fiennes added. “If you don’t like the comedian, don’t go see him, but do you shut him and his satirical material down? Do you become a totalitarian state where you go, that’s offensive?”
He says he doesn’t regret his decision and would love people to see it and get into a discussion. He wouldn’t have done it if it had been offensive and would have been embarrassed, but he insisted it wasn’t.
“No, [I don’t regret taking the part]. In life, you can’t avoid getting into hot water. It’s all lessons and learning. As an actor, you take on roles, and nobody has seen it, so nobody can even have the full comment because they haven’t witnessed it,” he shared. “But it’s all about discussion, and I’m up for having a debate, talking about it, and not shying away from it. If it brings about debate and helps change things for the good, then I’m all for it.”
Fiennes, who now stars on Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, described his portrayal as a “light comedy look,” during his interview on ET last year.
“It’s not in any way malicious,” he said. “It’s actually endearing.”
