Kat Graham's Scenes Cut from Michael Jackson Biopic: Legal Issues and Reshoots Revealed
Kat Graham reveals why her scenes as Diana Ross were cut from the Michael Jackson biopic, citing legal considerations and major reshoots affecting the film's narrative.
Kat Graham has explained the reasons behind the removal of her scenes from the recently released Michael Jackson biopic, Michael.
In 2024, it was announced that The Vampire Diaries star would portray Diana Ross. At the time, Graham expressed it was a “privilege” and an honor to support the retelling of a pivotal era in music history.
However, on Thursday, April 23, a day before the film's UK release, Graham addressed her absence from the Antoine Fuqua-directed film via social media.
"I want to share that certain legal considerations affected a few scenes, including ones I filmed with an incredible cast," she wrote.
"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."
— Kat Graham (@KatGraham) April 23, 2026
The film underwent significant reshoots after the third act was deemed unusable. A Variety report indicated that the initial third act was intended to explore the impact of child molestation allegations on Jackson.
Reportedly, Jackson’s estate paid around $15 million for reshoots following the emergence of a clause barring Jordan Chandler from being depicted on screen, due to an out-of-court settlement. While Graham didn’t specify, her scenes were likely cut due to these changes.
Michael Film Review
NME gave the film three stars, with Nick Levine noting the “bizarre” omission of key figures like Ross and his sister, Janet Jackson.
"Michael feels like a job well done: it’s a slick, accessible advert for Jackson’s incredible imperial phase,” he continued. “But if the singer’s estate wanna be startin’ somethin’ bigger like a film franchise, they’ll have their work cut out.”
Jackson and Ross shared a close relationship after meeting during his time with the Jackson 5, and she defended him after the release of Leaving Neverland.
The HBO documentary featured allegations from Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who accused Jackson of sexual abuse during their childhood. Jackson denied any wrongdoing until his death in 2009.
After the film’s 2019 release, she posted: “This is what’s on my heart this morning. I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is A magnificent incredible force to me and to many others.”
More recently, Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed criticized the new biopic and claimed that the musician was “worse than Jeffrey Epstein.”
Related Articles
Listen to Kat Graham on Foxsoundi. Click here to listen!
Comments (0)
Login to comment