TODAY’S PAPER | April 23, 2026 | EPAPER

Kat Graham reveals her Diana Ross role was cut from Michael Jackson biopic

Michael is set to hit theatres on April 24, 2026


Pop Culture & Art April 23, 2026 1 min read
Photo: Instagram @katgraham

Kat Graham has confirmed that her role as Diana Ross was ultimately removed from the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael due to legal considerations.

Graham shared that although she filmed scenes portraying the legendary Motown icon, they did not make it into the final cut of the film ahead of its April 2026 release.

In a statement, the actress explained that “certain legal considerations” affected several scenes in the movie, including her own, leading to their removal during post-production.

Graham had originally been announced in 2024 as part of the film’s ensemble cast, which chronicles the life and career of Michael Jackson, played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson.

The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, focuses primarily on Jackson’s early rise to fame and his global success, though it has undergone multiple edits amid sensitivities surrounding aspects of his life story.

Diana Ross, a major figure in music history and a close associate of Jackson, was expected to appear as part of the narrative, given her role in helping introduce The Jackson 5 and her long-standing connection to the singer.

Despite being cut from the final version, Graham’s involvement highlights the evolving nature of large-scale biopics, where last-minute creative and legal decisions can significantly reshape the finished film.

Michael is set to hit theatres on April 24, 2026.

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