Michael Jackson biopic: Kat Graham says role as Diana Ross was cut due to 'legal considerations'

Kat Graham

Actress and singer Kat Graham has confirmed that her role as Diana Ross in the Michael Jackson biopic has been cut from the final edit. The film, starring Jaafar Jackson, will hit the big screens globally on April 24, 2026.

Kat Graham's role cut

Graham took to social media on Thursday to confirm that the scenes she filmed for the project were removed due to legal issues. She was set to portray the legendary Supremes singer.

"Ahead of the April 24 release of the Michael Jackson film, I want to share that certain legal considerations affected a few scenes, including ones I filmed with an incredible cast," Graham posted on X. "Unfortunately, these moments are no longer part of the final cut, though the team worked hard to preserve as much of the story as possible."

Michael Jackson shared a close relationship with Diana Ross after the two met during his time as a child performer with the Jackson 5. His brother Jermaine Jackson has said that Michael wrote the romantic song "Remember the Time" with Ross in mind.

Graham is known for her role in the series The Vampire Diaries and for films such as Love in the Villa and Tyler Perry's Duplicity.

Paris slams film as dishonest

Michael's daughter Paris Jackson has taken a much more vocal stance against the film and its makers. One of Michael's three children, Paris has openly expressed her dissatisfaction with the film. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and supported by Michael's estate, the film largely focuses on his rise to stardom and musical brilliance, while steering clear of the controversies that marked his later years.

Paris described the project as leaning into "fan fantasies" instead of presenting a more nuanced and complete portrayal of her father. "I read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest, didn't sit right with me, and when they didn't address it, I moved on with my life. Not my monkeys, not my circus. God bless and God speed," she said.

"They're going to make whatever they're going to make. A big reason why I haven't said anything up until this point is because I know a lot of you guys are gonna be happy with it," she said.

Paris continued to criticise the "sugar-coated" biopic, saying that the narrative is being controlled, there is a lot of inaccuracy, and a lot of just full-blown lies.

"At the end of the day, that doesn't really fly with me. Go enjoy it. Do whatever. Leave me out of it," she added.