The Real Reason Kat Graham’s Diana Ross Scenes Were Cut from the Michael Jackson Biopic

Despite heavy anticipation and a global spotlight, the new Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is hitting theaters with one notable omission. Fans expecting to see the legendary Diana Ross portrayed on screen will be disappointed to learn that the scenes featuring her character have been entirely removed from the final cut.

Kat Graham, who was officially cast as the Motown icon in early 2024, took to her Instagram Story this past Thursday to address her absence. She clarified that “legal considerations” necessitated the removal of specific segments, including those she had already filmed alongside the production’s ensemble cast. While expressing regret over the cut, she noted that the creative team fought to maintain the narrative integrity of the film despite these constraints.

The exclusion is particularly significant given the historical weight of the relationship between Ross and Jackson. From her pivotal role in introducing the world to The Jackson 5 to their iconic collaboration in the 1978 film The Wiz, the bond between the two superstars was a cornerstone of Jackson’s formative years in the industry.

While Graham—best known for her role in The Vampire Diaries—has been sidelined, other stars from the original casting announcement, including Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, remain part of the project. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, spans Jackson’s trajectory from his early days as a child prodigy to the height of his fame during the Bad era.

Production for Michael has been fraught with challenges, including reported script adjustments to navigate sensitive legal territory surrounding the late singer’s legacy. As the film hits screens, Jaafar Jackson leads the cast as his uncle, supported by an A-list ensemble including Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller.

Read Kat Graham’s complete statement regarding the situation here.