Michael Jackson's Family Slams Universal's Holographic Premiere Plan as "Disrespectful"

In a move that has sparked outrage, Universal is planning to premiere its upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, with a holographic "resurrection" of the late pop icon at London's O2 Arena. The film, which has faced delays, is set to launch next spring at the same venue where Jackson was meant to begin his This Is It residency in July 2009, just 18 days before his death at the age of 50.

However, the Jackson family has strongly condemned the idea, calling it "ghoulish" and "deeply disrespectful." One insider said the pop legend would have hated being digitally resurrected for marketing purposes, adding that it "feels like they're trying to profit from his death again."

The biopic itself has already faced criticism, with Jackson's 27-year-old daughter, Paris, distancing herself from the project, claiming the story being told is full of inaccuracies and lies. Universal's plan to bring Michael Jackson back to the O2 with digital effects has set off a storm of anger, sadness, and disbelief among his family and many fans.

The studio, however, maintains that the idea is to honor Jackson's legacy and fulfill his dream of performing at the O2 Arena. A source said, "It was always Michael's dream to perform at the O2. Bringing the film there would close that circle." But a family insider disagreed, saying the arena should have been a place of triumph and not a "ghostly sideshow."

As tensions rise between the studio and the Jackson family, the biopic's future remains uncertain. Universal's attempt to pay tribute to the King of Pop has instead sparked outrage and controversy, leaving many questioning whether the plan is truly a respectful homage or a misguided attempt to capitalize on the late star's enduring legacy.