Amid news that a white British actor is playing Michael Jackson in a road trip dramedy, a 1993 Oprah Winfrey interview shows this is not what the late King of Pop wanted.
Joseph Finnes was reported as playing the black superstar in a television special Tuesday.
Related: Joseph Fiennes to play Michael Jackson in 9/11 road trip drama
The special is based on an urban legend that Jackson, Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor went on a road trip from New York to Ohio after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
CNN reported that the video of the interview, which is uploaded in full on YouTube, shows Jackson identified as a black American, and as such would not want a white actor to play him.
"That is so stupid. That's the most ridiculous, horrifying story I've ever heard. It's crazy," Jackson said.
"Why would I want a white child to play me? I'm a black American. I'm proud to be a black American. I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am."
The response was to a question Winfrey asked about rumors that Jackson wanted a white boy to play him in a Pepsi commercial.
Jackson's response can be seen at the 23:57 mark in the video.
About the Author
