Michael Jackson’s family has publicly criticized plans to "resurrect" the late pop star in a holographic arena show. The upcoming biopic Michael is set to premiere next spring at London's O2 Arena, the same venue where Jackson was originally scheduled to start his This Is It residency in July 2009.
"Michael was a perfectionist. The idea of digitally resurrecting him for marketing purposes would have horrified him. It feels like they're trying to profit off his death all over again."
Insiders told RadarOnline.com the family finds the proposal "ghoulish" and "deeply disrespectful," describing it as a "macabre publicity stunt." They believe focusing on one of the most difficult periods in Jackson's life for such an event is distasteful.
Michael Jackson died aged 50, just 18 days before his planned This Is It concert series, for which he was preparing 50 sold-out shows. Sources reveal that the intense preparation pushed him to his limits and worsened his dependency on the hospital-grade tranquilizer propofol, which eventually led to his death.
The family feels that this attempt to revive Jackson digitally not only disrespects his legacy but also exploits his tragic final days for commercial gain.
Author's summary: Michael Jackson's family strongly opposes plans to digitally recreate the star for a holographic show, viewing it as a disrespectful and exploitative marketing move that dishonors his memory.