Michael Jackson Family Condemns Holographic 'Resurrection' Show
Michael Jackson’s family has strongly criticized plans to premiere the biopic Michael with a holographic "resurrection" of the late star at London's O2 Arena. Insiders told RadarOnline.com they find the idea "ghoulish" and "deeply disrespectful."
Details of the Proposed Event
The show, reportedly supported by Universal Studios, would launch the long-delayed film next spring at the same venue where Jackson was scheduled to begin his This Is It residency in July 2009. Jackson died aged 50, just 18 days before the first concert.
Jackson had been preparing for 50 sold-out performances at the arena. Sources say this intense preparation pushed him "to his limit" and worsened his addiction to the hospital-grade tranquilizer propofol, which eventually caused his death.
Use of Hologram Technology
Production executives have reportedly discussed recreating Jackson’s final performances using hologram technology, expecting attendance from thousands of fans.
Family's Reaction
"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. They feel as if this attempt to resurrect him, in a show focusing on one of the hardest periods of his life, is totally ghoulish."
Family members consider the plan a "macabre publicity stunt" and are furious about the exploitation of his memory.
Author's summary: Michael Jackson's family rejects plans to use hologram technology for a biopic launch, condemning it as disrespectful and an exploitative commercial stunt focused on a painful period in his life.