Kat Graham, who was cast to portray Diana Ross in the upcoming film Michael, confirmed that her scenes did not make the final version ahead of the movie’s April 24 release. Taking to Instagram Stories on Thursday, April 23, Kat shared that “certain legal considerations” led to the removal of several moments she filmed with the cast.
“Ahead of the April 24 release of the Michael Jackson film, I want to share that certain legal considerations affected a few scenes, including the ones I filmed with an incredible cast,” Kat wrote. “Unfortunately, those moments are no longer part of the final cut, though the team worked hard to preserve as much of the story as possible.”
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, has drawn both strong anticipation from fans and mixed early reactions from critics. Despite the buzz, Diana Ross’s absence stands out, given her connection to Michael Jackson during his formative years.
Kat Graham was first announced in the role in March 2024, with her casting signaling that the film would explore Diana Ross’ influence on Jackson’s early career. Diana Ross played a visible role in introducing The Jackson 5 to wider audiences under the Motown banner, and later appeared alongside Jackson in the 1978 film The Wiz. The two also shared a close personal relationship beyond their professional collaborations.
Behind the scenes, Michael underwent major changes during production. The film required significant reshoots after its third act was deemed unusable. The original script included references to a 1993 lawsuit in which Jackson was accused of child sexual abuse, allegations he denied. After filming, producers discovered a clause in a settlement agreement that prohibited the depiction or mention of the accuser in film or television.
As a result, portions of the story had to be reworked. While Kat did not directly connect her scenes to those revisions, the film’s broader restructuring likely contributed to the removal of certain storylines. Other notable figures tied to Jackson’s life were also excluded, including his sister Janet Jackson, who does not appear as a character in the film.
With Michael heading into its global release, the film arrives with heightened curiosity not only for its portrayal of Jackson’s legacy but also for the stories left out, including Kat Graham’s depiction of Diana Ross.
