Michael Jackson’s Family Condemns Planned Holographic 'Resurrection' Show
Michael Jackson’s family has strongly criticized plans to "resurrect" the late star using holographic technology in a new arena show. The event is set to premiere alongside the upcoming biopic Michael at London’s O2 Arena.
Details of the Planned Show
The show, reportedly supported by Universal Studios, aims to coincide with the release of the long-delayed film next spring. It will take place at the same venue where Jackson was scheduled to begin his This Is It residency in July 2009.
- Jackson died at 50, just 18 days before the first concert in this series.
- He had been preparing for 50 sold-out shows at the O2 Arena.
- Sources say the intense preparation pushed him to his physical limits and worsened his dependence on the hospital-grade tranquilizer propofol, which caused his death.
- Production insiders are discussing using hologram technology to recreate Jackson’s final performances for thousands of fans.
Family’s Reaction
The family describes the plan as a “macabre publicity stunt” and finds the idea “ghoulish” and “deeply disrespectful.” They believe this attempt to digitally bring Jackson back, especially focusing on a difficult period of his life, is exploitative.
"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."
Sources close to the family shared their outrage about the show emphasizing a painful time in Jackson’s career.
Context of Jackson’s Final Days
Jackson’s preparation for the This Is It residency involved rigorous rehearsals, which took a significant toll on his health and contributed to his fatal reliance on propofol.
Summary
This holographic tribute sparks controversy as the family perceives it as an unsettling commercialization of Michael Jackson's legacy during his most vulnerable time.
"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."
Author’s summary: Michael Jackson’s family decries a planned hologram show as a disrespectful, exploitative attempt to profit from the star’s death during a painful chapter in his life.