The casting of a white British actor to portray one of the most famous black American musicians in history has been met with outrage and puzzlement by fans worldwide. It’s speculated that the maker of the half-hour special (which is intended as a comedy) may have chosen a white actor in order to match the iconic pop star’s unusual appearance in the period the events take place. Jackson underwent extensive cosmetic surgeries throughout much of his adult life, along with a progressive lightening of his skin which he attributed to a corrective action against a rare skin disorder >>> more at source

http://screenrant.com/joseph-fiennes-michael-jackson-elizabeth-michael-marlon/

How fitting tbh.

Whenever I think of Michael Jackson I picture Orochimaru

If it's meant as a comedy, why do people even care? Worldwide outrage for a UK TV special? You won't be seeing it anyway if you live outside of Britain. I feel like people just want controversy now for the sake of it than for a proper reason. When I hear of a Black unarmed kid getting shot by a White racist and getting away with it in court, that's a controversy. This is nothing.

Would you cast a black man and have him in heavy heavy makeup to look white?

Why wouldnt you try to find a actor that looks like he did? or maybe two? one for before skin issues & surgeries thats a black actor, and then a white actor for the last parts.

Im sorry to say it but... MJ looked like a white person near the end.
I dont see why this is being made a issue.