Michael Jackson’s family has strongly criticized plans to 'resurrect' the late star in a holographic show set to premiere alongside his upcoming biopic Michael at London's O2 Arena.
Insiders told RadarOnline.com the family finds the idea "ghoulish" and "deeply disrespectful." They view the show as a "macabre publicity stunt" that exploits Jackson's legacy.
"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."
The film launch is expected next spring at the same arena where Michael Jackson was set to begin his This Is It residency in July 2009. Jackson, who passed away at 50 just 18 days before the first concert, had planned 50 sold-out performances there.
Sources say the preparation for the residency pushed Jackson "to his limit" and worsened his dependence on the hospital-grade tranquilizer propofol, which ultimately caused his death.
Production executives have reportedly discussed using hologram technology to recreate Jackson’s final performances, with thousands of fans expected to attend the event. However, the family’s disapproval centers on the timing and the focus on a difficult chapter in Jackson’s life.
Summary: Michael Jackson's family firmly opposes the planned holographic resurrection show, viewing it as disrespectful exploitation of the singer’s tragic final years.