Kat Graham Reveals Diana Ross Scenes Cut from Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Due to Legal Issues

Kat Graham, best known for her role in The Vampire Diaries, announced on social media that her scenes as legendary singer and actress Diana Ross were cut from the final theatrical release of Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on April 23, 2026—one day before the film’s theatrical release—Graham revealed that the scenes she filmed were excluded due to ‘certain legal considerations.’

"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. 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."

Lionsgate has not responded to requests for comment regarding the decision.

The biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), chronicles Michael Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s through his solo career and the iconic Bad tour in the late 1980s. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, in the lead role.

Full Cast of 'Michael'

• Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
• Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
• Miles Teller as John Branca
• Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy
• Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
• Liv Symone as Gladys Knight
• Mike Myers as Walter Yetnikoff
• Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe

The film’s ending includes a title card reading ‘His Story Continues,’ fueling speculation about a potential sequel. Producers Graham King and Fuqua may utilize unused footage for future installments.

Graham’s role as Diana Ross in Michael remains undisclosed, though Ross famously co-starred with Jackson in the 1978 film The Wiz.

Michael is scheduled to premiere in theaters on Friday, April 24, 2026.