Why did Michael Jackson biopic omit Diana Ross scenes?

Michael Jackson biopic cuts Diana Ross scenes for “legal considerations”

The newly released Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has drawn attention not just for its performances and production, but for what it doesn’t include—particularly Diana Ross’s presence in the story.

Kat Graham, who played Diana Ross in the film, said her scenes were cut due to legal issues. Graham’s comments tie the omission directly to clearance and legal constraints rather than creative choices.

This matters because Diana Ross is a high-profile figure often connected to the narrative around Jackson’s rise and public life. When a production removes a major cameo role after filming, it can affect how audiences perceive which relationships and influences the movie chose to emphasize—and it can also reshape expectations for what viewers will see in the final theatrical version.

Even beyond the specific Ross cut, the film’s surrounding controversy has created extra scrutiny around editing decisions and what the filmmakers were able to secure rights-wise. In recent weeks, multiple angles of the Michael rollout have focused on whether the movie will satisfy audiences while navigating legal and ethical questions tied to Jackson’s story.

What we know

• Kat Graham portrayed Diana Ross in the biopic.
• Her scenes were cut from the final film.
• The reason given was legal considerations.

With the film already in theaters, viewers looking for Ross-related moments in Michael will likely need to look elsewhere for depictions of that chapter.