Michael Jackson Skit Aired on Australian Television During Talent Show Sparks Racism Calls From Many Including Show Judge Harry Connick Jr.

An Australian talent show skit based around the late Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 has sparked outrage after guest star, U.S. crooner Harry Connick Jr., called for an apology and viewers accused the program of racism. The comedy troupe, who called themselves the "Jackson Jive," painted their faces black and wore black afro wigs in the skit that was aired on television yesterday evening. Connick, a talent judge, was angered by this display of blatant racism and said "If I knew that was going to be part of the show I definitely wouldn't have done it." He called for a halt to the skit and awarded the six performers with a zero rating.

The wannabe performers of this distaste skit are: Suresh De Silva, David Jefferson, Joseph Macdessi, Mark Sader, Harry Koumoukelis and Anand Deva, as Michael Jackson, during auditions at the Kirribilli Club in Sydney for Red Faces.

Daryl Somers, the show's host, reportedly apologized to Connick on air for the so-called "blackface" routine during a special reunion program watched by 2.3 million people, acknowledging producers had been briefed on the skit, based on a similar one performed 20 years previously. The skit was heavily criticized on Twitter. Viewers criticized the skit on Twitter, with one calling the show "embarrassing and distasteful" and questioning whether "Is it racist for white folks to paint their faces black?"

To view pictures from the skit, CLICK HERE.

Photo credit: Black Face Jackson Jive skit, Courier Mail