Earlier this week, the Daily Mail reported that a big-budget “warts and all” biopic about the life and career of celebrated Wham! frontman George Michael was in the works, with White Lotus star Theo James tipped to portray Michael in the film. According to the report, the project was endorsed by the estate of George Michael “after the success of biopics about Elton John and Queen’s Freddie Mercury”.

Yesterday, Michael’s estate released a statement denying any involvement in the project. “To all of George’s Lovelies, fans and lovers of his music, a story has been published stating that George Michael’s family has endorsed a so called ‘biopic’ about his life,” it said. “On behalf of George’s family and [George Michael Entertainment] we want to make it clear that there is no truth whatsoever in this story, we know nothing about this project and will not be endorsing it in any way.”