Michael Rainey speaks out about death threats while playing Tariq
Michael Rainey Jr. recently spoke about receiving death threats as a teenager while playing Tariq in ‘Power’. Related press said the actor also shared his thoughts on ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ ending after four seasons.
The final season airs today (June 7) on Starz.
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Michael’s reaction to death threats
The 23-year-old originally played the son of drug dealer James ‘Ghost’ St. Patrick in the hit series ‘Power’. Immediately after the broadcast, Rainey Jr. started receiving disturbing comments on social media. At that time, he “It looks like 17, 18.” He shared that fans started targeting him when the show became successful.
Michael stated, “…I said, ‘Damn, you guys are crazy, man! He added, “It’s just a show.”
It’s unclear whether the wild comments were serious or just for fun, but the level of engagement shows the show’s popularity and how invested viewers are in the characters.
On the other hand, the attention Michael received on social media may have helped him secure a steady role on the show. Rainey appeared in all six seasons of Power and landed a starring role in its spin-off series, ‘Power Book II: Ghost.’
“Shout out to the supporters who reacted because you all helped me build a storyline,” he said. “(Writers) watch the reactions of the backers and if they get a certain reaction, they literally build on that in the next script.”
Michael Rainey shares his thoughts on the show’s ending
The popular show is one of Starz’s highest-rated shows, which is why some fans were confused by its ending. AP reported that it was due to cost restraints at the Lionsgate network.
Michael describes the ending of the series as “both bitter and sweet.” He played Tariq for 12 years.
“I feel like there are some other directions we could go. At the same time, I feel like they wanted to end it while people were still interested. The car lover said: “I’m so excited for what’s going to happen for everyone – not just me – but everyone in the cast.”
RELATED: TSR Exclusive: Michael Rainey Jr. makes statement about the end of ‘Power Book II’
Meanwhile, Malcolm Mays, who plays Lou-Lou Thomas in ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’, recently went viral. The actor was outside a recent screening of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ when a man apparently ordered the police to take him out.
In the video, Malcolm is wearing the same outfit he wore to the show’s season four red carpet premiere. Currently, there are no clear details about the cause of the incident.
However, a man can be heard telling Mays to “don’t let them take full advantage [him].” “YESyou have a career,” the supporter added.
RELATED: WATCH: Malcolm Mays video shows him in confrontation outside ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ premiere
