Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Sparks Backlash for Omitting Abuse Allegations

The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' has ignited backlash for omitting child sex abuse allegations against the singer. Starring Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson, the film covers Jackson's life up to 1988, ending before the allegations emerged in the 1990s. Critics accuse the film of glossing over Jackson's legacy, especially after HBO's 2019 documentary 'Leaving Neverland' featured accusers. The Jackson estate sued HBO over the documentary, leading to its removal from HBO Max. The film's production was chaotic: according to Variety, the final third originally depicted the 1993 allegations by Jordan Chandler and the police investigation, but was reshot after discovering the estate was barred from depicting Chandler or his family. The reshoot cost an estimated $40-50 million. Co-star Colman Domingo hinted at a possible sequel covering later events. Jackson's nephew Taj Jackson defended the film on X, while his daughter Paris criticized it on Instagram. The film received a 38% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes but a 94% audience score.