Michael Jackson Biopic Criticized for Omitting Controversies

The biopic 'Michael', directed by Antoine Fuqua, has sparked widespread criticism for its sanitized portrayal of pop icon Michael Jackson's life. The film focuses on Jackson's musical achievements from his early days with The Jackson 5 to his solo career but omits controversial aspects such as sexual abuse allegations against him.

Despite the backlash, 'Michael' earned $97 million in the U.S. and Canada during its opening weekend, surpassing studio expectations of a $65-million to $70-million debut. Globally, it brought in just over $217 million according to The Los Angeles Times. The film stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael, with Colman Domingo portraying Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson.

Critics have described the biopic as a 'whitewash' and 'ghoulish,' noting that it avoids addressing the elephant in the room. According to The Guardian, director Antoine Fuqua's demi-biopic gives viewers the chimp, the llama, and the giraffe but not the elephant in the living room. The film ends just before 1988 while Jackson is on tour for his hit album 'Bad,' omitting later controversies.

Jaafar Jackson has received praise for his performance, with critics noting his ability to replicate Michael's signature moves and vocal cadence according to HuffPost. However, the film has been criticized for its simplistic approach and omissions. It earned a 35% 'rotten' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers calling it bland and bowdlerized.

The Jackson estate reportedly spent an additional $15 million on reshoots after an earlier cut framed Michael’s 1993 child sexual abuse allegations as extortion. The finished film stops just before that period, leaving out later controversies. Critics argue that omitting such accusations presents a misleadingly sanitized version of Jackson's life.

Paris Jackson has been vocal about her disapproval of the biopic, criticizing it as 'dishonest' and a 'fantasy.' She accused the estate's executors of financial mismanagement according to The Daily Mail. Janet Jackson reportedly criticized the film after a private screening, finding fault with almost every scene. The premiere was attended by La Toya Jackson, Prince Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, and Marlon Jackson.

Dan Reed, director of Leaving Neverland, severely criticised the biopic in an interview with Variety. He stated that the film creates a version of events that portrays Wade Robson and James Safechuck as liars without articulating it. According to Reed, the film fails to tackle Jackson’s predatory relationship with children and distorts his relationship by portraying him as an eccentric overgrown child.

Reed further criticized Fuqua's remarks suggesting a double standard in the allegations against Jackson, calling it a false narrative. He noted that while everyone involved would make money from the film, Wade Robson and James Safechuck would not benefit financially. Reed described the biopic as flipping the truth on its head, making it impossible to take seriously.