Michael Jackson Film Faces Backlash for Omission of Abuse Allegations

The latest biopic about Michael Jackson, titled *Michael*, has drawn sharp criticism from film reviewers who accuse it of presenting a “sanitised” version of the pop icon’s life. Critics argue the film serves as a “whitewash,” glossing over significant controversies while focusing on his musical achievements. The narrative traces his journey from the Jackson 5 to his solo stardom, but leaves out key details about the sexual abuse claims that have long shadowed his legacy.

Produced by the late Jackson’s estate, the film relies on his original vocals for its musical sequences, which are central to the story. Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew and son of Jermaine Jackson, stars as the subject, receiving praise for his performance. However, the overall reception has been mixed, with some calling the production a “cruise-ship entertainment” that lacks depth.

“This is a frustratingly shallow, inert picture, a kind of cruise-ship entertainment, which can’t quite bring itself to show that Michael was an abuse victim, brutalised by his father and robbed of his childhood,” wrote The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw.

The film’s original script included references to the allegations against Jackson, particularly those involving Jordan Chandler, a 13-year-old boy who accused him of abusive behavior. Much of the third act was dedicated to this scandal. But due to a rediscovered clause in a previous non-disclosure agreement, the footage was cut, and the film was reshaped to conclude in the late 1980s, before the first accusations emerged.

Other reviewers have echoed similar sentiments. The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey described the film as a “ghoulish, soulless cash grab,” criticizing its reliance on recycled visuals and music. She noted the line between “cinema” and “merchandise” has become blurred, with the film prioritizing brand recognition over narrative authenticity.

Despite the controversy, the biopic is part of a broader trend in Hollywood, where music biopics are seen as profitable ventures. Artists like Queen, Sir Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Presley have already been depicted on screen, with *Michael* joining their ranks. However, critics like Kevin Maher of the Times argue it marks a low point in the genre. “It will be known as that infamous film in which the subject became completely untethered from reality,” he said, though he admitted the music sequences were “brilliant and thrilling.”

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for *Training Day* and *The Equalizer*, the film’s release followed legal maneuvering by Jackson’s estate. Lawyers uncovered a clause in the settlement with Chandler that barred any mention of him in the movie. This led to a revised ending and additional filming to align the story with the NDA’s terms. A 2005 jury had previously cleared Jackson of sexually abusing a different 13-year-old boy, but the film’s creators remain unconvinced about the validity of the accusations.