The new Michael Jackson biopic starring Jaafar Jackson has been met with harsh criticism and has caused division within the Jackson family, with Paris and Janet Jackson publicly distancing themselves from the project.
The new Michael Jackson biopic, titled 'Michael,' starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson , has received overwhelmingly negative reviews, currently holding a dismal 35% 'rotten' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film attempts to chronicle the life of the King of Pop, from his early days with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s through the beginning of his solo career. However, critics have largely criticized the film for its sanitized portrayal of Jackson, particularly given the serious allegations of child sexual abuse that plagued his life and legacy.
Brian Viner of The Daily Mail described the film as a 'fabulous karaoke act' despite its simplistic storytelling and significant omissions, awarding it only two out of five stars. The negative reception extends beyond professional critics, with significant rifts appearing within the Jackson family itself. Both Michael's daughter, Paris Jackson, and his sister, Janet Jackson, have publicly distanced themselves from the biopic.
While several family members, including sons Blanket and Prince, along with Jermaine and Randy Jackson, attended the world premiere, Paris's absence was notable. She has been vocal in her disapproval of the film, and reportedly is grappling with the possibility that the allegations against her father may be true after connecting with families of alleged victims. The film's release has reopened old wounds and ignited a family feud, with the Jackson estate responding to Paris's criticisms.
Michael Jackson's career and reputation were severely impacted by allegations of child sexual abuse, beginning with a 1993 lawsuit filed by Jordan Chandler's father. While a criminal investigation yielded no physical evidence, a $23 million settlement was reached. Further allegations surfaced in 2005, leading to a highly publicized criminal trial involving Gavin Arvizo, from which Jackson was ultimately acquitted.
The controversy resurfaced with the release of the 2019 documentary 'Leaving Neverland,' and its follow-up, 'Leaving Neverland 2,' which featured continued claims from Wade Robson and James Safechuck. Paris Jackson has accused the executors of her father's estate, John Branca and John McClain, of financial mismanagement and using estate funds to finance the $150 million biopic, which she deems a 'botched production' that caters to a 'fantasy' version of her father.
Janet Jackson declined to participate in the film, and her sister LaToya Jackson expressed regret that she wasn't involved, respecting her wishes
Michael Jackson Biopic Jaafar Jackson Paris Jackson Janet Jackson Leaving Neverland
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