The upcoming biopic Michael, based on the life of Michael Jackson, has reportedly reignited long-standing tensions within the Jackson family. While the film- featuring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead- aims to honour the King of Pop’s legacy, it has instead exposed fresh divisions among family members, with reports pointing to “heated disagreements” over how his story has been portrayed.
Janet Jackson goes missing
Reportedly, a major point of contention around the film is the absence of two key figures in Michael’s life- his sister Janet Jackson and daughter Paris Jackson. The duo also decided to stay away from the film’s promotional events, which has intensified the speculation.
Some reviews have also highlighted the absence of Janet in the film as a gap in the narrative, given how close she was to her brother. Reportedly, Janet was offered to be a part of the film process, but she declined. Her sister, La Toya Jackson, confirmed this at the film’s April 20 premiere in Los Angeles, stating that Janet had declined the offer and her wishes were honoured.
Paris slams film as dishonest
While Janet has not commented on her absence from the film, Michael`s daughter Paris has taken a much more vocal stance.
One of Michael’s three children, Paris has openly expressed her dissatisfaction with the film. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and supported by Michael’s estate, the film largely focuses on his rise to stardom and musical brilliance, while steering clear of the controversies that marked his later years.
Paris described the project as leaning into “fan fantasies” instead of presenting a more nuanced and complete portrayal of her father. “I read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest, didn’t sit right with me, and when they didn’t address it, I moved on with my life. Not my monkeys, not my circus. God bless and God speed,” she said.
“They’re going to make whatever they’re going to make. A big reason why I haven’t said anything up until this point is because I know a lot of you guys are gonna be happy with it,” she said.
Paris continued to criticise the “sugar-coated” biopic, saying that the narrative is being controlled, there is a lot of inaccuracy, and a lot of just full-blown lies.
“At the end of the day, that doesn’t really fly with me. Go enjoy it. Do whatever. Leave me out of it,” she added.
MJ`s nephew Taj defends film
Meanwhile, Michael`s nephew, singer Taj Jackson, son of Tito Jackson, has hit out at the media coverage around the film. He took to X and said that the media can no longer “control the narrative” around the pop icon.
After the premieres of the film in several parts of the world, not-so-flattering reviews of the film began to surface on social media. Many called it a sanitised version of Jackson`s life and pointed out how the film stayed clear of his controversies.
Reacting to the posts, Taj wrote, “Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves. And you can’t handle that.”
Responding to his tweet, he wrote, “Can’t wait till some critics have to eat crow. And yes I will be that petty.”
