Biopic film Michael faces criticism over its depiction of Michael Jackson

The biographical film titled Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, is scheduled to premiere on April 24. The movie features Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the late pop icon, in the lead role. While the production is technically ambitious, it has received significant backlash for its narrative choices. Critics and audience members on Rotten Tomatoes have awarded the film a 35% approval rating, citing an overly sanitized depiction of Jackson’s life. A major point of contention is the exclusion of serious allegations regarding child abuse that spanned from the 1990s through the 2005 trial. Paris Jackson, the singer’s daughter, has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the film and did not attend the premiere, implying the portrayal of her father is misleading. The creative team, including screenwriter John Logan, is tasked with documenting the star's path from the Jackson 5 to his status as a global phenomenon.