Jackson biopic hits theaters, but the child abuse allegations? Reportedly left on the cutting room floor. Will audiences care or cringe?
The new biopic Michael about Michael Jackson is expected to do very well at the box office, even though there is still a lot of debate about whether it will fully address the controversies surrounding the pop star’s life. The movie, produced by Graham King, who is known for the hit “Bohemian Rhapsody,” follows Jackson’s rise from his early days in the Jackson 5 to his peak as a global superstar. However, reports say that it does not include any mention of the child abuse allegations that made his legacy more complicated. The film was originally meant to look into these issues, such as the 1994 settlement with Jordan Chandler. However, it was reportedly changed after legal issues related to that settlement made it impossible to show them. Antoine Fuqua directed the movie, which stars Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew. The production had to deal with delays and expensive reshoots before settling on a more celebratory story that ends with Jackson’s 1988 Bad tour. Jackson’s estate is still fighting for his innocence and dismissing negative portrayals like the documentary Leaving Neverland. However, analysts say that his lasting popularity, thanks to streaming success and stage adaptations, will probably make the film a commercial success, even though there are still questions about how complete it is as a picture of his life.
