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Michael Jackson Biopic Faces Backlash, Premiers April 2026

4/22/2026

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Summary

Jaafar Jackson's Controversial Biopic

The biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, will premiere on April 24, 2026 after delays and reshoots costing up to $15 million.
Jaafar Jackson stars in the film as Michael Jackson.
Critics have condemned the film, giving it a 26% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Many reviews call it a 'whitewash' that omits controversial allegations of child abuse, which the film originally planned to depict but removed due to legal restrictions.

History

Historical Context

Michael Jackson's 2005 trial for child molestation stemmed from earlier allegations, including a 1993 case that ended in a $23 million settlement. The trial, which featured over 100 witnesses, concluded with Jackson's acquittal on June 13, 2005. The media's portrayal of Jackson during this period sparked ongoing debates about celebrity accountability, a theme that will resurface in the upcoming biopic "Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua.

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Jaafar Jackson's Controversial Biopic

The biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, will premiere on April 24, 2026 after delays and reshoots costing up to $15 million.
Jaafar Jackson stars in the film as Michael Jackson.
Critics have condemned the film, giving it a 26% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Many reviews call it a 'whitewash' that omits controversial allegations of child abuse, which the film originally planned to depict but removed due to legal restrictions.

1 / 2