Story perspectives

Fuqua's Michael Biopic Opens, Critics Decry Omitted Abuse

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Director Antoine Fuqua’s biopic “Michael” opened in U.S. theaters on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, with estate executors John Branca and John McClain as executive producers.
It follows Jackson’s rise to the 1988 “Bad” tour but omits the 1993 abuse claim and FBI raid after the estate cited a settlement barring depiction, prompting critics to call the film a celebratory view that sidesteps controversy.

History

Historical Context

After the 1993 accusations by Jordan Chandler that led Jackson to settle a civil case in January 1994 for $15.3 million, the singer repeatedly avoided criminal charges and was acquitted in a 2005 trial. The estate’s control over his story continued, shaping the 2026 biopic “Michael” which omits the 1993 raid and later abuse claims, illustrating how past settlements influence present portrayals.

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Story summary

Director Antoine Fuqua’s biopic “Michael” opened in U.S. theaters on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, with estate executors John Branca and John McClain as executive producers.
It follows Jackson’s rise to the 1988 “Bad” tour but omits the 1993 abuse claim and FBI raid after the estate cited a settlement barring depiction, prompting critics to call the film a celebratory view that sidesteps controversy.

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