Michael Jackson’s nephew responds to negative coverage of biopic

EntertainmentMovie
23 Apr 2026 • 6:05 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Michael Jackson’s nephew responds to negative coverage of biopic

  • Michael Jackson's nephew, Taj Jackson, has criticised media coverage of the forthcoming biopic 'Michael', saying that the public will decide the narrative.
  • The film, starring Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson, has received largely negative reviews ahead of its release, holding a 36 per cent critic approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
  • Critics have described the biopic as “ghoulish, soulless cash grab”, ”frustratingly shallow”, and ”depressing”, with some noting it “isn’t really a biopic”.
  • The film, approved and financed by Jackson's estate, concludes in 1988 and omits the child sexual abuse allegations made against him, which have drawn backlash.
  • Director Antoine Fuqua confirmed he initially planned to include Jackson's 2003 arrest, but reshoots, reportedly costing between $10m-$15m and funded by the estate, removed such depictions due to a prior settlement.

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