The release of a new Michael Jackson biopic has ignited a firestorm of controversy, not from critics, but from within the King of Pop’s own family. While the film, starring Jaafar Jackson – Michael’s nephew – attempts to chronicle the life of a musical icon, it’s met with a starkly different reaction than the enthusiastic reception its creators hoped for.
Early reviews have been brutal, dismissing the £200 million production as “bland,” “shallow,” and a heavily “sanitized” version of a complex life. But the most damning critique comes from Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris, who has publicly and vehemently denounced the film as riddled with “full-blown lies” and “dishonesty.”
Paris Jackson’s opposition began long before the film’s premiere. She revealed she reviewed an early draft of the script, providing detailed notes on inaccuracies. When her concerns were dismissed, she disengaged entirely, stating simply, “Not my monkeys, not my circus.” This wasn’t a casual disagreement; it was a firm rejection of a narrative she felt misrepresented her father’s truth.
The situation became further complicated when Colman Domingo, who portrays Joe Jackson, claimed to have discussed the film with Paris. She swiftly refuted this, clarifying their interactions were “hella brief” and limited to a birthday party and a charity event. This underscored her desire to distance herself from a project she fundamentally disagreed with.
Paris articulated a broader skepticism towards Hollywood biopics, arguing they often prioritize fantasy over reality, controlling the narrative and glossing over complexities. She believes these films are “sold to you as real,” but ultimately offer a sugar-coated and inaccurate portrayal of their subjects. For her, honesty is paramount, and the film’s perceived inaccuracies were unacceptable.
She was quick to defend herself against accusations of harboring resentment towards her father, clarifying that her refusal to participate wasn’t born of animosity. Instead, it stemmed from a preference for truth over financial gain. “I just prefer honesty over sales and monetary gain,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to integrity.
While Paris has been the most outspoken critic, her brothers, Prince and Bigi, attended the film’s world premiere in Berlin. Prince, who also serves as a producer on the film, shared a first-look photo on Instagram, expressing excitement and pride in his cousin Jaafar’s performance. He described watching Jaafar as the closest he’d come to seeing his father perform live.
The Jackson family’s involvement in the film has been extensive. Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother and Jaafar’s grandmother, expressed her approval of the casting, believing Jaafar embodies her son’s spirit. Producer Graham King confirmed Prince was on set daily, deeply involved in the production process.
However, the filmmakers acknowledged a deliberate choice not to pursue input from everyone. Writer John Logan explained that some family members weren’t interested in being represented or dramatized in the film, and their wishes were respected. He defended the film’s focus on Michael Jackson’s “triumph,” acknowledging the inherent complexities of his life and the varied opinions surrounding him.
At the Los Angeles premiere, La Toya Jackson emphasized the importance of family involvement in ensuring the story was told “right.” She also noted that Janet Jackson had “kindly declined” to be portrayed in the film, respecting her wishes. When asked about Paris’s opposition, La Toya simply stated, “Everybody has their opinion and their choice.”
The film’s release has undeniably fractured the Jackson family, exposing deep divisions over how Michael Jackson’s legacy should be presented. While some embrace the film as a celebration of his life, others view it as a betrayal of his truth, a stark reminder that even in the realm of entertainment, the pursuit of narrative control can come at a significant cost.
