Michael Jackson's Nephew Lashes Out at Critics Over Biopic Reception
Taj Jackson, nephew of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, has launched a scathing attack on media critics ahead of the release of the controversial biopic Michael. In a series of social media posts, Jackson accused journalists of attempting to control the narrative about his uncle's legacy, declaring that the public will ultimately decide the film's merit.
'They Don't Get to Control the Narrative Anymore'
Taj Jackson, son of Tito Jackson, wrote on X: "Sorry media, u don't get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie, they will decide for themselves. And you can't handle that." In a follow-up message that has garnered significant attention, he added: "Can't wait till some critics have to eat crow. And yes I will be that petty."
His defiant comments come as the Antoine Fuqua-directed film prepares for theatrical release on 24 April, starring Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut as the legendary performer. The supporting cast includes Colman Domingo as father Joe Jackson and Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson.
Poor Critical Reception and Controversial Omissions
The biopic has opened to largely negative reviews, currently holding a 36 per cent critic approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey awarded the film just one star, describing it as a "ghoulish, soulless cash grab." The Guardian called the production "frustratingly shallow," while Rolling Stone labelled it "depressing" and questioned whether it qualified as a genuine biopic.
Perhaps most controversially, the film concludes its narrative in 1988 during Jackson's Bad tour peak, completely omitting the child sexual abuse allegations that dominated the latter part of the singer's life. Jackson consistently denied all accusations during his lifetime.
Reshoots and Estate Intervention
According to industry reports, an earlier version of the film did address the 1993 abuse allegations and subsequent investigation. However, lawyers for Jackson's estate identified a prior settlement with an accuser that legally prevented any depiction or mention of these events in the film.
This discovery led to 22 days of extensive reshoots, reportedly funded directly by the Jackson estate at a cost between $10 million and $15 million. The estate approved and financed the entire production, which traces Jackson's journey from his Jackson 5 beginnings to his global superstardom.
Family Support and Director's Perspective
TJ Jackson, Taj's younger brother, expressed his own support on social media, writing: "Why? Because I'm proud. I wouldn't miss this opportunity to be masked in the electrifying energy that will be in that theatre for nothing. My uncle deserves this, my cousin earned this and his loyal supporters are owed this."
In a revealing New Yorker interview published earlier this week, director Antoine Fuqua confirmed he had initially planned to include Jackson's 2003 arrest, stating: "I shot [Michael] being stripped naked, treated like an animal, a monster." He added that he remained "not convinced" of the allegations against the "Billie Jean" singer, noting: "When I hear things about us – Black people in particular, especially in a certain position – there's always pause."
As the film prepares for its global release, the divide between critical reception and family defense highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding Michael Jackson's legacy nearly two decades after his death.
