Dan Reed, the filmmaker behind the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, has strongly criticised the new Michael Jackson biopic Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson, for omitting the later child abuse allegations against the late pop icon. Reed asserted that the film's success indicates that people 'don’t care that he was a child molester' and that many 'love his music and turn a deaf ear' to the allegations, which Jackson denied and was acquitted of.
Reed's Criticism of Media and Industry
Reed also took aim at media coverage of the biopic, suggesting that some press outlets 'suck up to the Jackson machine' due to the estate's influence and the financial opportunities associated with the Jackson brand. He argued that the industry's willingness to overlook the allegations reflects a broader societal indifference.
Audience Reception vs. Critical Reviews
The biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua, received a 96 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes despite being widely panned by critics. The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey described it as a 'ghoulish, soulless cash grab'. Despite critical reviews, Michael is projected to achieve a significant worldwide opening, indicating a strong audience reception that contrasts sharply with critical opinion.
In a full statement, Reed went so far as to say that Michael Jackson was 'worse than Jeffrey Epstein', as fans continue to flock to the new biopic. The film's commercial success, despite the controversy, highlights the enduring popularity of Jackson's music and the complex legacy of the artist.
