Why Did Michael Jackson’s Estate Spend $15 Million Removing Child Abuse Allegations From His Biopic?
Michael, the upcoming biopic that tracks Michael Jackson’s rise to stratospheric levels of fame, was meant to hit theaters roughly a year ago. Ultimately, however, attorneys for the Jackson estate discovered they could not cover the child abuse allegations against the singer. The film’s reworking took time and a great deal of money.
The Michael Jackson biopic underwent significant changes
In the original Michael script, Jackson stares into a mirror as police car lights flash behind him. He was first accused of child sex abuse in 1993. The film’s third act reportedly explored the way that these allegations impacted Jackson’s life.
Ultimately, though, lawyers for the Jackson estate found that the settlement with one of the singer’s accusers included a clause that he could not be mentioned or depicted in any movie. As a result, filmmakers had to find a new ending. This delayed the film’s release from April 2025 to April 2026. It was also costly. Because the reshoots didn’t qualify for California state tax rebates, it added up to $15 million to the budget.
The film will now end during Jackson’s “Bad” tour in the late 1980s.
What are the allegations against the singer?
In 1993, Los Angeles police began investigating Jackson on allegations that he molested four children. The family of one of these boys filed a suit against the singer that September. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and a grand jury failed to indict Jackson.
In 2003, police raided Jackson’s Neverland Ranch on charges of child molestation. A jury indicted him on charges of child molestation, abduction, false imprisonment, and extortion. He went to trial in 2005, but the jury acquitted him of all charges.
In 2013 and 2014, Wade Robson and James Safechuck filed suits against Jackson, alleging that he sexually abused them when they were children. A judge rejected both suits, noting that the men waited too long to file and that Jackson’s corporations were not responsible for his behavior.
In 2019, the documentary Leaving Neverland presented Robson and Safechuck’s stories.
Michael Jackson’s real nephew stars in the biopic
Jackson’s real nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play him in the upcoming documentary. Those involved with making the film said his performance shocked them.
“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” said producer Graham King (via Us Weekly). “It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role. I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”
Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, agreed.
“Jaafar embodies my son,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”
Michael hits theaters on April 24.
