Everything Michael Jackson’s Family Has Said About the Michael Movie

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As a lifelong Michael Jackson fan, I was really hoping for a film that focused purely on his incredible music and journey to stardom, and honestly, that’s exactly what we got. It completely avoids the controversies that have followed him, which is what I – and many other fans – were really wanting.

Director Antoine Fuqua initially envisioned a film, Michael, starting with the 1993 police raid on Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. He described filming Jackson being humiliated and treated inhumanely, then planned to explore Jackson’s childhood afterward, as he told the New Yorker.

Fuqua doesn’t believe the accusations of child molestation against Jackson were valid. He explains that, as a Black man, he’s always skeptical when such claims surface, especially when directed at someone prominent. (Jackson was never charged in a 1993 investigation and was found not guilty in a 2005 trial related to separate accusations.)

Fuqua had planned to include the material, but it wasn’t until filming finished in 2024 that producer Graham King learned about a restriction. A 1994 legal settlement between Jackson and the family involved in accusations against him meant the artist’s estate—which was helping with the film—couldn’t allow depictions of those specific allegations.

Because of some issues, additional filming was needed. The film, starring Jaafar Jackson – the singer’s 29-year-old nephew – concludes in 1988 with Michael Jackson performing at London’s Wembley Stadium during his hugely successful Bad Tour, which included seven sold-out shows there.

Mike is a complex individual, and people have varying opinions about him, which is perfectly acceptable,” said director King to The Hollywood Reporter at the film’s Los Angeles premiere on April 20th. “We decided to focus on and portray his inspiring story of success, and that’s what we delivered in the movie.

Paris Jackson, currently involved in a legal dispute with her father’s estate regarding money, has wondered why the movie was filmed in a condition that made it impossible to use.

According to Deadline, the estate responded by saying Paris Jackson doesn’t understand how the film industry or the job of a producer functions.

The estate criticized Paris for raising unnecessary objections, pointing out that she has already received around $65 million and is expected to inherit a significant fortune – hundreds of millions more – as her father wished. They noted she has and will continue to greatly benefit from the Executors’ efforts, making the objections seem unfounded.

While she went to the opening night of MJ the Musical on Broadway in 2022, Paris Jackson has made it clear she won’t be joining the premiere events for the film. Her brothers, Prince and Bigi Jackson, did attend the Berlin premiere on April 10th.

Find out what Paris and the rest of the Jackson family have said about Michael.

According to lead producer Graham King, Michael Jackson’s oldest child was present on the set of the film every day, as he revealed to The Hollywood Reporter at the Los Angeles premiere on April 20th.

Prince Jackson has been supportive of his cousin Jaafar Jackson, who is playing Michael Jackson in an upcoming biopic. On April 11th, Prince shared on Instagram how special it is for the family to see Jaafar, Jermaine Jackson’s son, take on the role of his uncle. He praised Jaafar’s talent, dedication, and spirit, stating he was the perfect choice to portray Michael and tell his story in a movie.

Paris Jackson disputed Colman Domingo’s claim – made while portraying her late grandfather, Joe Jackson – that Prince and she fully supported Michael Jackson.

In August 2025, Michael’s daughter posted on Instagram, playfully objecting to anyone saying she received help on a movie set, clarifying she wasn’t involved at all and found the idea ‘so weird’.

She explained that she’d read an early version of the script and shared her concerns about parts that felt untrue or off. When the writers didn’t take her feedback, she decided to let it go, saying, ‘It’s not my problem.’ She ended by wishing them well.

The following month, she explained her feelings in a series of Instagram videos. She said the creators were going to do what they wanted, and she hadn’t spoken up sooner because she believed many fans would be pleased, even though she felt it catered to a narrow, idealized part of her father’s fanbase who weren’t facing reality.

Hollywood biopics are “sold to you as real,” Paris said, but they’re “sugar-coated.”

She claimed the story being told was manipulated, filled with inaccuracies and outright lies. She said she simply couldn’t accept dishonesty like that.

Paris responded to claims she dislikes her father, explaining it’s not about controlling the movie production. She feels the film contains inaccuracies, and she values honesty and integrity more than financial success.

Bigi, who is known for being Michael Jackson’s most private child, hasn’t spoken publicly about the film, but he did attend the premiere in Berlin on April 10th.

Having my cousins and the rest of my family present was incredibly important to me,” Jaafar shared with TopMob News on April 20. “This is a family story, and it all began in Gary, Indiana, so their being there meant everything to me.”

Michael’s sister, the youngest of Joe and Katherine Jackson’s ten children, requested that her story not be told.

LaToya Jackson said at the Los Angeles premiere that she hoped everyone in the family could have been involved in the movie. However, Janet was asked to participate but politely said no, and her decision should be respected.

After a Page Six article in March claimed Janet had disagreements during filming and upset Jermaine at a family viewing, La Toya Jackson told Entertainment Tonight that the report was false. She insisted, “There were absolutely no problems at all, none whatsoever. Please believe it.”

Director Antoine Fuqua shared his deep respect and affection for Janet Jackson, telling Variety that her support of his actor, Jaafar Jackson, was most important to him.

La Toya Jackson praised Jaafar’s performance at the Los Angeles premiere, telling TopMob News he was “absolutely fantastic” and perfectly captured the essence of her brother. She expressed immense pride in his work.

The fifth oldest Jackson sibling emphasized how crucial family involvement was for the movie. She told The Hollywood Reporter that while people might think they understand the story from what they’ve read, having the family participate allows them to confirm or deny details and ensure accuracy.

You know, I recently spoke with Jaafar about Marlon’s performance, and it was so heartwarming. He told me Marlon left feeling really good about himself – truly confident and pleased with how it went. Jaafar made sure to tell him it was absolutely unbelievable, and that meant the world to him.

Marlon said the movie was accurate, recalling his first time on set during filming of the Jackson’s 1984 Victory Tour. He was struck by how much the actor resembled Michael Jackson, saying, ‘Wow, he looked just like him.’

Jaafar’s father was very proud, telling TopMob that his son earned the role through dedication and hard work.

Oh my gosh, you guys, it’s just… before Jaafar stepped into the role, Jermaine – can you believe it was Jermaine?! – told Fab TV at the Berlin premiere that he needed his son to understand the pressure. He said it was about showing him what he was up against, because, honestly, following in those footsteps? Those are some seriously big shoes to fill! It just shows how much thought and care everyone put into this, it’s amazing!

Michael’s nephew Taj Jackson told critics to beat it.

Tito Jackson’s son recently posted on X, formerly Twitter, expressing frustration with how the media has portrayed his uncle, Michael Jackson. According to Variety, he believes the public should be able to form their own opinions after watching the new movie about the singer. He anticipates critics will be proven wrong and says he’s looking forward to seeing them admit it, even if it means enjoying their discomfort.

On April 22nd, Tito Jackson’s son posted on X that he was going to see the Michael documentary again. He explained he didn’t want to miss the experience of being in a theater full of energy surrounding his uncle, Michael Jackson. He believes Michael deserves this recognition, his cousin (likely referring to Michael’s son) earned it, and Michael’s fans deserve to see his story told. He’s excited for the world to remember or discover who Michael Jackson really was.

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2026-04-24 10:18