The screenplay for the upcoming biographical film about the iconic singer Michael Jackson, titled "Michael," deliberately explores the persistent sexual abuse accusations that tarnished the star's reputation.
Produced with the approval of Jackson's estate and starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, the film aims to portray the legendary performer as a figure unjustly targeted amid the allegations, casting a sympathetic portrayal of his legacy.
Michael Jackson Biopic Delves into Taboo Territory, Paints Portrait of Victim
Insights from Matthew Belloni of Puck News reveal that the screenplay for the biographical film seeks to depict Michael Jackson in a light of innocence and injustice, even delving into the controversies linked to him.
Notably, it includes a compelling depiction of the police raid on Jackson after the accusations brought by Jordan Chandler in 1993.
Upon resolving the civil dispute with Jackson, the Chandler family encountered additional accusations that emerged subsequently. Belloni highlights that the screenplay expends considerable energy to diminish the claims and undermine the credibility of the individuals making them. The narrative portrays Jackson as a misunderstood and mistreated figure, characterized by childlike purity, and places him as the genuine sufferer in the unfolding events.
Scheduled for release in 2025, the upcoming "Michael" biopic coincides with an ongoing civil trial connected to Wade Robson's and Jimmy Safechuck's accusations against Jackson. Robson, 30, has recounted how the iconic musician initiated inappropriate behavior towards him when he was just a 10-year-old prodigy in 1990. In the course of his 1988 "Bad" Tour, Safechuck alleged that Jackson subjected him to sexual assault, a traumatic experience that persisted for several years.
Graham King, the film producer involved, has connections to Jackson's estate, signaling a concerted effort to rehabilitate Jackson's reputation and capitalize on financial gains. Filming for the movie, "Michael" has officially begun in Los Angeles. It features Jaafar as the lead character's uncle and is directed by renowned filmmakers Antoine Fuqua from The Equalizer and Bullet Train.
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Michael Jackson's Legacy Tarnished Even After Death
Since the death of Michael Jackson 14 years ago, discussions surrounding his legacy have been fraught with controversy, particularly following the premiere of the documentary "Leaving Neverland" in 2019. Within the documentary, Robson and Safechuck openly recounted unsettling experiences and accusations of sexual abuse against the iconic pop star, shedding light on the alleged methods he employed to suppress their voices.
Upon learning about the upcoming biopic, Dave Reed, the director behind the film "Leaving Neverland," raised apprehensions regarding the project's absence of critique.
He strongly criticized the depiction of Jackson in the biopic, emphasizing that it appeared to celebrate an individual who had faced severe allegations of child abuse. Reed highlighted the potential harmful effects this portrayal could have on survivors of abuse.
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