"Leaving Neverland" director expressed his dismay over plans to create a movie that would explore Michael Jackson's life.
In 2019, director Dan Reed dropped the documentary "Leaving Neverland" which accused Jackson of child sexual abuse. It featured two men - Wade Robson and James Safechuck - who were invited as children to stay with the singer at his California ranch. They also accompanied him on tour.
Following the documentary's explosive claims, Reed immediately condemned the proposed Michael Jackson biopic as he said it would definitely "glorify a man who abused children."
In an op-ed he penned in The Guardian, the filmmaker slammed the people behind the potential project as he reminded everyone of the King of Pop's dark past again.
"What the total absence of outrage accompanying the announcement of this movie tells us is that Jackson's seduction is still a living force, operating from beyond the grave," he wrote. "It seems that the press, his fans and the vast older demographic who grew up loving Jackson are willing to set aside his unhealthy relationship with children and just go along with the music."
Reed added that there was evidence Jackson spent nights in bed with young boys, saying it should never be accepted by any measure.
The opinion piece then targeted filmmakers and questioned them how they would picture the moment the "Smooth Criminal" hitmaker takes a child and leads the young boy into his bedroom.
Details of Michael Jackson Biopic Released
Before Reed penned the scathing op-ed, reports confirmed the arrival of a new biopic that would reportedly tell the story of his life and career.
Director Antonie Fuqua confirmed that the project is in collaboration with Lionsgate with the help of "Bohemian Rhapsody" producer Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain.
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"Gladiator" and "The Aviator" writer, John Logan, penned its script.
Fuqua explained that he accepted the offer as Jackson's music and images became part of his "worldview." Thus, working on it would help him learn more about the singer.
Lionsgate will also manage its domestic distribution. It is currently looking for an international partner to distribute the upcoming flick in other countries.
The biopic, titled "Michael," will follow the releases of other musicians' movies, including Freddie Mercury (Bohemian Rhapsody), Elvis Presley (Elvis), and Whitney Houston (Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody).
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