After seven years in development, the official Michael Jackson biopic Michael has arrived in European cinemas, with US screenings beginning tomorrow. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and approved by the Jackson estate, the film chronicles the King of Pop's rise to fame but has been widely criticized for glossing over the child sexual abuse allegations and other contentious aspects of his life.
Critics have panned the film as a sanitized, estate-controlled hagiography. A review from European Pulse described it as an "insultingly blatant hagiography" that removes any dramatic tension, including allegations of abuse by his father Joe Jackson, early sexual encounters, and body dysmorphia linked to trauma. The review added that the film is "sanitized to the point of being translucent" and caters only to fans seeking nostalgia.
The critical backlash has prompted a defensive response from Jackson family members and the film's stars. Taj Jackson, Michael's nephew, wrote on X: "Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie, they will decide for themselves." He added, "Can’t wait till some critics have to eat crow."
His brother TJ Jackson also voiced support, saying he plans to rewatch the film because he is "proud" and that his uncle "deserves this." Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson, defended the film on US talkshow Today, stating it covers the period from the 1960s to 1988 and does not address the first allegations in 2005. He suggested a potential sequel could deal with later events.
However, not all family members are on board. Paris Jackson, Michael's daughter, publicly refuted claims that she was involved in the film. She wrote on social media that she read an early script draft and gave notes about "what was dishonest," but when those notes were ignored, she "moved on." She described the film as pandering to a specific fanbase and accused it of containing "full-blown lies." Janet Jackson has also reportedly been "very critical" of the finished product, according to TMZ.
European Context and Reception
The film's release in Europe comes amid broader debates about how media handles controversial figures. The Jackson estate's control over the narrative has drawn comparisons to other biopics that faced accusations of whitewashing. The film's sanitized approach has sparked discussions in European cultural circles about the ethics of portraying troubled artists.
According to Variety, an earlier version of the film did address the 1993 abuse allegations, but lawyers for the estate cited a prior settlement that precluded their depiction. The estate reportedly funded up to $15 million to cut scenes and reshoot parts, delaying the release by a year. The final version ends before the 1987 album Bad, with a title card reading "His story continues."
Despite the controversy, the film is expected to perform well at the box office, potentially beating records this weekend. European audiences, particularly in cities like London, Paris, and Berlin, have shown strong interest, though critical reception remains overwhelmingly negative.
