Filmmaker Spike Lee has defended Michael, the musical biopic on ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson, featuring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in the titular role, amid criticism that it does not include child abuse allegations against the late singer.
Lee, in an interview with CNN, said the film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, ends in 1988 and does not cover the period in which the allegations emerged.
He said, “First of all, if you’re a movie critic, and you’re complaining about the stuff, all this other stuff — but the movie ends at ’88. The stuff you’re talking about, accusations, happen later.”
“So you’re critiquing the film on something that you want in, but it doesn’t work in the timeline of the film. But people showed up. Worldwide, people showed their love,” the filmmaker went on.
Lee also said he misses Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50 from acute propofol intoxication, a condition triggered by the overdose or misuse of a fast-acting intravenous anaesthetic called propofol.
“I miss Mike. I miss Prince. I mean, these are my brothers. I worked with both of them. Both beautiful, beautiful people,” he added.
Setting the stage for a sequel
In another interview with Deadline, Michael director Antonio Fuqua also commented on the decision to not feature the abuse bit in the biopic. He clarified saying that the production team intends to address that chapter of the story in a subsequent project.
Fuqua explained that the primary goal was to foster empathy by presenting a more complete picture of the human being behind the fame, acknowledging that no individual is flawless.
By exploring the influences that shaped Jackson’s personality, he said that he intended to build a foundation for the narrative directions planned for a second film.
A look at past abuse claims
In 2003, Jackson faced seven counts of child molestation and two counts of intoxicating a minor, though he denied all charges and was acquitted in 2005. Following his 2009 death, additional accusers came forward with further allegations.
About the film
Michael, follows the life of the King of Pop as he grows from a gifted child star in the Jackson family’s pop band, Jackson 5, into a global icon who redefined pop music forever.
The film aims to provide a nuanced look at Jackson’s journey, showcasing the magic of his stage performances alongside the personal challenges he faced behind the scenes.
Michael also features Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Colman Domingo as patriarch Joe Jackson, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. The cast also includes Laura Harrier, Kendrick Sampson, and Juliano Krue Valdi, who portrays a young Michael.
The musical biopic was theatrically released on April 24. Despite the mixed reviews, the MJ film earned $217 million globally in three days.
