The Michael Jackson biopic Michael premiered in theaters on Friday, drawing intense reactions over its portrayal of the late pop icon’s life. Critics and audiences have questioned the film’s decision to exclude the child sex abuse allegations that defined much of Jackson’s later years.
On Wednesday, co-stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long addressed the controversy during an appearance on NBC’s Today show. They clarified that the film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, focuses on Jackson’s formative years rather than his later life.
Craig Melvin, the show’s anchor, asked the actors how they respond to critics who argue the film was “whitewashed” to avoid mentioning the allegations. Domingo took the lead in responding:
“The film takes place from the ’60s to 1988. It does not go into the first allegations in 2005. So basically we center it on the makings of Michael. It’s an intimate portrait of who Michael is … through his eyes.”
Domingo also hinted at a potential sequel, suggesting it “may deal with some things that happened afterward.” He emphasized that the current film is about Jackson’s rise as a solo artist and his artistic journey.
The film is executive produced by Jackson’s estate executors John Branca and John McClain, alongside Fuqua. Critical reception has been mixed, with some calling the film “masterful” while others criticized it as a “very safe and cautious exploration” of Jackson’s life. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of between 26% and 35% among certified critics.
There are no confirmed details about a sequel or its potential content. Reports indicate the film was initially set to address the allegations but was re-shot and re-edited to exclude them.
The controversy has fueled widespread debate online, with Jackson’s family also weighing in. On April 21, 2026, Jackson’s nephew Taj Jackson—son of Tito Jackson—criticized media attempts to control the narrative about his uncle:
“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. And you can’t handle that.”
Jaafar Jackson, Jackson’s real-life nephew, stars in the film as the young pop star. Fuqua recently shared his perspective on the allegations in an interview with The New Yorker.
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