Michael Jackson Biopic Sparks Debate Amid Record-Breaking Success and Accusations of Abuse

The new biopic Michael, which portrays the life of the late King of Pop, has shattered box office records during its opening weekend. The film celebrates Jackson’s musical genius, despite his history of credible accusations of sexually abusing multiple children.

This success comes just seven years after the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland reignited public scrutiny of Jackson’s legacy. At the time, advertisers distanced themselves from his music, and The Simpsons removed his episode from syndication. However, Leaving Neverland was later removed from HBO following legal maneuvers by Jackson’s estate. Now, Michael stands as a commercial triumph, proving that audiences may be willing to overlook past controversies in favor of Jackson’s undeniable talent.

Some moviegoers have rationalized their enjoyment of the film by arguing that Jackson’s death makes the accusations feel distant. Others believe the allegations are irrelevant since Jackson can no longer be held accountable. One audience review on Rotten Tomatoes encapsulates this sentiment:

“Forget what the ‘professional’ critics are saying—they’ve completely missed the mark on this one. If you want to experience the magic of the King of Pop, this movie delivers.”

Jackson’s defenders have also taken to social media to challenge the validity of the accusations. On TikTok, videos dissecting the case often conclude with commenters declaring Jackson “innocent.” A recurring phrase among supporters is: “The world owes Michael an apology.”

Another defense of Jackson frames the accusations through the lens of racism in the U.S. criminal justice system. Director Antoine Fuqua, who helmed Michael, has publicly questioned the fairness of Jackson’s treatment. In an interview with The New Yorker, Fuqua revealed that an early cut of the film depicted Jackson being “brutalized by the police” during investigations, including scenes where he was “stripped naked, treated like an animal, a monster.” These scenes were later removed for legal reasons.

Fuqua admitted he does not know whether the allegations against Jackson are true. He stated:

“When I hear things about us—Black people in particular, especially in a certain position—there’s always pause.”

Writer Nadira Goffe, in an article for Slate, explored the generational divide among Jackson’s Black fans. She noted that older generations often struggle to reconcile past injustices faced by Black men with the possibility that Jackson may have harmed others. Goffe wrote:

“What many don’t understand is how hard it is for older generations to square what has so often happened in the past—the fear that society is just tearing down another good Black man—with the reality that these men could have been, or are convicted of having been, harmful.”