HBO’s Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed has slammed the script for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic - Michael - and claimed it is a “complete whitewash”.
Reed directed the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland which focused on the alleged crimes of sexual assault by Jackson against Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
The biopic – which is set to be released next year – will see Jackson’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson take on the role of his uncle, will be directed by Antoine Fuqua and has been written by John Logan.
After claiming that he had seen a draft of the script last year, Reed told The Times London: “It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies.
“You never see him alone with any boys, when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.
"Jackson is only ever seen caring for children with childhood cancer, or dancing with a little girl in a wheelchair, or tucking up multiple little boys, mostly his nephews, at sleepovers.
The biopic is said to be filled with "whitewashing"
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“It feels like the creators of the movie have been stuck in a room with John Branca and just told what to write.”
The film has promised a “riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man” that will include both Jackson’s “undeniable creative genius” and his “human side and personal struggles".
According to reports, Fuqua, Logan and producer Graham King contend with the allegations that were discussed during Leaving Neverland.
Jackson continued to deny the allegations throughout his career, with his family and estate maintaining that position following his death in 2009.
Jaafar Jackson will play his uncle in the biopic
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One source close to the production told Variety that at least one other member of Jackson’s family is on set every day and added that the estate “put their trust in Graham King, stepping out of the creative process".
In a separate statement, King explained he “went into this project with an open mind and spent years researching Michael Jackson’s life and work – from his artistry to his public and private struggles, to his humanitarian efforts.
“Michael’s life was complicated. As a filmmaker, I look to humanise but not sanitise and present the most compelling, unbiased story I can capture in a single feature film and let the audience decide how they feel after watching it.
“Michael clearly remains an impactful, culturally relevant artist with a life and legacy worth exploring.”
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Michael Jackson's biopic has been slammed already
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Screenplays can change significantly during production, but the biopic faces scrutiny no matter how it depicts Jackson’s behaviour and career.
John Carpenter thinks delays by the Jackson estate’s legal team will likely push the trial – which was ruled on in 2023 - past the scheduled April 2025 release of Michael.