Michael Jackson biopic blasted for 'omissions' by critics as daughter Paris labels film 'dishonest'

Olivia Gantzer
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:59:03 +0000

The new Michael Jackson biopic has received a brutal reception from film critics, securing just 35 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its cinema release this Friday.

Titled simply Michael, the production features the late pop star's nephew Jaafar Jackson portraying his uncle, covering the period from his Jackson 5 days through to his early solo career.

Reviewers have expressed disappointment with what they perceive as a sanitised portrayal of the controversial singer.

The Daily Mail's Brian Viner awarded the film two stars out of five, writing: "the storytelling is simplistic, the omissions egregious, but $200million (the estimated budget) sure buys a fabulous karaoke act."

The biopic arrives a full year behind schedule, having originally been slated for April 2025.

Beyond the critical mauling, the film has also sparked significant rifts within the Jackson family itself.

Paris Jackson, the singer's daughter, has been vocal in her opposition to the project, branding it "dishonest" and a "fantasy" that would "pander to a very specific section of my dad's fandom."

She was notably absent from the world premiere earlier this month, where her brothers Prince and Blanket were in attendance.

Paris has also accused estate executors John Branca and John McClain of financial mismanagement, claiming it was "troubling" that they used estate funds to cover most of the film's $150 million budget, describing it as a "botched production."

Lawyers representing the estate dismissed her complaints as "without merit," accusing Paris and her legal team of "playing media games by making headline-grabbing, yet false, accusations."

Janet Jackson has also distanced herself from the biopic, declining to participate and subsequently being removed from the film entirely.

According to Page Six, the 59-year-old singer "had something negative about almost every scene" during a private family screening, criticising everything from the acting and makeup to how the performers walked and spoke.

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At a Los Angeles screening this week, sister LaToya Jackson addressed Janet's absence, saying: "She was asked and she kindly declined so you have to respect her wishes."

LaToya sidestepped questions about Paris's criticism, noting "everybody has their opinion and their choice."

Randy and Jermaine Jackson do not appear in the film either, though both attended the premiere in support. The eldest sibling, Rebbie, is also absent from the production.

The criticism of sanitised storytelling comes against the backdrop of serious allegations that dogged Mr Jackson throughout his later life.

In 1993, the singer was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy. While a criminal investigation uncovered no physical evidence, the singer settled the civil case for $23 million in January 1994.

A decade later, he faced a high-profile criminal trial over allegations involving another 13-year-old, but was acquitted of all charges in 2005.

The claims resurfaced with renewed intensity following the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, in which Wade Robson and James Safechuck alleged years of childhood abuse. A sequel released last year followed their ongoing legal battle.

Jackson died in 2009 aged 50 from cardiac arrest after being administered Propofol as a sleep aid.