JACKO FLICK? SICK!
Fight vs. biopic
The director of a documentary about Michael Jackson slammed the idea of a new Jackson biopic on Sunday, saying that the film would “glorify a man who abused children.”
The movie, which would focus on the singer’s turbulent childhood and onward, is to be spearheaded by “Bohemian Rhapsody” producer Graham King, Dan Reed noted in a Guardian column.
“No one is talking about ‘canceling’ this movie, which will glo- rify a man who raped children,” said Reed, whose 2019 doc, “Leaving Neverland,” featured searing accusations of child sex abuse against Jackson.
“What the total absence of outrage accompany- ing the an- nouncement of this movie tells us is that Jackson’s seduction is still a living force, operating from beyond the grave.
“It seems that the press, his fans and the vast older demographic who grew up loving Jackson are willing to set aside his unhealthy relationship with children and just go along with the music.”
Reed is worried that the in-the-works film, named “Michael” and being made with the “Thriller” singer’s estate, would gloss over several accusations against the King of Pop.
Reed’s own film featured Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both of whom had been invited by Jackson to stay at his California ranch when they were kids. Robson alleged that Jackson, who died at 50 in 2009, raped him when he was 7.
Past troubles
In 2005, Jackson was brought up on charges of molesting a minor, intoxicating a minor to molest him, attempted child molestation and conspiring to commit extortion and child abduction.
“According to Lionsgate [the distributor], the film will address all aspects of Jackson’s life, although it is unclear how the film will address the many controversies involving the late music icon, given that the film is made in conjunction with his estate, which has defended him against accusations of sexually abusing children,” Reed said, quoting the Hollywood Reporter. He added: “That is putting it very delicately indeed.”
Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, 26, is set to play the late singer in the film, whose release date has not been announced.