Recommendations of the Editorial team
The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” hasn’t even had its US premiere yet, The family of the late singer is already defending the film against criticism from the media.
Two of Jackson’s nephews, TJ and Taj Jackson – both sons of Tito Jackson and active together in the group 3T – posted messages on social media on Tuesday and Wednesday defending the film, which hits theaters on Friday, against negative reception from critics. Critics panned the film for ignoring Jackson’s controversies, not addressing the numerous allegations of sexual abuse against Jackson, and for having the story end in 1988. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson, who plays his uncle.
“Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was,” wrote Taj, Tito Jackson’s eldest son, in a tweet thread on Tuesday. “The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves. And you can’t handle that. Can’t wait until some critics have to eat crow. And yes I will be that petty.”
Family sticks together
“I’m going to the cinema in a few hours to see a movie I’ve seen several times. Why? Because I’m proud,” TJ Jackson, Tito’s youngest son, wrote in his own post. “I wouldn’t miss this opportunity for the world to immerse myself in the electrifying energy that will be in this theater. My uncle deserves it, my cousin earned it, and his loyal fans deserve it. The world will be reminded or learned of who MJ really was – I can’t wait! #michaelmovie.”
In another post, TJ praised the film. “I’m excited for the world to see it,” he wrote. “My uncle’s essence is captured, and Jaafar is 🙌🏾…”
Rolling Stone critic David Fear described the film, which was years in the making, as an implausible saint-worship – right down to a scene in which Jackson’s lawyer explains that he believes the singer will become the greatest. “This isn’t actually a biopic,” he wrote. “This is the Passion of St. Michael, presented with great fidelity and emphasis on Jackson’s undeniable suffering and his equally undeniable talent. … To paraphrase a Jackson song: Please stop. Enough is enough.”
