Uone of the first things that strike you when you look Michael, the biopic on Michael Jackson arrived in theaters last April 22nd, it is his sister is never mentioned Janet Jackson. Not that all family members had to be present, but this one complete absence raised some doubts both among fans and professionals, due to the deep bond that has always existed between the two.
Janet Jackson and the choice not to appear in Michael
For Janet Jackson it would have been a deliberate choice. So his sister La Toya Jackson told Variety at the premiere at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. «I wish everyone was there», his words, “She was asked and she politely declined, so her wishes must be respected.” On the same occasion also director Antoine Fuqua focused on the singer’s absence: «I have enormous affection and respect for Janet, that’s fine».
According to Page SixHowever, not everything would be so rosy. The magazine talks about clashes in the family during a private screening of the biopic, clashes that would then push Janet to step aside. A person (whose name is not given) would have pointed out that Janet had a“negative opinion on almost every scene”, in reference to the way the actors talk and walk, and even their makeup. The singer seemed to have “decided against everyone’s opinion” that she wouldn’t like the film.
Rumors firmly denied by La Toya Jackson: «There was absolutely no problem, absolutely none. Believe me”his words to Entertainment Tonight.
Janet and Michael Jackson in an archive shot (IPA).
Michael’s actors, starting with Jafaar Jackson
Instead, several members of the Jackson family appear in the film, starting with Jafaar, twenty-nine years old son of Michael’s older brother Jermainewho plays the lead role. The young actor would have full support from Aunt Janet. Colman Domingo is, however, Joe Jackson, father of the king of pop, while mother Katherine has the face of actress Nia Long. To interpret La Toya Jackson It’s Jessica Sula. Also absent, besides Janet Randy and Rebbie Jacksonbut their case is very different because compared to their sister they did not have an important role in Michael’s career, nor as much fame.
Janet Jackson and the alleged friction with her brother Jermaine
However, there could also be something else behind it. Janet Jackson would be very close to her younger brothers, primarily Randy, who in turn does not have a relaxed relationship with Jermaine Jackson, who produced Michael. The fault of an old rust caused by a woman, Alejandra Oaziaza, who had an affair with Randy and then married Jermaine. Randy would never have forgiven his older brother for what he always considered a betrayal, and Janet may have decided not to disappoint him in turn by participating in a Jermaine movie.
According to an old article from New York Post, for that story the two brothers wouldn’t even speak to each other. What is certain is that Janet and Randy did not even attend the film’s premiere. This time they decided to step aside.