Not everyone is thrilled that there’s a biopic being made about pop sensation Michael Jackson. The director of “Leaving Neverland,” the HBO documentary that delves into accusations of Jackson’s alleged child abuse, last month accused director Antoine Fuqua’s film of being “a complete whitewash” and that it aims to “completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand.”
However at CinemaCon on Wednesday, “Michael” producer Graham King took the stage to say that the new biopic, currently in production, “will get into all of it.”
King promised “Michael” includes 30 songs and recreations of Jackson’s performances throughout his career but also depictions of “his life outside the public eye, things many people have never seen before.”
“Everyone has an opinion on him,” King said about Mj, acknowledging the blinding accusations that surrounded his career, saying that ultimately the film is a portrait of a “complex” man,...
However at CinemaCon on Wednesday, “Michael” producer Graham King took the stage to say that the new biopic, currently in production, “will get into all of it.”
King promised “Michael” includes 30 songs and recreations of Jackson’s performances throughout his career but also depictions of “his life outside the public eye, things many people have never seen before.”
“Everyone has an opinion on him,” King said about Mj, acknowledging the blinding accusations that surrounded his career, saying that ultimately the film is a portrait of a “complex” man,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Dan Reed, director of the documentary Leaving Neverland, is calling the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “a complete whitewash” of Jackson’s life.
Reed’s documentary covers the alleged sexual abuse by Jackson against two young boys, Wade Robson and James Safechuck. Reed, who says he read the script for the biopic Michael, says the film fails to address the allegations against Jackson.
In a statement, Reed said, “It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies. You never even see him alone with any boys when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.”
The biopic will star Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his acting debut. Other cast members include Colman Domingo as Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson and Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s manager.
Reed criticized Jackson’s estate,...
Reed’s documentary covers the alleged sexual abuse by Jackson against two young boys, Wade Robson and James Safechuck. Reed, who says he read the script for the biopic Michael, says the film fails to address the allegations against Jackson.
In a statement, Reed said, “It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies. You never even see him alone with any boys when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.”
The biopic will star Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his acting debut. Other cast members include Colman Domingo as Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson and Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s manager.
Reed criticized Jackson’s estate,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Ann Hoang
- Uinterview
Michael Jackson is the latest music legend to receive the Hollywood biopic treatment thanks to Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming film “Michael.”
The project, which recently began production, is produced in collaboration with Jackson’s estate and is being billed as the definitive cinematic take on the pop star’s legacy. Early statements and casting announcements from the film’s creative team have focused on Jackson’s positive contributions to the music industry and their intentions to honor his legacy. But the question of how Fuqua will address the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson still looms over the film.
Jackson denied the claims that he sexually abused young boys throughout his career. But the 2019 HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland” brought renewed attention to the allegations, offering new details that lent credibility to his accusers in the eyes of many viewers.
In a new interview with The Sunday Times, “Leaving Neverland” director Dan Reed...
The project, which recently began production, is produced in collaboration with Jackson’s estate and is being billed as the definitive cinematic take on the pop star’s legacy. Early statements and casting announcements from the film’s creative team have focused on Jackson’s positive contributions to the music industry and their intentions to honor his legacy. But the question of how Fuqua will address the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson still looms over the film.
Jackson denied the claims that he sexually abused young boys throughout his career. But the 2019 HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland” brought renewed attention to the allegations, offering new details that lent credibility to his accusers in the eyes of many viewers.
In a new interview with The Sunday Times, “Leaving Neverland” director Dan Reed...
- 3/17/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
The legacy of the Late Michael Jackson, who was widely called the King of Pop, and still is to this day, might never be fully able to be expressed through the medium of entertainment. And yet, filmmaker Antoine Fuqua is said to be bringing his A-Game in the future as he is currently directing the upcoming biopic of the legendary musician, titled Michael.
Michael Jackson from his music video They Don’t Care About Us
While several documentaries may have been made in honor of the star’s life in the past, this will be the first major Hollywood production that will tell the tale of the early days of the star’s life and how he became a worldwide sensation.
But according to British filmmaker Dan Reed, who made one of the most famous documentaries about the star, titled Leaving Neverland, he claims that this film is Whitewashing all...
Michael Jackson from his music video They Don’t Care About Us
While several documentaries may have been made in honor of the star’s life in the past, this will be the first major Hollywood production that will tell the tale of the early days of the star’s life and how he became a worldwide sensation.
But according to British filmmaker Dan Reed, who made one of the most famous documentaries about the star, titled Leaving Neverland, he claims that this film is Whitewashing all...
- 3/17/2024
- by Deepak Bisht
- FandomWire
The forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic has been slammed by the maker of the documentary Leaving Neverland, with Dan Reed calling the movie’s script “a complete whitewash.”
Reed, whose 2019 film featured claims by Wade Robson and James Safechuck that Jackson had abused them as children, told The Times of London he had seen a draft script of the biopic, due for release next year. He said:
“It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies. You never even see him alone with any boys, when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.”
The biopic has drawn a pedigree team in director Antoine Fuqua, who made Training Day, and writer John Logan, Oscar-nominated for Gladiator, The Aviator and Hugo.
Oscar-nominated Colman Domingo is playing Jackson’s abusive father, Joe, while Miles Teller will play John Branca, Jackson’s manager.
The newspaper adds that music sales data suggests that Jackson’s appeal is growing again after his star waned prior to his death in 2009. It cites Sony’s confirmation last month that it will acquire half of Jackson’s catalog in a deal that valued his assets at $1.2 billion — the largest transaction for a single musician’s work. And Billboard reports that consumption of Jackson’s music worldwide grew last year by more than 38 per cent to 6.5 billion on-demand streams.
The musical Mj, telling the story of the star’s life and using his music, has also arrived in London, fresh from success on Broadway, with German and Australian tour dates also scheduled. The musical makes no mention of the abuse allegations that Jackson faced.
Reed, whose 2019 film featured claims by Wade Robson and James Safechuck that Jackson had abused them as children, told The Times of London he had seen a draft script of the biopic, due for release next year. He said:
“It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies. You never even see him alone with any boys, when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.”
The biopic has drawn a pedigree team in director Antoine Fuqua, who made Training Day, and writer John Logan, Oscar-nominated for Gladiator, The Aviator and Hugo.
Oscar-nominated Colman Domingo is playing Jackson’s abusive father, Joe, while Miles Teller will play John Branca, Jackson’s manager.
The newspaper adds that music sales data suggests that Jackson’s appeal is growing again after his star waned prior to his death in 2009. It cites Sony’s confirmation last month that it will acquire half of Jackson’s catalog in a deal that valued his assets at $1.2 billion — the largest transaction for a single musician’s work. And Billboard reports that consumption of Jackson’s music worldwide grew last year by more than 38 per cent to 6.5 billion on-demand streams.
The musical Mj, telling the story of the star’s life and using his music, has also arrived in London, fresh from success on Broadway, with German and Australian tour dates also scheduled. The musical makes no mention of the abuse allegations that Jackson faced.
- 3/17/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Since January, the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” has released a series of announcements of the film’s cast, including recent Oscar nominee Colman Domingo as Jackson’s father, Joe, Nia Long as Jackson’s mother, Katherine, and Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s attorney and the co-executor of his estate. Each press release includes the same description of the film, promising 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.”
There is one significant aspect of Jackson’s life, however, that will make that promise practically impossible to fulfill: The multiple allegations that the King of Pop leveraged his global fame to groom prepubescent boys into a sexual relationship.
According to a report by Puck News, which Variety has confirmed, director Antoine Fuqua, producer Graham King and screenwriter John Logan contend...
There is one significant aspect of Jackson’s life, however, that will make that promise practically impossible to fulfill: The multiple allegations that the King of Pop leveraged his global fame to groom prepubescent boys into a sexual relationship.
According to a report by Puck News, which Variety has confirmed, director Antoine Fuqua, producer Graham King and screenwriter John Logan contend...
- 3/13/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
HBO’s released the official trailer for The Truth vs. Alex Jones, a documentary that takes an in-depth look at Alex Jones’ disturbing lies about the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and how family members of the murdered school children fought back. The documentary, directed by BAFTA and Emmy winner Dan Reed (Leaving Neverland), will premiere on HBO on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 9pm Et/Pt.
Among those contributing to the documentary are Sandy Hook parents Mark Barden, Alissa and Robbie Parker, Neil Heslin, Scarlett Lewis, Nicole Hockley, Lenny Pozner, and Veronique de la Rosa. The documentary also features attorneys Mark Bankston, Chris Mattei, Wesley Ball, and Andino Reyna as well as Connecticut State Police officer Daniel Jewiss.
Poster for ‘The Truth vs Alex Jones’ (Photo Credit: HBO)
HBO released the following description of The Truth vs. Alex Jones:
“Filmed over four years with unprecedented access, The Truth vs. Alex Jones...
Among those contributing to the documentary are Sandy Hook parents Mark Barden, Alissa and Robbie Parker, Neil Heslin, Scarlett Lewis, Nicole Hockley, Lenny Pozner, and Veronique de la Rosa. The documentary also features attorneys Mark Bankston, Chris Mattei, Wesley Ball, and Andino Reyna as well as Connecticut State Police officer Daniel Jewiss.
Poster for ‘The Truth vs Alex Jones’ (Photo Credit: HBO)
HBO released the following description of The Truth vs. Alex Jones:
“Filmed over four years with unprecedented access, The Truth vs. Alex Jones...
- 3/12/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
HBO has released the first trailer (below) for its upcoming documentary chronicling the rise and fall of one of the most controversial and disgraced voices in American media: Alex Jones.
In The Truth vs. Alex Jones, filmmaker Dan Reed (Leaving Neverland, Four Hours at the Capitol) shows how Jones built an empire peddling supplements to listeners of his popular InfoWars radio show and then fueled his own collapse by promoting a conspiracy theory that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was staged and its shattered parents were actors.
“With his embrace of Sandy Hook hoaxer theories, Jones discovered that a high-octane mix of conspiracy and politics could set his audience on fire like never before, turbocharging his online supplements business,” Reed said in a statement. “The parents of the children murdered at Sandy Hook confronted Jones in a court of law and exposed his lies. My documentary is about this...
In The Truth vs. Alex Jones, filmmaker Dan Reed (Leaving Neverland, Four Hours at the Capitol) shows how Jones built an empire peddling supplements to listeners of his popular InfoWars radio show and then fueled his own collapse by promoting a conspiracy theory that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was staged and its shattered parents were actors.
“With his embrace of Sandy Hook hoaxer theories, Jones discovered that a high-octane mix of conspiracy and politics could set his audience on fire like never before, turbocharging his online supplements business,” Reed said in a statement. “The parents of the children murdered at Sandy Hook confronted Jones in a court of law and exposed his lies. My documentary is about this...
- 3/12/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
British director Dan Reed (“Leaving Neverland”) spent four years filming Sandy Hook Elementary parents as they attempt to hold Alex Jones — the infamous talk-news conspiracist guru of InfoWars — accountable for the lies he spread about their children’s murders in 2012. The result is the HBO documentary “The Truth vs. Alex Jones.”
Bringing Jones to trial involved years of effort by the grieving parents and their legal teams and culminated in two jury trials for damages in Texas and Connecticut. The outcome was America’s biggest-ever defamation verdict, with nearly $1.5 billion awarded by juries in the two states to the families, Not surprisingly Jones, who called the Sandy Hook massacre a hoax and was accused of using the tragedy to help sell dietary supplement on his site, subsequently declared bankruptcy.
Variety spoke to Reed ahead of “The Truth vs. Alex Jones” SXSW world premiere on March 11.
What made you want to tell this story?...
Bringing Jones to trial involved years of effort by the grieving parents and their legal teams and culminated in two jury trials for damages in Texas and Connecticut. The outcome was America’s biggest-ever defamation verdict, with nearly $1.5 billion awarded by juries in the two states to the families, Not surprisingly Jones, who called the Sandy Hook massacre a hoax and was accused of using the tragedy to help sell dietary supplement on his site, subsequently declared bankruptcy.
Variety spoke to Reed ahead of “The Truth vs. Alex Jones” SXSW world premiere on March 11.
What made you want to tell this story?...
- 3/11/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Documentary filmmaker Dan Reed doesn’t shy away from unpleasant topics. Among the many films he’s either directed or produced are Leaving Neverland, a deep dive into the Michael Jackson sexual abuse allegations; Four Hours at the Capitol, about the Jan. 6 insurrection; and Terror at the Mall, relating the horrific events of a terrorist attack in Kenya that left 71 people dead. But the psychological demands placed on him by these efforts must have paled in comparison to the burden placed on him by his latest effort, The Truth vs. Alex Jones, which required him to stare at the face of its repugnant subject over the course of many months. Medals have been given for less.
The documentary receiving its world premiere at SXSW chronicles two trials resulting from defamation lawsuits filed by the parents of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Justice of sorts was accomplished, with...
The documentary receiving its world premiere at SXSW chronicles two trials resulting from defamation lawsuits filed by the parents of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Justice of sorts was accomplished, with...
- 3/11/2024
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The late global sensation Michael Jackson is getting his own musical drama biopic (currently in the works) almost a decade and a half after his death, but even his fans don’t seem to be all too optimistic about it. If anything, fans are more or less expecting the film titled Michael to be doomed just like the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s The Marvels.
Michael Jackson in The Way You Make Me Feel music video
All of this comes after recent reports about the film from insiders, who have stated the reported budget and box office projections of the film. And as much as fans would hate to admit it, the biopic Michael is making the very same mistake that doomed Brie Larson’s 2023 superhero sequel to Captain Marvel: Absurdly overinflated budget and box office projections.
Michael Jackson’s Biopic may be as Doomed as The Marvels
Recently, industry...
Michael Jackson in The Way You Make Me Feel music video
All of this comes after recent reports about the film from insiders, who have stated the reported budget and box office projections of the film. And as much as fans would hate to admit it, the biopic Michael is making the very same mistake that doomed Brie Larson’s 2023 superhero sequel to Captain Marvel: Absurdly overinflated budget and box office projections.
Michael Jackson’s Biopic may be as Doomed as The Marvels
Recently, industry...
- 3/9/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael has the approval of his estate and will even star his own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, but according to a new report, it’ll also mark the very first time any estate-affiliated project will address Jackson’s allegations of sexual misconduct — albeit in such a way to cast doubt on his accusers.
According to Puck News’ Matthew Belloni, who obtained an early script of the biopic, the film is quite flattering of Jackson and “wants very much to convince you Michael is innocent.” To that end, it addresses the controversies very directly, even beginning with a depiction of Jackson being raided by police in the aftermath of Jordan Chandler’s allegations in 1993.
As Belloni describes it, the script for Michael — which may be far from the finished product, he noted — goes to “great lengths to minimize and downplay the actual claims and eviscerate the Chandlers.
According to Puck News’ Matthew Belloni, who obtained an early script of the biopic, the film is quite flattering of Jackson and “wants very much to convince you Michael is innocent.” To that end, it addresses the controversies very directly, even beginning with a depiction of Jackson being raided by police in the aftermath of Jordan Chandler’s allegations in 1993.
As Belloni describes it, the script for Michael — which may be far from the finished product, he noted — goes to “great lengths to minimize and downplay the actual claims and eviscerate the Chandlers.
- 3/8/2024
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Music
The two Michael Jackson molestation accusers featured in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland have won the right to combine their negligence lawsuits against Jackson’s companies into a single case and are pressing for a trial by early next year – before the April 2025 debut of the Michael biopic helmed by Training Day director Antoine Fuqua.
A judge granted the consolidation to plaintiffs Wade Robson and James Safechuck during a Wednesday hearing in Beverly Hills, Calif. Standing outside the courtroom after the ruling, the duo’s lawyer said he believes defendants Mjj Productions...
A judge granted the consolidation to plaintiffs Wade Robson and James Safechuck during a Wednesday hearing in Beverly Hills, Calif. Standing outside the courtroom after the ruling, the duo’s lawyer said he believes defendants Mjj Productions...
- 2/28/2024
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic has found the rest of its Jackson 5.
The company announced eight new castmembers on Tuesday who are joining the biographical film Michael to fill out both the younger and older versions of Jackson’s four brothers — Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Jackie Jackson — comprising the family band that rose to prominence in the 1970s. Director Antoine Fuqua’s movie is currently in production and hits theaters April 18, 2025.
Jayden Harville will portray the younger Jermaine, with Jamal R. Henderson (Mindhunter) playing his older self. Marlon will be played by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter in the younger years and Tre Horton (My Enemy Alpha) later in life. Tito will be brought to life by Judah Edwards in the early years and Rhyan Hill (The Michael Blackson Show) later. Nathaniel Logan McIntyre will portray the younger Jackie, while Joseph David-Jones (Roman J. Israel, Esq.) will step into the older version.
The company announced eight new castmembers on Tuesday who are joining the biographical film Michael to fill out both the younger and older versions of Jackson’s four brothers — Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Jackie Jackson — comprising the family band that rose to prominence in the 1970s. Director Antoine Fuqua’s movie is currently in production and hits theaters April 18, 2025.
Jayden Harville will portray the younger Jermaine, with Jamal R. Henderson (Mindhunter) playing his older self. Marlon will be played by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter in the younger years and Tre Horton (My Enemy Alpha) later in life. Tito will be brought to life by Judah Edwards in the early years and Rhyan Hill (The Michael Blackson Show) later. Nathaniel Logan McIntyre will portray the younger Jackie, while Joseph David-Jones (Roman J. Israel, Esq.) will step into the older version.
- 2/27/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We have our first look at the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled "Michael." It is, in a word, eerie. The film features the late pop star's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role, and this first-look image recreates the legendary performance of "Man in the Mirror" from the Dangerous Tour in the early '90s. That imagery has burned its way into the collective memory of pop culture, and the recreation here is downright spot-on.
Admittedly, it's just a photo, but it's an impressive one at that. It looks like the genuine article, from the look of Jackson to everything else in the frame. The photo was taken by Kevin Mazur. He was one of the photographers who documented Michael over many years, capturing rehearsals for Jackson's "This Is It" concerts, which were eventually turned into a documentary. Mazur had this to say about capturing Jaafar Jackson as Michael...
Admittedly, it's just a photo, but it's an impressive one at that. It looks like the genuine article, from the look of Jackson to everything else in the frame. The photo was taken by Kevin Mazur. He was one of the photographers who documented Michael over many years, capturing rehearsals for Jackson's "This Is It" concerts, which were eventually turned into a documentary. Mazur had this to say about capturing Jaafar Jackson as Michael...
- 2/13/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Antoine Fuqua’s Michael is bound to be one of the more controversial movies to come out in the next year or so. It’s currently on track for an April 18, 2025 release, but the makers have decided to release a first look still at Jaafar Jackson in character as his famous uncle – Michael Jackson.
As you can see by the pic, the resemblance is uncanny. However, one thing worth noting is that Mj’s appearance drastically changed over the years, from his early days as a solo artist circa “Off the Wall”, through his iconic look in “Thriller” and beyond. Here, he seems to be playing Michael Jackson in his “Bad” era, and looking at the image, it’s hard not to hear Mj’s iconic singing voice coming through loud and clear. With the cooperation of the Michael Jackson estate, one thing is for sure – the music will be great.
As you can see by the pic, the resemblance is uncanny. However, one thing worth noting is that Mj’s appearance drastically changed over the years, from his early days as a solo artist circa “Off the Wall”, through his iconic look in “Thriller” and beyond. Here, he seems to be playing Michael Jackson in his “Bad” era, and looking at the image, it’s hard not to hear Mj’s iconic singing voice coming through loud and clear. With the cooperation of the Michael Jackson estate, one thing is for sure – the music will be great.
- 2/13/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
In what is likely the largest transaction for a solo musician’s body of work, Sony completed an agreement to acquire half of Michael Jackson’s publishing and recorded masters.
The deal values the music assets at above $1.2 billion, sources told Billboard. The outlet also estimated that Sony will pay at least $600 million for its stake. An attorney for Jackson’s estate declined to comment to Rolling Stone.
Last February, Variety reported that Jackson’s estate was in negotiations seeking $800 million-$900 million for half of its interests in the singer’s music catalog.
The deal values the music assets at above $1.2 billion, sources told Billboard. The outlet also estimated that Sony will pay at least $600 million for its stake. An attorney for Jackson’s estate declined to comment to Rolling Stone.
Last February, Variety reported that Jackson’s estate was in negotiations seeking $800 million-$900 million for half of its interests in the singer’s music catalog.
- 2/10/2024
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Nia Long is joining the Jackson family. The actor will star in Michael, the biopic of late pop star Michael Jackson. Long will portray Katherine Jackson, family matriarch to the Jackson musical family, Lionsgate announced Tuesday.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, who is Michael Jackson’s nephew, as the music icon. Oscar nominee Colman Domingo is starring as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, while 9-year-old actor Juliano Krue is playing a young version of Michael.
Director Antoine Fuqua praised Long in a statement, saying he was excited to “work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
Long called Katherine Jackson “an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family.” Long is known as the star of the Best Man franchise,...
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, who is Michael Jackson’s nephew, as the music icon. Oscar nominee Colman Domingo is starring as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, while 9-year-old actor Juliano Krue is playing a young version of Michael.
Director Antoine Fuqua praised Long in a statement, saying he was excited to “work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
Long called Katherine Jackson “an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family.” Long is known as the star of the Best Man franchise,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic has cast Colman Domingo to play Joe Jackson, the controversial patriarch of the celebrated musical family.
Domingo, coming off a critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated performance in Rustin, joins Michael, the biopic in production from Lionsgate and slated for a global release on April 18, 2025. Joe Jackson, the father of Michael, Janet and their eight siblings and the architect of the Jackson 5, died in 2018, aged 89. Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the pop singer.
“Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex and flawed character to portray in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front row seat for Jaafar’s incredible transformation. After seeing him in rehearsal, my mind was blown,” Domingo said in a statement. “There is something divine about the way that Jaafar is channeling his late uncle. His talent and embodiment of Michael’s essence is simply on another level.
Domingo, coming off a critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated performance in Rustin, joins Michael, the biopic in production from Lionsgate and slated for a global release on April 18, 2025. Joe Jackson, the father of Michael, Janet and their eight siblings and the architect of the Jackson 5, died in 2018, aged 89. Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the pop singer.
“Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex and flawed character to portray in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front row seat for Jaafar’s incredible transformation. After seeing him in rehearsal, my mind was blown,” Domingo said in a statement. “There is something divine about the way that Jaafar is channeling his late uncle. His talent and embodiment of Michael’s essence is simply on another level.
- 1/25/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new image has been released from the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael.
The photo represents the first clear look at star Jaafar Jackson as the iconic singer.
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” declared producer Graham King. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.” The actor is also the singer’s nephew.
Previously, Jaafar Jackson released a black-and-white shot of him performing the music icon’s signature, gravity-defying, toe-standing move while wearing a black fedora.
The project is directed by Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer franchise) and written by John Logan (Gladiator), with a producing team that includes Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody).
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jaafar Jackson (@jaafarjackson)
The studio has said the biopic will cover all aspects of Michael Jackson’s life, which presumably means it will address the child sexual assault allegations that...
The photo represents the first clear look at star Jaafar Jackson as the iconic singer.
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” declared producer Graham King. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.” The actor is also the singer’s nephew.
Previously, Jaafar Jackson released a black-and-white shot of him performing the music icon’s signature, gravity-defying, toe-standing move while wearing a black fedora.
The project is directed by Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer franchise) and written by John Logan (Gladiator), with a producing team that includes Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody).
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jaafar Jackson (@jaafarjackson)
The studio has said the biopic will cover all aspects of Michael Jackson’s life, which presumably means it will address the child sexual assault allegations that...
- 1/19/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic has brought in 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi to play the younger Michael Jackson.
Valdi will appear in the film, which stars the late music legend’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, who will play the older Jackson in the film about the singer’s life.
“This opportunity is really important to me because Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, and he is very special in my heart. I’ve been dancing to his songs for five years now. He makes me feel really special and makes me feel good about myself. I love the energy of Michael Jackson,” Valdi said in a statement.
He will play the young Michael Jackson as he and his brothers rise to fame as the Jackson 5, the singing sensation behind such iconic hits as “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.”
The project will be directed by Antoine Fuqua,...
Valdi will appear in the film, which stars the late music legend’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, who will play the older Jackson in the film about the singer’s life.
“This opportunity is really important to me because Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, and he is very special in my heart. I’ve been dancing to his songs for five years now. He makes me feel really special and makes me feel good about myself. I love the energy of Michael Jackson,” Valdi said in a statement.
He will play the young Michael Jackson as he and his brothers rise to fame as the Jackson 5, the singing sensation behind such iconic hits as “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.”
The project will be directed by Antoine Fuqua,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Given the current dismal political and cultural climate as well as streaming services’ massive appetite for celebrity driven content, it comes as no surprise that the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival is chock full of portrait documentaries. Frida Kahlo, Christopher Reeve, Luther Vandross and Tammy Faye are just a few of the boldface names that are being examined in various docus featured in the Sundance nonfiction lineup.
The festival is no stranger to star-driven docus. In recent years, films about Ruth Bader Ginsburg (“Rbg”), Fred Rogers (“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”), Harvey Weinstein (“Untouchable”), Michael Jackson (“Leaving Neverland”), Kanye West (“jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy”), Bill Cosby (“We Need to Talk About Cosby”) and most recently Judy Blume (“Judy Blume Forever”) and Michael J. Fox (“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie”) had world premieres in Park City.
But unlike films self-produced by their star subjects, the profile docus selected...
The festival is no stranger to star-driven docus. In recent years, films about Ruth Bader Ginsburg (“Rbg”), Fred Rogers (“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”), Harvey Weinstein (“Untouchable”), Michael Jackson (“Leaving Neverland”), Kanye West (“jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy”), Bill Cosby (“We Need to Talk About Cosby”) and most recently Judy Blume (“Judy Blume Forever”) and Michael J. Fox (“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie”) had world premieres in Park City.
But unlike films self-produced by their star subjects, the profile docus selected...
- 1/17/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Michael, a new biopic on late singer Michael Jackson, is due in cinemas in April 2025, at least in the US. More here.
We’ve known for a while now that Antoine Fuqua is working on a new biopic of Michael Jackson. The film was announced last year with Fuqua directing, John Logan writing and Jackson’s nephew Jafaar Jackson playing the singer.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that the film has now been given an April 2025 release date by Lionsgate. The film will be in US cinemas on the 18th April, 2025.
Universal Pictures holds all international distribution rights, including the UK, but we don’t have a confirmed date for when we could expect the biopic in our local Vue.
Here’s the official synopsis of Michael: “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents...
We’ve known for a while now that Antoine Fuqua is working on a new biopic of Michael Jackson. The film was announced last year with Fuqua directing, John Logan writing and Jackson’s nephew Jafaar Jackson playing the singer.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that the film has now been given an April 2025 release date by Lionsgate. The film will be in US cinemas on the 18th April, 2025.
Universal Pictures holds all international distribution rights, including the UK, but we don’t have a confirmed date for when we could expect the biopic in our local Vue.
Here’s the official synopsis of Michael: “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents...
- 1/12/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will hit theaters on April 18, 2025, the film’s distributor Lionsgate announced on Thursday, with Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson set to portray the King of Pop in the movie.
Antoine Fuqua, director of the Equalizer trilogy as well as the films Emancipation and Southpaw among others, was tapped to direct the biopic last year. The film has the Jackson estate’s approval, and Graham King — who produced the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, is co-producing Michael alongside John Branca and John McClain, the executors of Jackson’s estate.
Antoine Fuqua, director of the Equalizer trilogy as well as the films Emancipation and Southpaw among others, was tapped to direct the biopic last year. The film has the Jackson estate’s approval, and Graham King — who produced the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, is co-producing Michael alongside John Branca and John McClain, the executors of Jackson’s estate.
- 1/11/2024
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has been dated for a global release on April 18, 2025.
Lionsgate is behind the project, which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua. Jackson‘s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play him in the film about the singer’s life. Universal Pictures has international rights for the film, excluding Japan.
Graham King, a seasoned hand at biopics with the Oscar-winning Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody under his belt, is producing along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. John Logan, who penned Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote the script.
According to Lionsgate, the film will cover all aspects of Jackson’s life, though it is unclear how — or even if — it will address the many controversies involving the late music icon, given that the biopic is being made in conjunction with his estate, which has defended him against accusations of sexually abusing children.
Lionsgate is behind the project, which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua. Jackson‘s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play him in the film about the singer’s life. Universal Pictures has international rights for the film, excluding Japan.
Graham King, a seasoned hand at biopics with the Oscar-winning Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody under his belt, is producing along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. John Logan, who penned Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote the script.
According to Lionsgate, the film will cover all aspects of Jackson’s life, though it is unclear how — or even if — it will address the many controversies involving the late music icon, given that the biopic is being made in conjunction with his estate, which has defended him against accusations of sexually abusing children.
- 1/11/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The makers of an access-all-areas documentary about Andrew Tate have revealed that the controversial influencer imposed only one condition on their filming.
Dan Reed, who produced I Am Andrew Tate, which airs Sunday evening in the UK, wrote in The Guardian newspaper that Tate told his team: “You can ask me anything. The only condition is you can’t film my [computer] screens.”
The screens are where Tate has made his money, turning his enterprise of optimising the online sex trade with direct messaging to male clients into a global franchise, including ‘university courses’ and lifestyle videos. While he claims to be the most googled man on the planet, Reed reveals that in 2022 Tate came in at number eight on the list of top internet name searches.
Reed, who previously made the Michael Jackson expose film Leaving Neverland, wrote that, contrary to Tate’s bold persona, in person during their first meeting in Dubai,...
Dan Reed, who produced I Am Andrew Tate, which airs Sunday evening in the UK, wrote in The Guardian newspaper that Tate told his team: “You can ask me anything. The only condition is you can’t film my [computer] screens.”
The screens are where Tate has made his money, turning his enterprise of optimising the online sex trade with direct messaging to male clients into a global franchise, including ‘university courses’ and lifestyle videos. While he claims to be the most googled man on the planet, Reed reveals that in 2022 Tate came in at number eight on the list of top internet name searches.
Reed, who previously made the Michael Jackson expose film Leaving Neverland, wrote that, contrary to Tate’s bold persona, in person during their first meeting in Dubai,...
- 1/6/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
When Julia Ormond sued CAA faulting the agency for encouraging her to take a meeting with Harvey Weinstein that eventually led to her being assaulted, the suit asked a pivotal question that may decide the case and lead to more legal action against the company depending on the answer: When did CAA’s top agents discover his history of sexual misconduct?
The answer to that question, the agency says, is not too long ago. Moving to dismiss the suit, CAA argues in a motion filed Tuesday that it learned of Weinstein’s crimes when the rest of the world did in 2017 and not before Ormond was allegedly assaulted in 1995.
“Plaintiff’s claims for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty against CAA turn on the premise that the agency allegedly knew of Weinstein’s history of sexual assault and nevertheless failed to protect her,” the filing states. “But the Complaint seeks...
The answer to that question, the agency says, is not too long ago. Moving to dismiss the suit, CAA argues in a motion filed Tuesday that it learned of Weinstein’s crimes when the rest of the world did in 2017 and not before Ormond was allegedly assaulted in 1995.
“Plaintiff’s claims for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty against CAA turn on the premise that the agency allegedly knew of Weinstein’s history of sexual assault and nevertheless failed to protect her,” the filing states. “But the Complaint seeks...
- 12/19/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pop icon Britney Spears will release her memoir The Woman in Me on October 24, which is set to reveal many secrets from the artist’s early days, such as the truth about her rumored tryst with dancer Wade Robson.
Days earlier, fans were surprised to learn that Spears had an abortion while she was with Justin Timberlake when an excerpt of the book was released.
In the memoir, Spears also admits she cheated on Timberlake.
She said of her fling with Robson, “We were out one night and we went to a Spanish bar. We danced and danced. I made out with him that night.”
Robson was hired to design the dance moves for Spears’ 1999 and 2000 world tours and appeared in her “(You Drive Me) Crazy” music video.
In 2019, Robson famously accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse in the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.
Spears added that Timberlake had cheated on her with another celebrity,...
Days earlier, fans were surprised to learn that Spears had an abortion while she was with Justin Timberlake when an excerpt of the book was released.
In the memoir, Spears also admits she cheated on Timberlake.
She said of her fling with Robson, “We were out one night and we went to a Spanish bar. We danced and danced. I made out with him that night.”
Robson was hired to design the dance moves for Spears’ 1999 and 2000 world tours and appeared in her “(You Drive Me) Crazy” music video.
In 2019, Robson famously accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse in the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.
Spears added that Timberlake had cheated on her with another celebrity,...
- 10/21/2023
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Now that projects are hoping to move forward after the creative unions and the studios settle their disputes, The Wrap has revealed that one of the productions that will be starting as soon as the SAG-AFTRA strike ends is Antoine Fuqua’s unenviable task of bringing the King of Pop’s story to the big screen. Michael will tell the story of Michael Jackson and the equally unenviable task of portraying the larger-than-life music icon falls on the shoulders of Jackson’s own nephew, Jafaar Jackson.
According to The Wrap, Michael locks Universal Pictures to distribute the biopic globally while Lionsgate will be producing the film as well as distributing the movie domestically. The film comes from Graham King, who also served as a producer on another big musical biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, which grossed $911 million and earned Oscar wins. John Logan, whose credits include Gladiator, The Aviator and Skyfall,...
According to The Wrap, Michael locks Universal Pictures to distribute the biopic globally while Lionsgate will be producing the film as well as distributing the movie domestically. The film comes from Graham King, who also served as a producer on another big musical biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, which grossed $911 million and earned Oscar wins. John Logan, whose credits include Gladiator, The Aviator and Skyfall,...
- 10/4/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Principal photography on ‘Michael’ to begin once actors’ strike ends.
Universal Pictures International has come on board to distribute the Michael Jackson biopic Michael outside the US excluding Japan.
Principal photography will begin as soon as the actors’ strike ends.
Lionsgate holds US rights to the upcoming biopic produced by the UK’s Graham King, who immortalised Queen on film with the $910m global hit Bohemian Rhapsody starring Oscar winner Rami Malek.
Antoine Fuqua will direct from a screenplay by John Logan (The Aviator)
Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will portray the late superstar, a singular talent whose adult life was shrouded in controversy.
Universal Pictures International has come on board to distribute the Michael Jackson biopic Michael outside the US excluding Japan.
Principal photography will begin as soon as the actors’ strike ends.
Lionsgate holds US rights to the upcoming biopic produced by the UK’s Graham King, who immortalised Queen on film with the $910m global hit Bohemian Rhapsody starring Oscar winner Rami Malek.
Antoine Fuqua will direct from a screenplay by John Logan (The Aviator)
Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will portray the late superstar, a singular talent whose adult life was shrouded in controversy.
- 10/3/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Universal has taken the international rights to Michael Jackson’s biopic, Michael.
Lionsgate is behind the project, which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua. Jackson‘s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play him in the film about the singer’s life. The Universal deal encompasses all international rights, excluding Japan.
Graham King, a seasoned hand at biopics with the Oscar-winning Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody under his belt, is producing along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. John Logan, who penned Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote the script.
According to Lionsgate, the film will cover all aspects of Jackson’s life, though it is unclear how it will address the many controversies involving the late music icon, given that the biopic is being made in conjunction with his estate, which has defended him against accusations of sexually abusing children. Those accusations were returned...
Lionsgate is behind the project, which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua. Jackson‘s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play him in the film about the singer’s life. The Universal deal encompasses all international rights, excluding Japan.
Graham King, a seasoned hand at biopics with the Oscar-winning Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody under his belt, is producing along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. John Logan, who penned Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote the script.
According to Lionsgate, the film will cover all aspects of Jackson’s life, though it is unclear how it will address the many controversies involving the late music icon, given that the biopic is being made in conjunction with his estate, which has defended him against accusations of sexually abusing children. Those accusations were returned...
- 10/3/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: UK unscripted vet Daniel Pearl is exiting Paramount UK for Lion TV.
The streamer’s VP of unscripted originals in the UK, whose past credits include Leaving Neverland and 72 Films-produced Premier League series Rise of the Billionaires, will become Creative Director at the All3Media-owned production outfit, replacing Tom Watt-Smith but with a wider remit.
Pearl has spent the past six years at Paramount UK, where he has overseen a wealth of factual shows first for Paramount UK network Channel 5 and latterly Paramount+ – leading the charge on the streamer’s UK unscripted push. Credits for Paramount+ include Rise of the Billionaires, serial killer series The Box and reality show Hot Yachts. For Channel 5, he oversaw big factual beasts such as Our Yorkshire Farm.
Pearl is a UK unscripted vet, having spent the six years before Paramount/Channel 5 in various current affairs roles with Channel 4, and the 15 years before that at the BBC.
The streamer’s VP of unscripted originals in the UK, whose past credits include Leaving Neverland and 72 Films-produced Premier League series Rise of the Billionaires, will become Creative Director at the All3Media-owned production outfit, replacing Tom Watt-Smith but with a wider remit.
Pearl has spent the past six years at Paramount UK, where he has overseen a wealth of factual shows first for Paramount UK network Channel 5 and latterly Paramount+ – leading the charge on the streamer’s UK unscripted push. Credits for Paramount+ include Rise of the Billionaires, serial killer series The Box and reality show Hot Yachts. For Channel 5, he oversaw big factual beasts such as Our Yorkshire Farm.
Pearl is a UK unscripted vet, having spent the six years before Paramount/Channel 5 in various current affairs roles with Channel 4, and the 15 years before that at the BBC.
- 9/11/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
A California appeals court restored lawsuits from the two men who claim Michael Jackson sexually abused them for years when they were young boys. A new California law that increased the scope of sexual abuse cases temporarily allowed the court to revive the lawsuits.
The state’s 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled that Wade Robson and James Safechuck‘s lawsuits should not have been dismissed by a lower court. The three-judge panel also stated that Robson and Safechcuk had valid accusations against two Jackson-owned companies, which both had a responsibility to protect them.
This is the second time the lawsuits have been revived after being dismissed. Robson and Safechuck’s stories became widely known to the public following the release of the 2019 HBO documentary, Leaving Neverland.
The higher court judge reversed the 2021 dismissal, saying that “a corporation that facilitates the sexual abuse of children by one of its employees...
The state’s 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled that Wade Robson and James Safechuck‘s lawsuits should not have been dismissed by a lower court. The three-judge panel also stated that Robson and Safechcuk had valid accusations against two Jackson-owned companies, which both had a responsibility to protect them.
This is the second time the lawsuits have been revived after being dismissed. Robson and Safechuck’s stories became widely known to the public following the release of the 2019 HBO documentary, Leaving Neverland.
The higher court judge reversed the 2021 dismissal, saying that “a corporation that facilitates the sexual abuse of children by one of its employees...
- 8/21/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
A pair of lawsuits accusing Michael Jackson of sexual abuse have been revived by a Los Angeles appeals court following their dismissal in 2021.
The suits come from plaintiffs Wade Robson and James Safechuck, whose allegations against Jackson were the subject of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. Two years ago, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed the cases, arguing that Jackson’s corporations, Mjj Productions and Mjj Ventures, had no legal duty to protect the men (then children) from Jackson’s abuse because the corporations could not control the musician’s behavior. Jackson was the sole owner of both corporations.
Now, the 2nd District Court of Appeal has reversed the dismissal, arguing that it would be “perverse” to free the corporations of responsibility for their owner’s behavior. “To treat Jackson’s wholly-owned instruments as different from Jackson himself is to be mesmerized by abstractions,” Associate Justice John Shepard Wiley Jr.
The suits come from plaintiffs Wade Robson and James Safechuck, whose allegations against Jackson were the subject of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. Two years ago, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed the cases, arguing that Jackson’s corporations, Mjj Productions and Mjj Ventures, had no legal duty to protect the men (then children) from Jackson’s abuse because the corporations could not control the musician’s behavior. Jackson was the sole owner of both corporations.
Now, the 2nd District Court of Appeal has reversed the dismissal, arguing that it would be “perverse” to free the corporations of responsibility for their owner’s behavior. “To treat Jackson’s wholly-owned instruments as different from Jackson himself is to be mesmerized by abstractions,” Associate Justice John Shepard Wiley Jr.
- 8/20/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Music
Michael Jackson’s alleged sexual assault victims, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, have gotten the green light from a California appeals court on Friday to take their accusations to trial.
The decision was made after a 3-0 ruling found Jackson’s companies potentially accountable for the late pop superstar’s alleged abuse, reversing a lower court decision, reports Variety.
Read More: The Weeknd Breaks Michael Jackson’s Record For Highest Grossing Tour By A Black Artist
The justices stated: “Plaintiffs had every right to expect defendants to protect them from the entirely foreseeable danger of being left alone with Jackson.”
The allegations took the spotlight in the 2019 HBO docu-series “Leaving Neverland”, pointing the finger at Jackson for allegedly sexually abusing them as children.
The accusers tried to land their case in court in 2013 and 2014, but their lawsuits were dismissed due to a statute of limitations. Their second chance arrived in...
The decision was made after a 3-0 ruling found Jackson’s companies potentially accountable for the late pop superstar’s alleged abuse, reversing a lower court decision, reports Variety.
Read More: The Weeknd Breaks Michael Jackson’s Record For Highest Grossing Tour By A Black Artist
The justices stated: “Plaintiffs had every right to expect defendants to protect them from the entirely foreseeable danger of being left alone with Jackson.”
The allegations took the spotlight in the 2019 HBO docu-series “Leaving Neverland”, pointing the finger at Jackson for allegedly sexually abusing them as children.
The accusers tried to land their case in court in 2013 and 2014, but their lawsuits were dismissed due to a statute of limitations. Their second chance arrived in...
- 8/19/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
A California appeals court ruled Friday that two men who accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them as children can resume lawsuits against companies owned by the estate of the late singer.
Wade Robson, 40, and James Safechuck, 45, claim employees of the two companies — Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc. — were complicit in Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse of them. The employees allegedly acted as his “co-conspirators, collaborators, facilitators and alter egos” for the abuse.
The suits claimed employees owed a “duty of care” to the boys, breaching that by failing to prevent their abuse.
The Robson and Safechuck stories were detailed in the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland. The program alleged that Jackson molested them and co-opted their families to allow his access to them.
The companies are now owned by Jackson’s estate, which denies their claims.
“We remain fully confident that Michael is innocent of these allegations, which...
Wade Robson, 40, and James Safechuck, 45, claim employees of the two companies — Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc. — were complicit in Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse of them. The employees allegedly acted as his “co-conspirators, collaborators, facilitators and alter egos” for the abuse.
The suits claimed employees owed a “duty of care” to the boys, breaching that by failing to prevent their abuse.
The Robson and Safechuck stories were detailed in the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland. The program alleged that Jackson molested them and co-opted their families to allow his access to them.
The companies are now owned by Jackson’s estate, which denies their claims.
“We remain fully confident that Michael is innocent of these allegations, which...
- 8/19/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the men who accused Michael Jackson of molesting them and were the focus of the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” will be able to proceed with their lawsuit against the singer’s businesses, a California appeals court ruled friday.
In a unanimous ruling Friday, a 3-judge California appeals court reversed decisions in 2020 and 2021 that dismissed Robson and Safechuck’s lawsuits.
Robson, 40, and Safechuck, 45, were the subjects of the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which recounted their accusations that Jackson repeatedly molested them and tricked their families into trusting him. The men are are suing Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc., two companies wholly owned by Jackson at the time of his death in 2009.
They allege that the companies had a “duty of care,” and that employees of those companies acted as “co-conspirators, collaborators, facilitators and alter egos” during the period in which they say they were molested.
“Plaintiffs...
In a unanimous ruling Friday, a 3-judge California appeals court reversed decisions in 2020 and 2021 that dismissed Robson and Safechuck’s lawsuits.
Robson, 40, and Safechuck, 45, were the subjects of the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which recounted their accusations that Jackson repeatedly molested them and tricked their families into trusting him. The men are are suing Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc., two companies wholly owned by Jackson at the time of his death in 2009.
They allege that the companies had a “duty of care,” and that employees of those companies acted as “co-conspirators, collaborators, facilitators and alter egos” during the period in which they say they were molested.
“Plaintiffs...
- 8/19/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Lawsuits from two men who accused Michael Jackson of abusing them as children in the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland have been brought back from dismissal.
The 2nd District Court of Appeal on Friday reversed a ruling from a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissing the suits from Wade Robson and James Safechuck. They will be able to proceed with claims that a pair of corporations owned by the singer had a legal duty to protect them from sexual abuse Jackson is alleged to have inflicted on them when they were children.
The justices found that it would be “perverse” to find that the corporations should be excused from a responsibility to oversee the safety of the plaintiffs because they’re solely owned by Jackson.
The ruling marks the second time the suits, filed in 2013, were restored after being dismissed. In 2020, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark Young found that Robson...
The 2nd District Court of Appeal on Friday reversed a ruling from a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissing the suits from Wade Robson and James Safechuck. They will be able to proceed with claims that a pair of corporations owned by the singer had a legal duty to protect them from sexual abuse Jackson is alleged to have inflicted on them when they were children.
The justices found that it would be “perverse” to find that the corporations should be excused from a responsibility to oversee the safety of the plaintiffs because they’re solely owned by Jackson.
The ruling marks the second time the suits, filed in 2013, were restored after being dismissed. In 2020, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark Young found that Robson...
- 8/19/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Two men who allege Michael Jackson sexually abused when they were children can resume their lawsuits against companies owned by the singer, a California appeals court ruled on Friday.
The alleged victims featured in HBO’s two-part documentary, Leaving Neverland, and both claimed Jackson, who died in 2009, groomed and sexually abused them for years while they were boys. Wade Robson and James Safechuck filed their cases against Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc. in 2013 and 2014, respectively, and claimed the singer’s companies had a legal duty to protect them from the alleged abuse.
The alleged victims featured in HBO’s two-part documentary, Leaving Neverland, and both claimed Jackson, who died in 2009, groomed and sexually abused them for years while they were boys. Wade Robson and James Safechuck filed their cases against Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc. in 2013 and 2014, respectively, and claimed the singer’s companies had a legal duty to protect them from the alleged abuse.
- 8/19/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
A three-judge panel of the California Court of Appeal ruled that Wade Robson and James Safechuck have a case against Michael Jackson‘s production company, Mjj Productions, Inc. The two men allege that the company was complicit and aided in Jackson’s sexual abuse and cover-up, which were presented in the documentary Leaving Neverland in 2019.
Robson and Safechcuk said in a statement, “A sexual abuser’s passing does not deprive his victims of their day in court and, in turn, justice and healing. Jackson is not sued personally in this case – his company is, and his company will have every opportunity to defend itself in the trial.”
The case’s central question involves whether Mjj Productions had a “legal duty” to defend Robson and Safechuck from Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse while they were children. The company stated it had no legal duty due to its inability “to control Jackson...
Robson and Safechcuk said in a statement, “A sexual abuser’s passing does not deprive his victims of their day in court and, in turn, justice and healing. Jackson is not sued personally in this case – his company is, and his company will have every opportunity to defend itself in the trial.”
The case’s central question involves whether Mjj Productions had a “legal duty” to defend Robson and Safechuck from Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse while they were children. The company stated it had no legal duty due to its inability “to control Jackson...
- 6/30/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
Joseph Fiennes wants to take back ever having played the King of Pop — even if the episode never saw the light of day.
In a new interview with The Observer, Fiennes expressed regret about the time he played Michael Jackson in a pulled episode of the Sky Arts’ anthology series “Urban Myths” in 2017. A trailer for the episode at the time stirred accusations of whitewashing, with backlash to white actor Fiennes playing the Black singer. The episode centered on a road trip after September 11 in which Fiennes’ Jackson is joined by Brian Cox as Marlon Brando and Stockard Channing as Elizabeth Taylor.
“I think people are absolutely right to be upset,” Fiennes told The Observer. “And it was a wrong decision. Absolutely. And I’m one part of that — there are producers, broadcasters, writers, directors, all involved in these decisions. But obviously if I’m upfront, I have become the voice for other people.
In a new interview with The Observer, Fiennes expressed regret about the time he played Michael Jackson in a pulled episode of the Sky Arts’ anthology series “Urban Myths” in 2017. A trailer for the episode at the time stirred accusations of whitewashing, with backlash to white actor Fiennes playing the Black singer. The episode centered on a road trip after September 11 in which Fiennes’ Jackson is joined by Brian Cox as Marlon Brando and Stockard Channing as Elizabeth Taylor.
“I think people are absolutely right to be upset,” Fiennes told The Observer. “And it was a wrong decision. Absolutely. And I’m one part of that — there are producers, broadcasters, writers, directors, all involved in these decisions. But obviously if I’m upfront, I have become the voice for other people.
- 6/12/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Tina Turner, whose musical career spanned decades, has died at the age of 83, her spokesman said in a statement on Wednesday. She died peacefully after a long illness in her home near Zurich, Switzerland, according to Reuters.
Her hits included her 1970 cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary” and her big comeback hit from the ’80s, “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” which won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at 1985’s Grammys. The groundbreaking singer transcended genre, as her wins for Best Female Vocal Performance in both Rock and Pop categories that year proved.
Her story of surviving the abuse of singing partner husband Ike Turner and becoming a rock star in her own right was made into the 1993 film “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Angela Bassett earned her first Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Tina, while Laurence Fishburne was also nominated as the volatile Ike.
Her hits included her 1970 cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary” and her big comeback hit from the ’80s, “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” which won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at 1985’s Grammys. The groundbreaking singer transcended genre, as her wins for Best Female Vocal Performance in both Rock and Pop categories that year proved.
Her story of surviving the abuse of singing partner husband Ike Turner and becoming a rock star in her own right was made into the 1993 film “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Angela Bassett earned her first Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Tina, while Laurence Fishburne was also nominated as the volatile Ike.
- 5/24/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart penning the newsletter this week in what has been a hugely busy week in the world of international TV and film. We really should stop qualifying that. Read on. And sign up for our weekly Insider here.
Regulation Nation
Bill the Media: It’s been a long time coming but the UK government finally unveiled its draft Media Bill to revamp public broadcasting for the digital age Wednesday, which should come into law later this year barring any more swift changes of government (you never know). Most of the Bill is comprised of policies contained in a landmark White Paper from last year but they are eye-catching: regulation of streamers that could see Netflix et al fined £250,000 if they break harmful material rules or fail to subtitle their shows, prominence for the pubcasters on modern TVs and relaxed quotas for the likes of the BBC,...
Regulation Nation
Bill the Media: It’s been a long time coming but the UK government finally unveiled its draft Media Bill to revamp public broadcasting for the digital age Wednesday, which should come into law later this year barring any more swift changes of government (you never know). Most of the Bill is comprised of policies contained in a landmark White Paper from last year but they are eye-catching: regulation of streamers that could see Netflix et al fined £250,000 if they break harmful material rules or fail to subtitle their shows, prominence for the pubcasters on modern TVs and relaxed quotas for the likes of the BBC,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Marcus Ryder, a figurehead for the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, has renewed his call for an industry-wide anti-racism body following the British Film Institute’s admission that it mishandled a discrimination complaint.
Ryder revealed that high-level industry talks took place earlier this year over establishing an independent arbiter for racism complaints. Ofcom, the UK media regulator, chaired a meeting about the proposal in January, inviting major UK broadcasters and entertainment trade unions, including Bectu.
Ryder said the talks had been constructive and there was little objection to the principle of a complaints body, but no formal proposals are currently under consideration. Ofcom said a range of views were shared, but it was not within its remit to impose an anti-racism body on the industry. Instead, Ofcom said it will continue to encourage dialogue on the issue.
The talks came before a Film and TV Charity survey...
Ryder revealed that high-level industry talks took place earlier this year over establishing an independent arbiter for racism complaints. Ofcom, the UK media regulator, chaired a meeting about the proposal in January, inviting major UK broadcasters and entertainment trade unions, including Bectu.
Ryder said the talks had been constructive and there was little objection to the principle of a complaints body, but no formal proposals are currently under consideration. Ofcom said a range of views were shared, but it was not within its remit to impose an anti-racism body on the industry. Instead, Ofcom said it will continue to encourage dialogue on the issue.
The talks came before a Film and TV Charity survey...
- 3/29/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The British Film Institute (BFI) is addressing claims of racism and diversity double standards.
A spokesperson for the U.K.-based production organization allegedly admitted to Faisal A Qureshi last year that the institute is “systemically racist” while apologizing for how the filmmaker’s discrimination complaint was handled.
During a private meeting, the Head of Inclusion at BFI, Melanie Hoyes, allegedly told Qureshi that fellow filmmakers of color had “traumatic experiences” with the BFI and compared the institute to the ill-fated Titanic, according to Deadline.
Originally, Qureshi allegedly sought out a formal apology from the BFI more than two years ago after filing an official complaint over a funding meeting with a BFI Network representative in March 2019. Qureshi alleged that the former BFI employee informed him he was ineligible for funding due to his hiatus from directing and cited how Qureshi was “very forthright” about race on social media.
Per Deadline,...
A spokesperson for the U.K.-based production organization allegedly admitted to Faisal A Qureshi last year that the institute is “systemically racist” while apologizing for how the filmmaker’s discrimination complaint was handled.
During a private meeting, the Head of Inclusion at BFI, Melanie Hoyes, allegedly told Qureshi that fellow filmmakers of color had “traumatic experiences” with the BFI and compared the institute to the ill-fated Titanic, according to Deadline.
Originally, Qureshi allegedly sought out a formal apology from the BFI more than two years ago after filing an official complaint over a funding meeting with a BFI Network representative in March 2019. Qureshi alleged that the former BFI employee informed him he was ineligible for funding due to his hiatus from directing and cited how Qureshi was “very forthright” about race on social media.
Per Deadline,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The British Film Institute, one of the UK’s most powerful movie funding bodies, admitted to a filmmaker of color last year that it is “systemically racist” after apologizing for how it handled his long-running complaint over alleged discrimination.
The BFI is making changes to its complaints procedures and has committed to continued anti-racism soul-searching after Faisal A Qureshi, a scriptwriter, producer, and researcher, whose credits include Leaving Neverland and Four Lions, went on record for the first time to detail his experience.
Qureshi remains disturbed by his treatment. His case is unresolved after more than two years and, although the BFI has acknowledged his complaint could have been handled better, Qureshi told Deadline he is yet to receive the formal written apology he requested.
He is fearful that his pursuit of the BFI could be damaging to his career, despite assurances from the institute that complaints would never compromise access to funding.
The BFI is making changes to its complaints procedures and has committed to continued anti-racism soul-searching after Faisal A Qureshi, a scriptwriter, producer, and researcher, whose credits include Leaving Neverland and Four Lions, went on record for the first time to detail his experience.
Qureshi remains disturbed by his treatment. His case is unresolved after more than two years and, although the BFI has acknowledged his complaint could have been handled better, Qureshi told Deadline he is yet to receive the formal written apology he requested.
He is fearful that his pursuit of the BFI could be damaging to his career, despite assurances from the institute that complaints would never compromise access to funding.
- 3/27/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Throughout dozens of interviews in FX’s Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano, one particular description of the whole saga comes up again and again: “It’s like a movie.” And it really is, with its attention-grabbing combination of big money, celebrity scandal and illegal espionage. A drama, perhaps, about the sordid excesses of showbiz. Or one about determined journalists taking a corrupt system to task. Maybe it’s a spy thriller, or a juicy tell-all, or a character study of a villain, or a tragedy about lingering trauma.
Each version of this tale has its undeniable pull, and Sin Eater takes on notes of them all at various points. But if such a multifaceted approach reflects admirable and ambitious intentions, it also scatters its attention — resulting in a gripping docuseries that nevertheless lands more softly than it should.
Directed by John Pappas, Sin Eater is loosely split into two parts.
Each version of this tale has its undeniable pull, and Sin Eater takes on notes of them all at various points. But if such a multifaceted approach reflects admirable and ambitious intentions, it also scatters its attention — resulting in a gripping docuseries that nevertheless lands more softly than it should.
Directed by John Pappas, Sin Eater is loosely split into two parts.
- 3/9/2023
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘Michael’, the biopic about Michael Jackson, will receive more than $21 million in California tax credits, the state’s film commission announced recently.
The California Film Commission announced the latest round of credit allocations, totalling $81.7 million for 24 projects, reports ‘Variety’. The commission stated that ‘Michael’ will generate $120 million in “qualified” in-state spending, which is more than any other project in the 14-year history of the tax credit programme.
The project was announced in January, with Jackson’s nephew Jaafar in the lead role. John Branca and John McClain, the executors of the Jackson estate, are producing with Graham King.
As per ‘Variety’, the project comes with controversy. Dan Reed, the director of ‘Leaving Neverland’, the documentary that accused Jackson of sexually assaulting two young boys, slammed the new film in a Guardian column, saying it will “will glorify a man who raped children.”
The state film commission also announced that ‘The Thomas Crown Affair...
The California Film Commission announced the latest round of credit allocations, totalling $81.7 million for 24 projects, reports ‘Variety’. The commission stated that ‘Michael’ will generate $120 million in “qualified” in-state spending, which is more than any other project in the 14-year history of the tax credit programme.
The project was announced in January, with Jackson’s nephew Jaafar in the lead role. John Branca and John McClain, the executors of the Jackson estate, are producing with Graham King.
As per ‘Variety’, the project comes with controversy. Dan Reed, the director of ‘Leaving Neverland’, the documentary that accused Jackson of sexually assaulting two young boys, slammed the new film in a Guardian column, saying it will “will glorify a man who raped children.”
The state film commission also announced that ‘The Thomas Crown Affair...
- 3/7/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
“Michael,” the Lionsgate biopic about Michael Jackson, will receive more than $21 million in California tax credits, the state’s film commission announced Monday.
The California Film Commission announced the latest round of credit allocations, totaling $81.7 million for 24 projects. The commission stated that “Michael” will generate $120 million in “qualified” in-state spending, which is more than any other project in the 14-year history of the tax credit program.
The project was announced in January, with Jackson’s nephew Jaafar in the lead role. John Branca and John McClain, the executors of the Jackson estate, are producing with Graham King.
The project comes with controversy. Dan Reed, the director of “Leaving Neverland,” the documentary that accused Jackson of sexually assaulting two young boys, slammed the new film in a Guardian column, saying it will “will glorify a man who raped children.”
The state film commission also announced that “The Thomas Crown Affair” will receive $13.8 million,...
The California Film Commission announced the latest round of credit allocations, totaling $81.7 million for 24 projects. The commission stated that “Michael” will generate $120 million in “qualified” in-state spending, which is more than any other project in the 14-year history of the tax credit program.
The project was announced in January, with Jackson’s nephew Jaafar in the lead role. John Branca and John McClain, the executors of the Jackson estate, are producing with Graham King.
The project comes with controversy. Dan Reed, the director of “Leaving Neverland,” the documentary that accused Jackson of sexually assaulting two young boys, slammed the new film in a Guardian column, saying it will “will glorify a man who raped children.”
The state film commission also announced that “The Thomas Crown Affair” will receive $13.8 million,...
- 3/6/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
A biopic highlighting the life and career of Michael Jackson is on the way. While many anticipate its release, the director of the controversial documentary series Leaving Neverland is not a fan. In a lengthy opinion piece, he outlines why the biopic is in poor taste.
Michael Jackson | Francis Sylvain/Afp via Getty Images Michael Jackson’s biopic will star the late icon’s nephew
Famed Training Day director Antoine Fuqua has been tapped as the director for the Lionsgate biopic. Deadline reports that Jackson’s nephew, 26-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson, will star as the Moonwalk king in the film. Fuqua confirmed such in a post to his official Instagram account. Music runs in the family dynasty’s bloodline as Jaafar is a fellow artist who is the son of Jermaine Jackson.
Source: YouTube
The script was penned by John Logan and is being produced by Graham King. Along with...
Michael Jackson | Francis Sylvain/Afp via Getty Images Michael Jackson’s biopic will star the late icon’s nephew
Famed Training Day director Antoine Fuqua has been tapped as the director for the Lionsgate biopic. Deadline reports that Jackson’s nephew, 26-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson, will star as the Moonwalk king in the film. Fuqua confirmed such in a post to his official Instagram account. Music runs in the family dynasty’s bloodline as Jaafar is a fellow artist who is the son of Jermaine Jackson.
Source: YouTube
The script was penned by John Logan and is being produced by Graham King. Along with...
- 2/9/2023
- by Brenda Alexander
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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