Michael Jackson Biopic Sparks Outrage: "Worse Than Epstein," Says 'Leaving Neverland' Director

The upcoming biopic "Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua, has ignited a firestorm of debate, particularly following sharp criticism from Dan Reed, the director of the controversial documentary "Leaving Neverland." Reed has not minced words, drawing a stark parallel between Jackson and Jeffrey Epstein, and questioning the integrity of a film that purports to tell Jackson's story while allegedly sidestepping the grave accusations of child sexual abuse that have long shadowed the pop icon.

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How can you tell an authentic story about Michael Jackson without ever mentioning the fact that he was seriously accused of child abuse?

Reed's central argument, as reported, is that a "Michael Jackson" biopic cannot be considered authentic if it completely ignores the allegations. He posits a disturbing reality where public fascination with Jackson's music overshadows any concern about his alleged predatory behavior. "Unless there are actual video evidence of Michael Jackson having sex with a 7-year-old child, I don't know what would be enough to change their minds in these people," Reed stated, highlighting a perceived apathy among some fans that allows Jackson's legacy to remain untarnished by his alleged crimes.

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Literally, people just don't care. I think a lot of them just love his music and turn a deaf ear. And unless there are actual video evidence of Michael Jackson having sex with a 7-year-old child, I don't know what would be enough to change their minds in these people.

Furthermore, Reed directed his ire at Fuqua and the film's production team, accusing them of profiting from Jackson's estate without acknowledging the victims. He pointed out that Michael Jackson's accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, have not received a single cent from their allegations, contrasting this with the financial gains expected by those involved in the biopic. This perspective frames the film not as a tribute, but as a cynical exploitation of a controversial figure's legacy, further fueled by a media landscape that Reed suggests often supports the "Jackson machine" through uncritical coverage and the financial incentives tied to his brand.

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Leaving Neverland showed that people don't seem to understand: if you bring a lawsuit, you don't get money until you win in court. And when you win, that means you have proven your case.

While the film, which premiered to a reportedly high audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, focuses on Jackson's rise to superstardom up to around 1988, omitting the later abuse allegations (which Jackson denied), Reed's critique underscores a deep societal discomfort. It raises critical questions about how we memorialize artists, especially those whose alleged transgressions cast a long shadow over their celebrated work. From our perspective, the debate is not just about a film, but about accountability, the nature of fandom, and the enduring power of celebrity to shape narratives, even in the face of disturbing accusations.

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For Antoine Fuqua to accuse people of money grabbing is somewhat ironic. It seems to me that everyone involved in this movie is just making money.