As the eagerly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, prepares for release, the late pop star's nephew, Taj Jackson, has stepped forward to defend the film against preemptive criticism. In a series of social media posts, Taj, the son of Tito Jackson, argued that audiences should reserve judgment until they see the movie.
"The public gets to watch this movie … they will decide for themselves," Taj wrote, pushing back against negative narratives surrounding the project.
The biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, has faced scrutiny over its portrayal of the singer’s complex legacy, including allegations of child sexual abuse. However, Taj insisted that the film aims to humanize Michael and showcase his artistry.
"This film is not about hiding anything; it’s about celebrating his genius and telling his story from a place of love," Taj added. "We trust the audience to form their own opinions."
Michael is set to hit theaters in 2025, promising an unflinching look at both the triumphs and controversies of the King of Pop's life.