The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, remains a central figure even after his untimely demise, with his life and legacy under the Hollywood spotlight once more. A leaked version of the script for the upcoming biopic, “Michael,” promises to ignite controversy like never before, as it delves headfirst into the murky waters of the child abuse allegations that shadowed Jackson throughout his career.
According to a riveting report from Matthew Belloni of Puck, who managed to lay eyes on a portion of the screenplay, the film doesn’t shy away from addressing the disturbing accusations that haunt the pop icon’s legacy. What’s truly surprising, however, is the apparent stance the movie takes – it paints Jackson as innocent, even in the face of grave allegations.
Belloni, cautious not to spoil the entirety of the script, tantalizes readers with a glimpse into the narrative. The leaked script reportedly opens with a chilling scene of Jackson observing police descending upon his Neverland estate, triggered by allegations of sexual abuse made by a then 13-year-old Jordan Chandler back in 1993. Chandler’s claims, which resulted in a hefty $20 million settlement, serve as the dark backdrop against which Jackson’s innocence is fervently advocated.
Yet, it’s not merely a defense against the accusations; the script appears to meticulously craft Jackson’s image as a tragic, exploited soul, driven to his affinity for children by the demons of his past. Portraying him as a “harmless Peter Pan,” the film suggests that Jackson’s turbulent upbringing, marked by the relentless pursuit of stardom and an abusive father figure, laid the groundwork for his alleged transgressions.
However, it’s not just the narrative’s stance that raises eyebrows; it’s the boldness with which it seeks to exonerate Jackson. Scenes depicting Jackson’s strip-search by authorities and heated exchanges between legal heavyweights John Branca and Johnnie Cochran underscore the screenplay’s unapologetic attempt to sanitize Jackson’s image, labeling the accusations as extortion attempts and positioning him as a victim of circumstance.
With notable names attached to the project, including Jaafar Jackson in his acting debut as the titular character and Antoine Fuqua at the helm, anticipation for “Michael” was already running high. But with this explosive revelation, the biopic finds itself at the center of a firestorm of controversy, with fans and critics alike questioning the morality and integrity of its portrayal.
The specter of Jackson’s past looms large, especially in the wake of the damning HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland” released in 2019. Directed by Dan Reed, the film shed light on the harrowing experiences of two men who claimed to have been sexually abused by Jackson as children. The documentary, which is set to receive a sequel entitled “After Neverland,” drew swift legal action from the Jackson estate, underscoring the ongoing battle to control the narrative surrounding the pop icon’s legacy.
As the debate rages on, one thing remains certain: “Michael” is poised to reignite the fervor surrounding Michael Jackson, casting a stark light on the complex and contentious legacy of the King of Pop. But whether it serves as a testament to his innocence or a calculated attempt at revisionist history, only time will tell. Stay tuned for more updates as the controversy continues to unfold.
