Janet Jackson has finally spoken out against the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, revealing her disdain for the film that has caused a rift within the Jackson family. Reports indicate a heated argument between her and brother Jermaine following a screening, highlighting deep-rooted family tensions as the release date approaches.
The biopic, set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026, stars Jafar Jackson, Jermaine’s son and Michael’s nephew, which adds a layer of personal investment to the project. While the Jackson family gathered to view the film, reactions varied dramatically. Matriarch Katherine Jackson reportedly loved it, while Jermaine applauded loudly. Janet, however, left the screening with a slew of criticisms.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Janet was dissatisfied with various aspects of the film, including the acting and makeup. Her objections have stirred controversy, especially since she declined to participate in the production, which was overseen by the Michael Jackson estate. This decision has left her out of the film entirely, leading to speculation about her feelings toward the project.
Tensions escalated into a shouting match between Janet and Jermaine, with accusations of jealousy surfacing. An anonymous source suggested that Janet’s criticisms stem from a place of envy, claiming her career is struggling. This narrative, however, seems unfounded given Janet’s impressive track record, including five Grammy Awards and ten number one singles.
Moreover, Janet is not the only family member raising concerns. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, has previously criticized the biopic for its inaccuracies, labeling the script as “dishonest.” Her withdrawal from the project underscores a growing dissent within the family regarding how Michael’s legacy is portrayed.
The biopic’s director of “Leaving Neverland” has also weighed in, calling the film a “complete whitewash” of Michael’s life. This criticism points to the broader challenge of depicting a figure as complex as Michael Jackson, whose legacy is marred by serious 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓸𝓃𝓈 of 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮.
As the release date approaches, it remains unclear how the Jackson family will navigate their differences. With Janet publicly voicing her discontent and other family members expressing similar reservations, the film’s premiere is shaping up to be a significant moment in the ongoing saga of the Jackson legacy.
The biopic, backed by the Michael Jackson estate, is a monumental investment at $55 million. However, navigating the controversial aspects of Michael’s life while maintaining the family’s narrative will be a daunting task. As the Jackson family grapples with their internal conflicts, the world waits to see how they will reconcile their love for Michael with the complexities of his story.