Michael Jackson biopic defended by nephew in light of early criticism

Michael Jackson nephews defend biopic as critics review 'Michael' ahead of release

Michael Jackson’s nephews have publicly defended the upcoming biopic Michael following mixed to negative critical reviews ahead of its theatrical release on April 24.

The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, stars Jaafar Jackson as the singer and explores his life up to 1988.

TJ Jackson, son of Tito Jackson, shared his support for the project, stating, “My uncle deserves this, my cousin earned this and his loyal supporters are owed this. The world will be reminded or learn who MJ truly was and I can’t wait!”

I’m going to the theater in a few hours to see a movie I’ve seen several times. Why? Because I’m proud. I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to be masked in the electrifying energy that will be in that theater for nothing. My uncle deserves this, my cousin earned this and his loyal… pic.twitter.com/hmUZhs0djw

— TJ Jackson (@tjjackson) April 22, 2026

His brother Taj Jackson also addressed the response from critics, writing, “Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves. And you can’t handle that.”

Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves.

And you can’t handle that.

— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) April 21, 2026

The film has faced criticism from reviewers, with a reported 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews. Some critics have raised concerns about the narrative focus and its handling of allegations made against the singer later in his life.

Director Antoine Fuqua previously commented on the subject, stating he was “not convinced” of the allegations, adding, “Sometimes people do some nasty things for some money.” The film’s timeline ends before later allegations, focusing instead on Jackson’s early career.

Actor Colman Domingo, who plays Joseph Jackson, said, “The film takes place from the ’60s to 1988. It does not go into the first allegations in 2005. So basically we center it on the makings of Michael. It’s an intimate portrait of who Michael is … through his eyes.”