Dan Reed slams Michael Jackson biopic for whitewashing
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- Dan Reed criticized the Michael biopic, saying it portrays Jackson’s accusers as liars without articulating that claim.
- Michael is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, focusing on Jackson’s early years and culminating in his 1988 London concert.
- Dan Reed argued the film offers no insight into Jackson’s motivations and depicts him as an asexual plastic action doll, while distorting his relationship with children.
- Antoine Fuqua suggested the controversy may be influenced by racism and cited Elvis Presley’s relationship with a 14‑year‑old as a double‑standard example.
- Antoine Fuqua reportedly earned $25 million for directing Michael, while the Jackson estate is expected to earn a huge amount, and the accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck have not profited.
- Michael opened on Friday and has grossed $217 million (£161 million) worldwide at the box office.
- Paris Jackson publicly denounced the script in September, saying it panders to a fantasy‑driven segment of her father’s fandom.
Why it matters: The biopic’s $217 million earnings and $25 million director fee boost the Jackson estate and Antoine Fuqua, while the accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck see no financial gain, underscoring the clash between commercial success and the unresolved controversy over Jackson’s alleged abuse. It also fuels a broader cultural debate about how fame and race intersect in narratives of alleged crimes.
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