When 27-year-old Paris Jackson took to social media this week to call out the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, she wasn't just settling a family squabble.
Her pointed criticism of Hollywood's 'sugar-coated' biographical films has struck a chord that resonates far beyond the Jackson family drama, raising uncomfortable questions about how the entertainment industry packages controversial legacies for mass consumption.
The singer and actress didn't mince words when she discovered that actor Colman Domingo had publicly claimed she was 'supportive' and 'helpful' during production of the $150 million film 'Michael,' set for release in April 2026.
In this article
'Don't be telling people I was 'helpful' on the set of a movie I had zero per cent involvement in'
The controversy that sparked a family feud
The dispute began when Domingo, who plays Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson in the biopic, told People magazine at the Venice Film Festival that Paris and her brother Prince were 'very much in support of our film.' He described Paris as being 'nothing but lovely and warm' during their brief interactions.
But Paris Jackson's response was swift and uncompromising. She revealed she had 'read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest / didn't sit right with me, and when they didn't address it, I moved on with my life. Not my monkeys, not my circus.'
She later clarified: 'I wasn't involved at all, aside from like giving feedback on the first draft, and getting the feedback that like, yeah, we're not actually going to address your notes at all.'
The film stars Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role, with a cast including Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as entertainment lawyer John Branca, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate and Derek Luke.
A production plagued by problems
The Michael biopic has faced a rocky journey to the big screen, with numerous delays and controversy over the course of its production. Filming initially wrapped in May 2024, but its original April 2025 release date was pushed until October 2025 after 22 days of reshoots were required.
The delays stem from a significant legal oversight: the film violated a binding agreement between Jackson's representatives and Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of molestation in 1993 and received a $20 million settlement.
The agreement stated Chandler's story and personhood would never be dramatized in film, which is exactly what the original version did. Filmmakers and producers weren't made aware of the legally binding agreement until after filming wrapped.
Production troubles at a glance
Budget: Estimated $150 million
Original release date: April 2025
Current release date: April 24, 2026
Required reshoots: 22 days
Legal settlement amount: $20-25 million
Runtime: Reportedly 3.5 hours
According to reports, the film 'depicts Jackson as the naïve victim of the money-grubbing Chandlers,' with scenes showing Jackson's legal team debating whether to settle the case, including a recording where Evan Chandler threatens to use his son's claims to destroy Jackson's career.
Hollywood's 'sugar-coated' problem
Paris Jackson's criticism extends far beyond her father's specific story. She addressed the broader issue of biographical films, saying: 'It's not real but it's sold to you as real. The narrative is being controlled and there's a lot of inaccuracy and there's a lot of just full-blown lies. At the end of the day, that doesn't really fly with me. I don't really like dishonesty.'
Her comments tap into growing concerns about how Hollywood handles controversial figures in biographical films. Recent music biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman faced similar questions about which aspects of their subjects' lives were emphasised or glossed over.
The Hollywood biopic dilemma
- Films are marketed as 'true stories' but often sanitise controversial elements
- Family estates typically have significant control over narratives
- Commercial considerations frequently trump historical accuracy
- Audiences may not realise how much has been altered or omitted
Paris Jackson explained her position further: 'The thing about these biopics is, it's Hollywood. It's fantasy-land. It's not real. But it's sold to you as real. The narrative is being controlled. There's a lot of inaccuracy and there's a lot of full-blown lies. And at the end of the day, that doesn't really fly with me.'
The generational divide over legacy
Paris acknowledged that many fans would enjoy the film, saying: 'A big reason why I haven't said anything up until this point is because I know a lot of you guys are going to be happy with it.' She suggested the film 'panders to a very specific section of my dad's fandom that still lives in the fantasy.'
This highlights a fascinating generational divide. While the Jackson estate officially backs the film, his daughter's perspective represents a different view of how controversial legacies should be handled.
Paris addressed critics who might question her motives: 'Some things people are saying are, 'She doesn't like her dad. She hates him. She resents him,' because I'm not calling the shots on a film filled with inaccuracies. That's not my truth. That's not my honesty. I just prefer truth over sales and monetary gain.'
Who controls the narrative?
The dispute raises important questions about posthumous celebrity narratives. While the Michael Jackson estate has been heavily involved in the film, with estate executors John McClain and John Branca as key figures, Paris Jackson's quotes suggest the film has focused more on involving the legal team rather than authentically incorporating family members' opinions.
The tension between commercial viability and authentic storytelling becomes particularly complex when dealing with figures who faced serious allegations during their lifetime. The film reportedly frames the accusations as efforts by money-hungry families attempting to take advantage of Jackson. The musician, who died in 2009 at age 50, was never convicted of any crimes relating to allegations but was prosecuted in 2005.
What this means for audiences
For viewers, particularly those who lived through Michael Jackson's career and controversies, Paris Jackson's statements serve as a reminder to approach biographical films with a critical eye. Her final words on the matter were pointed: 'Y'all are going to like the movie. So just go watch it. Go enjoy it. Do whatever. Leave me out of it.'
The controversy also highlights how family members of deceased celebrities may have vastly different perspectives on how their loved ones should be remembered, particularly when significant sums of money and carefully managed public images are at stake.
What This Means For You
As the film moves toward its April 2026 release, audiences will have the opportunity to judge for themselves whether the finished product lives up to its promise of showing both 'triumphs and tragedies' or whether it falls into the 'sugar-coated' category that Paris Jackson so forcefully rejected.
What do you think about Hollywood's approach to controversial biographical films? Should entertainment value take precedence over complete accuracy, or do audiences deserve the full, unvarnished truth? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2...iticises-sugar-coated-biopic-about-her-father
Paris Jackson Calls Out Colman Domingo & Denies Involvement In Michael Jackson Biopic: 'I Prefer Honesty Over Sales & Monetary Gain'
Cited text: Domingo is set to play the Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson, in Michael, and during the amfAR benefit gala at the Venice Film Festival, said that...
Excerpt: The dispute began when Domingo, who plays Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson in the biopic, told People magazine at the Venice Film Festival that Paris and her brother Prince were 'very much in support of our film.'
https://deadline.com/2025/09/paris-jackson-colman-domingo-michael-jackson-biopic-1236505386/
Michael Jackson’s Daughter Paris Jackson Calls New Biopic ‘Full-Blown Lies’
Cited text: Speaking to People at the amfAR Benefit Gala in Venice, Italy last week, Domingo said Michael Jackson’s children, Paris and Prince, were “very much in...
Excerpt: He described Paris as being 'nothing but lovely and warm' during their brief interactions.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/obses...ris-jackson-calls-new-biopic-full-blown-lies/
Paris Jackson Calls Out Colman Domingo & Denies Involvement In Michael Jackson Biopic: 'I Prefer Honesty Over Sales & Monetary Gain'
Cited text: In a second post, Paris added, “I read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest / didn’t sit right with me, an...
Excerpt: She revealed she had 'read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest / didn't sit right with me, and when they didn't address it, I moved on with my life.
https://deadline.com/2025/09/paris-jackson-colman-domingo-michael-jackson-biopic-1236505386/
Paris Jackson Distances Herself from Michael Jackson Biopic: 'I Spoke Up, I Wasn't Heard'
Cited text: “I wasn’t involved at all,” she explained on her Instagram Stories. “Aside from like giving feedback on the first draft, and getting the feedback that...
Excerpt: She later clarified: 'I wasn't involved at all, aside from like giving feedback on the first draft, and getting the feedback that like, yeah, we're not actually going to address your notes at all.'
https://consequence.net/2025/09/paris-jackson-michael-jackson-biopic/
Paris Jackson Says She Had ‘0 per cent Involvement’ in Michael Jackson Biopic After Star Colman Domingo Praises Her Support: They ‘Didn’t Address’ My Script Notes
Cited text: “Michael” stars Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role.
Excerpt: Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/...an-domingo-michael-jackson-biopic-1236506036/
Paris Jackson Says She Had ‘0 per cent Involvement’ in Michael Jackson Biopic After Star Colman Domingo Praises Her Support: They ‘Didn’t Address’ My Script Notes
Cited text: Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, while Miles Teller stars as entertainment lawyer John Branca. The cast also includes Laura Harrier...
Excerpt: a cast including Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as entertainment lawyer John Branca, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate and Derek Luke.
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/...an-domingo-michael-jackson-biopic-1236506036/
Paris Jackson Rebuffs Colman Domingo, Says Michael Jackson Biopic Contains 'Full-Blown Lies'
Cited text: Michael has faced numerous delays and controversy over the course of its beleaguered production. Filming initially wrapped in May 2024, but its origin...
Excerpt: numerous delays and controversy over the course of its production. Filming initially wrapped in May 2024, but its original April 2025 release date was pushed until October 2025 after 22 days of reshoots were required.
https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-mov...el-jackson-biopic-full-blown-lies-1235420688/
Michael Jackson Biopic Movie Delayed Over Accuser Legal Violation
Cited text: While they get their schedules aligned once again, Lionsgate is waiting on a new script rewritten to address the film’s recently-revealed violation of...
Excerpt: The delays stem from a significant legal oversight: the film violated a binding agreement between Jackson's representatives and Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of molestation in 1993 and received a $20 million settlement.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/...c-delayed-accuser-legal-violation-1235245773/
Report: Michael Jackson biopic in limbo after third act said to be “legally unusable” | The FADER
Cited text: Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and created in close collaboration with the late singer's estate, “depicts Jackson as the naïve victim of the money...
Excerpt: According to reports, the film 'depicts Jackson as the naïve victim of the money-grubbing Chandlers,' with scenes showing Jackson's legal team debating whether to settle the case, including a recording where Evan Chandler threatens to use…
https://www.thefader.com/2025/01/24/michael-jackson-biopic-legal-issues-third-act
Paris Jackson says “sugar-coated” Michael Jackson biopic contains “full-blown lies” | The FADER
Cited text: “It’s not real but it’s sold to you as real,” she said. “The narrative is being controlled and there’s a lot of inaccuracy and there’s a lot of just f...
Excerpt: She addressed the broader issue of biographical films, saying: 'It's not real but it's sold to you as real.
https://www.thefader.com/2025/09/04/paris-jackson-michael-jackson-biopic
Paris Jackson Is Not Happy About the Michael Jackson Biopic, But Not for the Reasons You May Think
Cited text: “The thing about these biopics is, it’s Hollywood.
Excerpt: Paris Jackson explained her position further: 'The thing about these biopics is, it's Hollywood.
https://www.pajiba.com/news/paris-jackson-is-not-happy-about-the-michael-jackson-biopic.php
Paris Jackson Is Not Happy About the Michael Jackson Biopic, But Not for the Reasons You May Think
Cited text: But it’s sold to you as real. The narrative is being controlled. There’s a lot of inaccuracy and there’s a lot of full-blown lies. And at the end of t...
Excerpt: Paris Jackson explained her position further: 'The thing about these biopics is, it's Hollywood.
https://www.pajiba.com/news/paris-jackson-is-not-happy-about-the-michael-jackson-biopic.php
Paris Jackson Distances Herself from Michael Jackson Biopic: 'I Spoke Up, I Wasn't Heard'
Cited text: They’re going to make whatever they’re going to make.” ... “A big reason why I haven’t said anything up until this point is because I know a lot of yo...
Excerpt: Paris acknowledged that many fans would enjoy the film, saying: 'A big reason why I haven't said anything up until this point is because I know a lot of you guys are going to be happy with it.'
https://consequence.net/2025/09/paris-jackson-michael-jackson-biopic/
Paris Jackson Rebuffs Colman Domingo, Says Michael Jackson Biopic Contains 'Full-Blown Lies'
Cited text: And despite Paris’ qualms with the film, Michael does otherwise have the backing of the Jackson estate.
Excerpt: the Jackson estate officially backs the film
https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-mov...el-jackson-biopic-full-blown-lies-1235420688/
Paris Jackson Is Not Happy About the Michael Jackson Biopic, But Not for the Reasons You May Think
Cited text: “Y’all are going to like the movie, so go watch it, and leave me out of it.” · She didn’t stop there: “Some things people are saying are, ‘She doesn’t...
Excerpt: Paris addressed critics who might question her motives: 'Some things people are saying are, 'She doesn't like her dad.
https://www.pajiba.com/news/paris-jackson-is-not-happy-about-the-michael-jackson-biopic.php
Paris Jackson Reveals Lack of Involvement in Michael Jackson Biopic
Cited text: This is somewhat surprising given how much the Michael Jackson estate has been involved in the film. In fact, the blame fell on Michael producers and ...
Excerpt: While the Michael Jackson estate has been heavily involved in the film, with estate executors John McClain and John Branca as key figures, Paris Jackson's quotes suggest the film has focused more on involving the legal team rather than…
https://screenrant.com/michael-jackson-biopic-paris-jackson-response/
Michael Jackson Biopic Movie Delayed Over Accuser Legal Violation
Cited text: The film reportedly frames the accusations as the efforts of a money-hungry family attempting to take advantage of Jackson and champions his innocence...
Excerpt: The film reportedly frames the accusations as efforts by money-hungry families attempting to take advantage of Jackson.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/...c-delayed-accuser-legal-violation-1235245773/
Paris Jackson says “sugar-coated” Michael Jackson biopic contains “full-blown lies” | The FADER
Cited text: Y’all are going to like the f—king movie. So just go watch it. Go enjoy it. Do whatever. Leave me out of it.” ...
Excerpt: Her final words on the matter were pointed: 'Y'all are going to like the movie. So just go watch it.
https://www.thefader.com/2025/09/04/paris-jackson-michael-jackson-biopic
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