Spike Lee defends Michael timeline amid row over missing abuse claims

Spike Lee defended the timeline of Michael Jackson's biopic, Michael against criticism over its omission of abuse allegations.

In Short

• Spike Lee defended Antoine Fuqua's Michael over omission of abuse claims
• He said critics were faulting omissions from events outside the film’s timeline
• Michael features Jaafar Jackson in the titular role

Filmmaker Spike Lee has defended Michael, the musical biopic on ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson, featuring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in the titular role, amid criticism that it does not include child abuse allegations against the late singer.

Lee, in an interview with CNN, said the film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, ends in 1988 and does not cover the period in which the allegations emerged.

He said, "First of all, if you’re a movie critic, and you’re complaining about the stuff, all this other stuff — but the movie ends at ’88. The stuff you’re talking about, accusations, happen later."

"So you’re critiquing the film on something that you want in, but it doesn’t work in the timeline of the film. But people showed up. Worldwide, people showed their love," the filmmaker went on.

Lee also said he misses Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50 from acute propofol intoxication. "I miss Mike. I miss Prince. I mean, these are my brothers. I worked with both of them. Both beautiful, beautiful people," he added.

Fuqua clarified the decision to omit child sexual abuse allegations from the film, while mentioning that the production team intends to address that chapter of the story in a subsequent project. In an interview with Deadline, Fuqua emphasised the need for sufficient time to explore such complex subjects, choosing instead to focus the current movie on the artist's beginnings and his unparalleled presence as a "superhero" on the stage.

The filmmaker explained that the primary goal was to foster empathy by presenting a more complete picture of the human being behind the fame, acknowledging that no individual is flawless.

By exploring the influences that shaped Jackson's personality, he said that he intended to build a foundation for the narrative directions planned for a second film. Fuqua emphasised why he did not include the allegations of child sexual abuse against Jackson in this movie, saying they planned to do a sequel to the story later.

A look at past abuse claims

In 2003, Jackson faced seven counts of child molestation and two counts of intoxicating a minor, though he denied all charges and was acquitted in 2005. Following his 2009 death, additional accusers came forward with further allegations.

In defence of the film, Lee pointed to its specific timeline, while Fuqua explained that this first instalment was designed to focus on Jackson’s early years and stage persona, leaving later life events for a potential sequel.

About the film

Michael, follows the life of the King of Pop as he grows from a gifted child star in the Jackson family's pop band, Jackson 5, into a global icon who redefined pop music forever.

The film aims to provide a nuanced look at Jackson's journey, showcasing the magic of his stage performances alongside the personal challenges he faced behind the scenes.

Michael also features Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Colman Domingo as patriarch Joe Jackson, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. The cast also includes Laura Harrier, Kendrick Sampson, and Juliano Krue Valdi, who portrays a young Michael.

The musical biopic was theatrically released on April 24.

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