Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.
Controversy is already swirling around the 2026 Michael Jackson biopic, and it hasn’t even hit theaters yet. Director Dan Reed has entered the fray with sharp criticism, making a stark allegation that has reignited debate over the King of Pop’s on-screen legacy. He blasted the upcoming biopic, taking issue with its perspective and claiming the pop icon was “worse than Epstein.”
Michael Jackson biopic accused of ignoring abuse claims by Leaving Neverland director
Filmmaker Dan Reed claims the 2026 Michael Jackson biopic glosses over the abuse allegations explored in “Leaving Neverland”. Released on HBO in 2019, “Leaving Neverland” was a harrowing four-hour documentary that seemed ready to permanently alter Michael Jackson’s legacy. Wade Robson and James Safechuck gave detailed accounts of childhood abuse, leaving a lasting impact on many viewers. Although the film earned an Emmy, the Jackson Estate dismissed it as a “complete fiction” and “completely one-sided.”
In a recent interview with The New Yorker, “Michael” director Antoine Fuqua responded to the allegations against Jackson. The “Shooter” filmmaker remarked, “Sometimes people do some nasty things for some money.”
Reed, however, pushed back on Fuqua’s comments, calling them ironic. “For Antoine Fuqua to accuse people of gold digging is kind of ironic,” he said. “It seems to me all the people involved in this movie are just making bank.”
Reed further criticized the Michael Jackson biopic for not acknowledging the allegations made against Jackson. “How can you tell an authentic story about Michael Jackson without ever mentioning the fact that he was seriously accused of being a child molester?” he asked. “I just don’t really see it. If anyone’s making money, it’s Michael Jackson’s estate and the people who worked on this biographical picture.”
He further defended Jackson’s accusers, asserting that Wade and James have made no money from coming forward. He explained that lawsuits don’t pay out unless the case is won in court, and winning would indicate the claims were proven.
Additionally, the filmmaker accused the media of inadequately addressing the allegations leveled against Michael Jackson. He added, “So a lot of people, I think, will kind of swallow any misgivings they may have and just sort of say, ‘Oh well, it’s a great jukebox movie’ and just completely ignore the fact that this guy was worse than Jeffrey Epstein.”
Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi on Mandatory.
