Michael Jackson Estate Spent Up to $15 Million Removing Child Abuse Allegation Scenes
Pitchfork • • general
Key Points:
- The Michael Jackson biopic, originally ending with the 1993 sexual abuse scandal, was rewritten after lawyers for the Jackson Estate found a settlement clause barring dramatization of the accuser.
- The film's third act was reshot over 22 days in June 2025, costing $10 to $15 million, with the Jackson Estate covering expenses due to their oversight.
- The release date was postponed from April 18, 2025, to April 24, 2026, and the new ending will focus on Jackson’s Bad tour and his relationship with his father, Joe Jackson.
- Colman Domingo will portray Joe Jackson, while Michael Jackson will be played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson.
- Pitchfork has contacted the Jackson Estate for comment, and resources for sexual assault support were provided alongside the report.
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