Michael Jackson Biopic Hits a Major Snag

Jan 24, 2025

It looks like the Michael Jackson biopic, featuring Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, has hit a significant snag. John Branca, head of the Michael Jackson estate, seemingly engrossed in his quest to make even more money, has overlooked a critical detail: the biopic cannot dramatize the Jordan Chandler allegations due to a clause in the 1994 multi-million dollar settlement that prohibits both parties from publicly discussing it. This restriction also applies to the Jackson estate, which now controls all aspects of Jackson's legacy.

According to Puck News, the script focuses on the events surrounding the 1993 investigation into claims made by Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of molestation at the age of 13. It portrays Jackson as a naïve victim of the Chandlers, who are depicted as exploiting the situation for money, ultimately forcing Jackson to settle, damaging his reputation.

The issues arises from a prior agreement which prohibits the inclusion of the Chandlers in any movie. This oversight by the estate has rendered many planned scenes unusable, complicating the film's progress. Despite Branca assuring the filmmakers that there were no hidden issues, it has become evident that there was a significant agreement with the Chandlers that he overlooked.

Furthermore, a Washington Informer article revealed hush money payments made by the estate to five accusers following the release of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. Nobody outside of the estate were aware of the payments.

Branca later informed filmmakers about the legal complications with the film's third act involving the Chandlers, after filming had concluded. This confrontation has left the creative team frantically seeking solutions, as they must revise the script and shooting strategy to comply with existing legal agreements.

While the estate has agreed to fund any necessary reshoots, the task of crafting a legally compliant version of the film is expected to be costly.

Initially, the film was due to release in April 2025, but got pushed back to the autumn. It's unknown whether it will face further delays or possibly be cancelled altogether.

Ironically, the Jackson estate was extraordinarily swift and aggressive in its campaigns to discredit the documentary Leaving Neverland. They launched legal action against HBO’s parent company, Warner Media, arguing that the network had violated a non-disparagement agreement when it obtained exclusive rights to air a concert held during Michael Jackson's "Dangerous" tour back in 1992.  However, it has now become apparent that John Branca and others in his circle are not so vigilant to look over the fine details of contracts, when it comes to the welfare of the Chandler family.

Although the Jackson estate ultimately carries the responsibility for this movie and its controversies, I find it hard to empathize with anyone associated with it—whether they are the writers, director, producers, or actors. It should be clear to anyone who possesses even a modicum of decency and moral integrity that creating a movie that attempts to glorify a controversial figure accused of grave misconduct, including the sexual abuse of children, is fraught with ethical peril.