Netflix announces ‘Michael Jackson: The Verdict’ documentary series on 2005 child molestation trial
In the wake of the backlash to the record-breaking Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, Netflix has announced a new documentary series which will revisit the 2005 trial in which the singer was charged with multiple counts of child molestation before ending in an acquittal.
Set for release on June 3rd, Michael Jackson: The Verdict will revisit, at a granular level, arguably the most closely watched legal saga of all time.
The project features key individuals who were inside the courtroom, including jurors, eyewitnesses, and accusers and defenders alike. Therefore, the three-part docuseries will present the perspectives of both the prosecution and the defence.
Director Nick Green and executive producer Fiona Stourton explained to Tudum that now is the right time to revisit this famous trial: “It has been 20 years since the trial of Michael Jackson in which he was found not guilty. Yet, to this day, controversy still rages.”
The filmmakers continued, “No cameras were allowed in court, and so the public’s view of the facts at the time were filtered by commentators and presented piecemeal. It was time to take a forensic look at the trial as a whole.”
The duo suggested that this documentary is for everyone who desires a closer look at the allegations, concluding, “Anyone interested in the Michael Jackson story should feel this documentary gives them a window into what was largely a closed event and a chance to feel closer to what happened.”
The official trailer, released on May 20th, shows plentiful footage of the footage spliced together, including a police search of Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, the ‘Thriller’ singer being taken into custody, and new interviews from key players.
The announcement comes at a pertinent time, after the Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic of Jackson’s early career hit cinemas, and subsequently faced much criticism for removing any reference to the shocking trial against him.
Jackson’s estate reportedly covered the cost to reshoot the movie without mention of the allegations, which allegedly tallied up to tens of millions of dollars.
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