Spike Lee defends ‘Michael’ amid omission of child abuse allegations
Spike Lee has shared his support for the new Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, after the project faced much criticism for failing to depict the child abuse allegations that the star faced throughout his life.
The movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua, charts the ‘Thriller’ singer’s early years, covering the period from his involvement in the Jackson 5 in the 1960s, through to the Bad tour in the late 1980s.
The record-breaking project has landed well with audiences, but has faced much criticism for its omission of child abuse allegations that defined much of Jackson’s later life.
However, Lee has become the latest actor to show support for the movie. During a recent interview with CNN, Lee defended the biopic, sharing: “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.”
Notably, Jackson faced his first accusation in 1993. As such, Lee added, “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.”
Lee was a friend of the late star; he directed his music video for the single ‘They Don’t Care About Us’, and two documentaries on his life, including 2016’s Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown to Off the Wall.
Lee concluded on the matter, “I miss Mike. I miss Prince. I mean, these are my brothers. I worked with both of them. Both beautiful, beautiful people.”
It was common knowledge before the film came out that the allegations wouldn’t be depicted on the big screen; Michael delayed its release date twice last year, after it was forced to completely reshoot part of the movie and remove allegations of child abuse against Jackson.
After a settlement was reached with Evan Chandler, an LA dentist and screenwriter who accused Jackson of sexually abusing his 13-year-old son in 1993, the production only discovered at a late stage that a clause in the agreement prevented them from depicting the child or even mentioning his name.
Subsequently, they had to spend tens of millions to reshoot the end of the movie; Jackson’s estate reportedly covered the cost.
Despite the controversy surrounding Michael, it enjoyed the biggest box office start in history for a music biopic over its opening weekend, grossing $217 million.
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