Fresh controversy surrounds the Michael Jackson biopic as director Antoine Fuqua speaks openly about allegations rewrites and legal drama that forced major changes before release.
In a new profile with The New Yorker Fuqua said Michael originally centered heavily on the Jordan Chandler accusations from 1993 and their fallout.
Lawyers later found a settlement clause barring the Chandlers from being mentioned or dramatized on screen so producers reworked the film and returned for reshoots.
Fuqua said he never intended to ignore controversy and that an earlier cut opened with the 1993 police raid on Neverland Ranch.
“I shot [Michael] being stripped naked, treated like an animal, a monster,” Fuqua said.
While stressing he does not know the full truth behind every accusation Fuqua also questioned motives tied to some claims.
“When I hear things about us—Black people in particular, especially in a certain position—there’s always pause,” Fuqua told the outlet.
He added “sometimes people do some nasty things for some money.”
The Jackson estate has repeatedly denied abuse allegations against the late singer. Jackson was acquitted in his 2005 criminal trial though accusations continued afterward including in “Leaving Neverland.”
Now the film arrives carrying old questions fresh scrutiny and major curiosity because audiences will judge not only the performances but how Hollywood handles one of pop culture’s most disputed legacies in real time this week with cameras off and debates very much on everywhere online and beyond theaters worldwide today still raging loudly right now again nonstop daily.
