Dan Reed criticizes Michael Jackson biopic for omitting abuse allegations

4 articles · Updated · Rolling Stone · Apr 24

Reed, director of Leaving Neverland, condemned the $150 million biopic Michael for excluding sexual abuse claims and portraying Jackson as a victim, despite ongoing lawsuits involving accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
He argues the film's narrative is shaped by the Jackson estate's influence and legal power, which previously led to Leaving Neverland's removal from HBO until 2029, and calls the omission a distortion of the truth.
Reed plans a third documentary addressing the upcoming civil lawsuit, while the biopic draws strong box office numbers but faces criticism for ignoring abuse allegations, fueling debate over Jackson's legacy.

Why was 'Leaving Neverland' removed from streaming just before the biopic's release?

With new lawsuits pending, can the 'Michael' biopic truly reshape Jackson's legacy?

Is the huge audience-critic score gap for 'Michael' a sign of a new cultural divide?

Will the Cascio family's new lawsuit force a public re-evaluation of Jackson's past?

How does Paris Jackson's public criticism impact the estate's carefully crafted narrative?

Could the upcoming trial of Wade Robson's lawsuit derail plans for the biopic's sequels?