In a fiery social media post on Tuesday, Taj Jackson, nephew of the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, directly challenged the media’s long-standing portrayal of his uncle, declaring that the upcoming biopic Michael will finally let the public decide the truth for themselves.
“Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was,” Taj wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves. And you can’t handle that.”
The post, which quickly gained traction with over 9,500 likes and 2,100 reposts within hours, comes just days before the film’s highly anticipated theatrical release on April 24, 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Taj’s cousin Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, Michael chronicles the pop icon’s rise from his early days with The Jackson 5 to global superstardom, with a heavy emphasis on his music, legacy, and creative genius.
The biopic, produced with the support of the Jackson estate and distributed by Lionsgate, has already generated massive buzz. Its trailer became one of the most-watched in music biopic history, and early screenings have fueled excitement among fans worldwide. However, it has also drawn criticism from some outlets for reportedly focusing primarily on Jackson’s artistic achievements while sidestepping later controversies, including child sexual abuse allegations that were never proven in court.
Taj’s message echoes earlier statements from the Jackson family pushing back against what they describe as coordinated “negative press, trolls, and tabloids” attempting to overshadow the film’s momentum. In previous posts, he urged fans not to engage with or amplify such stories, calling them part of a “failing agenda” to sabotage the movie’s success.
The film arrives amid renewed global interest in Michael Jackson’s catalog. His music continues to dominate streaming charts, Broadway shows, and live tributes, proving his enduring cultural impact more than 16 years after his death in 2009. Supporters argue the biopic represents a long-overdue celebration of the artist who sold hundreds of millions of records and transformed pop culture.
Critics, however, have questioned whether the film presents a complete picture. Some early reviews and audience scores on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes have reflected divided opinions, with debates centering on how—or whether—the movie addresses Jackson’s complex legacy.
Taj’s latest post underscores the family’s confidence that audiences will form their own conclusions once they see Michael on the big screen.
“The public gets to watch this movie,” he emphasized—putting the power firmly in the hands of fans rather than the media.
Tickets for Michael are already on sale, with screenings in IMAX and standard formats beginning this Friday. Whether the film reshapes public perception or reignites old debates, one thing is clear: Michael Jackson’s story is still captivating the world.
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