Michael Jackson – ‘Leaving Neverland’ Director Slams Singer’s Upcoming Biopic, Claims Film Will ‘Glorify A Pedophile’

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson – ‘Leaving Neverland’ Director Slams Singer’s Upcoming Biopic, Claims Film Will ‘Glorify A Pedophile’

The director of ‘Leaving Neverland’ isn’t too pleased with the newly announced biopic chronicling Michael Jackson’s life.

Dan Reed – the director of Leaving Neverland – wrote an opinion piece slamming the new project, which stars Michael Jackson’s 26-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson. 

Reed wrote,

“In an era when full-throated outrage accompanies anything that smells of delegitimization or insensitivity against a vulnerable group, it amounts to a deafening silence. No one is talking about ‘cancelling’ this movie, which will glorify a man who raped children.”

According to Reed, those who support the film are sending the wrong message. He added that people,

“who grew up loving Jackson are willing to set aside his unhealthy relationship with children and just go along with the music.”

Michael Jackson

Jackson’s family previously criticized the two-part HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, calling it a “public lynching” and “character assassination” as the King of Pop is no longer alive and able to speak out about the disturbing claims against him.

At the time, the Jackson family said in a statement:

“Michael is not here to defend himself, otherwise these allegations would not have been made.”

However, in his opinion piece, Reed said,

The news of the biopic was confirmed by the forthcoming project’s director, Antoine Fuqua — who directed multiple hit films such as ‘Training Day’ and  ‘Emancipation.’ The biopic was written by John Logan. 

When announcing Jaafar Jackson’s (son of The Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson) role as his uncle, Michael Jackson, Antoine Fuqua shared,

“Proud to announce [Jaafar Jackson] as Michael [Jackson] — the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming soon.”

Following the filmmaker’s unveil, Jaafar Jackson took to his Twitter to share his sentiments on the opportunity to portray his legendary uncle.

He wrote,

“I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.”

What are your thoughts on Dan Reed’s comments against the upcoming biopic? Let us know in the comments below!

[VIA]