“Michael”, record debut for the Michael Jackson film. And the heirs slam “Leaving Neverland”: “A farce”

The biopic “Michael”, dedicated to Michael Jackson and starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, has debuted with record-breaking numbers: $217 million in its first global weekend, $97 million of which came from the United States. It's the best-ever opening for a music biopic, ahead of “Straight Outta Compton” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”, which nonetheless remains the absolute benchmark over the long run with roughly $900 million in total earnings. The film also ranks as the second-best debut of 2026, behind “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie”.

Alongside its commercial results, the film reopens a controversy that has never really died down. According to Variety, the third act — originally devoted to the accusations of child abuse — was reportedly cut. The decision is said to stem from a clause tied to the settlement with Jordan Chandler, which would bar its depiction. The case dates back to 1993 and was settled out of court in 1994; in 2005, by contrast, Jackson was acquitted in the trial concerning Gavin Arvizo.

The film's release coincides with fresh public statements. James Safechuck, one of the central figures in the Hbo-produced documentary "Leaving Neverland", has denounced the celebration of figures accused of abuse. Director Dan Reed has accused the film of deliberately ignoring the controversies, using harsh language toward the artist. Director Antoine Fuqua fired back immediately, questioning the credibility of some of the testimonies and pointing to possible financial motives. Reed countered by stressing that neither Safechuck nor Wade Robson gained any financial benefit from the allegations. For their part, Jackson's estate continues to dismiss "Leaving Neverland" as a baseless reconstruction, calling it "a complete sham".

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