Netflix is set to release a new documentary centered on Michael Jackson, following closely behind the recent biopic about the late King of Pop.
Michael struggled with critics, but it has landed an impressive 97 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes — a sign that the ‘Billie Jean’ singer’s fanbase remains devoted almost two decades after his death in 2009.
The film took a glossy, celebratory look at Jackson’s journey, charting his transformation from child star to global icon. His nephew, 29-year-old Jaafar Jackson, played him on screen.
However, one major element appeared to receive little or no attention in the biopic: the multiple accusations of child molestation made against Jackson over the years.
In contrast, Michael Jackson: The Verdict narrows in on one chapter only — Jackson’s 2005 criminal trial — and includes voices from people who were in the courtroom, including jurors, eyewitnesses, accusers, and those who defended him.
Jackson, a former member of The Jackson 5, was ultimately found not guilty on all counts.
Even before its release, the documentary has already sparked backlash from some of Jackson’s supporters online.
“This is disgraceful from Netflix, every other studio is regretting that they passed on the Michael movie that ended up being a huge success.
“So they make this in retaliation to try and gain some money from it all? What a joke.”
Another person wrote, per news.au.com:
“It was already decided that Michael was INNOCENT. If anyone really wants to decide without watching this sensationalist bulls**t, just read the court transcripts.”
Meanwhile, another commenter argued that Jackson is still being “exploited” years after his passing.
The three-part series is directed by Nick Green and executive produced by Fiona Stourton. Ahead of its debut, the pair have explained what they hoped to achieve by revisiting the case.
“It has been 20 years since the trial of Michael Jackson in which he was found not guilty. Yet, to this day, controversy still rages,” the filmmakers told Tudum.
“No cameras were allowed in court, and so the public’s view of the facts at the time were filtered by commentators and presented piecemeal. It was time to take a forensic look at the trial as a whole.
“Anyone interested in the Michael Jackson story should feel this documentary gives them a window into what was largely a closed event and a chance to feel closer to what happened.”
They added:
“The aim was to take the audience inside the proceedings and only speak to eyewitnesses who played a part in those events.”
Michael Jackson: The Verdict premieres on Netflix on Wednesday, June 3.