Dan Reed, the director of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, has strongly criticized the recently released Michael Jackson biopic Michael, accusing it of creating a false narrative around the pop star's history of child sexual abuse allegations. In an interview with Variety, Reed stated that the film essentially portrays accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck as liars without explicitly saying so.
Reed's Criticism of the Biopic
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael focuses on Jackson's early years with the Jackson Five and his rise to solo stardom, culminating in his 1988 London concert. Reed, who received death threats after Leaving Neverland was released, said the film offers no insight into Jackson's psyche. He described the portrayal of Jackson as an asexual, plastic action doll and argued that the film distorts his relationships with children by depicting him as an eccentric, overgrown child.
Distortion of Jackson's Relationship with Children
Reed emphasized that the film fails to address Jackson's predatory behavior. He noted that Jackson spent extensive time with young boys, including taking them to bed and locking the door—facts that are undisputed. Reed argued that such behavior alone could lead to a conviction for child sexual abuse in court, yet the film ignores these issues. He accused the filmmakers of presenting Jackson as an angel who simply wanted to be kind to children, rather than someone with a sexual interest in them.
Fuqua's Comments and Reed's Rebuttal
In an interview with the New Yorker, Fuqua cast doubt on the accusers and suggested that racism played a role in the controversy. He mentioned Elvis Presley's relationship with Priscilla, who was 14 when they met, as an example of double standards. Fuqua also questioned the motives of the accusers, implying they were after money. Reed responded sharply, calling Fuqua someone who has made tens of millions by pushing a false narrative about a pedophile. He noted that Fuqua reportedly earned $25 million for directing Michael, while the Jackson estate will also profit, but Robson and Safechuck have never received any compensation.
Box Office Success and Further Criticism
Michael was released to record box office figures for a biopic in the US and UK, grossing $217 million worldwide. However, the film has faced additional criticism, including from Jackson's daughter Paris, who denied involvement with the script and accused it of pandering to a specific segment of fans. Reed concluded that the film flips the truth on its head, making it impossible to take seriously. He lamented that the collective imagination cannot accept Jackson as a pedophile.
