Apr 23, 2026 2:09pm IST
Taj Jackson Calls Out Media Ahead of ‘Michael’ Release as Film Tracks Strong Opening
Just ahead of the release of “Michael,” Taj Jackson has hit out at media coverage around the film in a series of posts on X. The singer, who is the nephew of Michael Jackson and son of Tito Jackson, said the media can no longer “control the narrative” around the pop icon, adding that audiences will form their own opinions after watching the film.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and backed in part by the Jackson estate, “Michael” traces the singer’s life from his early years as a member of the Jackson 5 through the peak of his global fame, focusing largely on the period around the release of the album “Bad.”
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The film initially extended further into Jackson’s later years, including the 1993 allegations of child molestation and the subsequent investigation. However, legal constraints linked to a past settlement prevented the filmmakers from depicting or referencing one of the accusers. The development led to a reworking of the third act, with approximately 22 days of reshoots carried out at an estimated cost of $15 million to $20 million.
Despite the adjustments, the film is tracking for a strong box office opening, with projections in the $65 million to $70 million range domestically and expectations of a significant global run. At the same time, early critical response has been mixed, with the film holding a 37% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Taj Jackson also addressed critics directly in his posts, suggesting some would have to “eat crow” once the film releases, as the conversation around “Michael” continues to build ahead of its opening weekend.
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