By Tolulope Oke

Michael Jackson’s biopic has been dragged back into controversy after his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, suggested that the planned sequel will address the sexual abuse allegations that have remained one of the most debated parts of the late singer’s legacy.

The first instalment of the film, titled Michael, was criticised by some viewers and critics for allegedly presenting a softened version of the King of Pop’s life while avoiding the allegations that had followed him for decades.

Jaafar, who played his uncle in the biopic, has now suggested that the second film will explore those controversies from Michael Jackson’s perspective.

Speaking in an interview with GQ Middle East, Jaafar said the sequel would provide “more insight” into the allegations, arguing that previous accounts had largely been told from the perspective of those who accused the singer.

“I think the second film will give even more insight from his point of view, because at the end of the day, the allegations are always from someone else’s,” he said.

However, Jaafar admitted he has no control over the direction of the sequel, saying the screenplay is still being developed and he has no major influence over its scope or storyline.

The first Michael film focused on Jackson’s early years, from his rise as a member of the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the beginning of his solo career.

Critics argued that the decision to leave out the allegations made the film incomplete, while supporters of the production said the story was designed to cover a specific period of the singer’s life.

Jackson faced his first major child abuse allegations in 1993 after he was accused of sexually abusing 13-year-old Jordan Chandler. He later faced another high-profile case involving allegations from Gavin Arvizo, but was acquitted of all charges in 2005.

The debate over Jackson’s legacy intensified again following the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, which featured allegations from Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who claimed the singer abused them when they were children.

Jaafar, the son of Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine Jackson, also reflected on his experience portraying the global superstar, saying performing as Michael gave him a unique artistic experience.

“I experienced the best I could experience as an artist on a stage as Michael. Me doing it as Jaafar would feel weird,” he said.

He recalled watching the Jackson family reunite for their 30th anniversary celebration at Madison Square Garden and realising for the first time the extraordinary level of fame surrounding his relatives.

“I still can remember how loud it was in there and the fans going crazy for my uncles on the stage. That was probably the first moment that it hit me, ‘Oh, they’re important,’” he said.

With the sequel still in development, the project is expected to reignite debate over how Hollywood chooses to portray one of music’s most influential and controversial figures.