Online backlash against the Michael Jackson biopic Michael is intensifying after recent reports revealed that Jermaine Jackson was ordered to pay more than $6.5 million in a default judgment connected to a decades-old rape lawsuit. Critics of the film are now urging fans to boycott the movie, arguing that the Jackson family continues to benefit financially and publicly despite ongoing controversy surrounding multiple members of the family. (Pitchfork)
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According to court reports published this week, Jermaine Jackson failed to respond to a civil lawsuit filed by Rita Barrett, who accused him of raping her in 1988 after allegedly forcing his way into her home. Because Jackson did not appear in court or formally contest the claims, a Los Angeles judge issued a default judgment ordering him to pay millions in damages and legal fees. Jermaine has not publicly responded to the ruling. (Pitchfork)
The controversy has quickly spilled over into discussion surrounding Michael, the blockbuster biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and backed heavily by the Jackson estate. Social media users on X, Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube have accused the film of attempting to “sanitize” the Jackson family legacy while multiple abuse allegations and legal battles continue to surround the family. Some critics specifically pointed to Jermaine Jackson’s recent public appearances promoting the movie before news of the judgment spread online. (Vanity Fair)
The film itself has already faced criticism for reportedly removing or minimizing major controversies connected to Michael Jackson’s later years, including child sexual abuse allegations that shadowed his career for decades. Reports from multiple outlets revealed that expensive rewrites and reshoots were conducted after legal complications prevented the filmmakers from depicting certain allegations directly. Critics argue the finished product functions more as a tribute piece than a balanced biography. (Cinemablend)
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Supporters of the film, however, argue that Jermaine Jackson’s legal troubles should not overshadow Michael Jackson’s musical legacy or the performances of the cast and crew involved in the project. Many fans continue defending the movie as a celebration of Michael’s artistic achievements rather than a documentary about every controversy tied to the family. Despite the backlash, Michael remains one of the highest-grossing music biopics ever released. (Vanity Fair)
Still, the renewed controversy shows how divided public opinion remains around the Jackson family. For some viewers, Jermaine Jackson’s lawsuit and failure to appear in court reinforce broader concerns about accountability and celebrity protection within the entertainment industry. For others, separating the music from the scandals remains possible. Either way, calls for a boycott of Michael continue gaining traction online as debate around the film grows even louder.
