Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the late Michael Jackson, was photographed filming a scene for the upcoming biopic “Michael” at the Jackson compound in Los Angeles’ Encino neighborhood. The scene seemed to be set in the 1970s, as indicated by the Afro wig worn by Jaafar and the vintage cars on set. The 27-year-old star was seen driving a black convertible, accompanied by a female actor in a red outfit. The shoot continued after it was announced that Kat Graham would be playing Diana Ross in the film.
Nia Long was also spotted on set portraying Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson. Jaafar was filmed standing in front of a wall styled to mimic the cover of Jackson’s album “Off The Wall,” seemingly set in 1979. Behind-the-scenes images showed the extensive crew required to keep the production running smoothly, with a crane equipped to capture overhead shots. The location, Hayvenhurst, has deep ties to the Jackson family and has remained within their ownership, with Michael’s daughter, Paris Jackson, residing there.
Hayvenhurst, located in the San Fernando Valley, covers two acres and includes a main house with five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, purchased the property in 1971, after the family had moved from Gary, Indiana. Michael lived there until 1987 when he bought the Neverland Ranch. The upcoming biopic is set to be released on April 18, 2025, with Colman Domingo playing Joe Jackson and Miles Teller as Michael’s attorney, John Branca. The film is expected to cover significant events in Michael Jackson’s life, including the 1990s sexual abuse allegations.
In 1993, Michael Jackson was accused of sexually abusing 13-year-old Jordan Chandler, with an investigation taking place before a settlement was reached. Additional allegations of child sexual abuse and administering intoxicants surfaced, leading to charges in 2003. Jackson went on trial in 2005 and was acquitted on all charges. Director Dan Reed, known for the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” criticized the upcoming biopic for portraying Jackson in a biased manner that downplays the serious allegations against him. The film’s director, Antoine Fuqua, and writer, John Logan, are aiming to tell a comprehensive story of Jackson’s life.
The staging of the upcoming biopic has caused controversy as it appears to gloss over the more troubling aspects of Michael Jackson’s life, such as the allegations of child sexual abuse. Reed pointed out the portrayal of Jackson in the screenplay as only seen caring for children with cancer or dancing with kids, giving a skewed perspective of his life. The biopic has attracted attention for its casting choices and the inclusion of contentious events from Jackson’s life, sparking debate among fans and critics alike. The film aims to shed light on the complexities of Jackson’s life while also addressing the controversies that surrounded him.
Despite the criticism surrounding the portrayal of Michael Jackson in the biopic, the production continues to capture pivotal moments from his life, including his time living at Hayvenhurst and the legal battles he faced regarding allegations of sexual abuse. By exploring the nuanced aspects of Jackson’s life, the film seeks to provide a comprehensive narrative of his successes and challenges. As new details emerge from the set and the cast, audiences remain curious about the final product and the impact it will have on Michael Jackson’s legacy in the music industry.
