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Released on April 22, 2026, the biopic “Michael” retraces the life of the king of pop. However, one absence immediately intrigues the audience and fuels many questions surrounding the late father of Paris Jackson. Indeed, Janet Jackson is not featured in the film. Between personal choice and artistic disagreement, several explanations emerge to shed light on this notable decision.
A voluntary absence that raises questions
Upon its release, the film “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua, highlights the singer’s family. Parents, brothers, and sisters appear on screen, reinforcing the idea of a collective project. However, Janet Jackson is missing. Her sister LaToya Jackson provided a clear initial response. She explained, “I would have liked everyone to be in the film. We asked her and she kindly declined, so we must respect her wishes.” Thus, this absence could stem from a personal choice. Additionally, the film’s team claims to have respected this decision without seeking to challenge it.
However, this explanation does not fully dispel all the questions. According to the media outlet TMZ, Janet Jackson reportedly expressed a deeper disagreement after a private screening. She supposedly criticized the film. One source even puts forth a more controversial hypothesis: “Janet has always been incredibly jealous of Michael.” This claim is hard to verify, but it fuels speculation. Therefore, between the official version and media rumors, the mystery persists. The singer’s absence could reflect a more complex unease than just a one-time refusal.
Artistic disagreements and project criticism
Facing speculation, Antoine Fuqua sought to calm tensions. He stated, “I have so much respect and love for Janet. It’s not a big deal. She supports Jaafar, and that’s what matters.” Indeed, Jaafar Jackson portrays Michael Jackson on screen. The director thus emphasizes an intact relationship despite this absence. Furthermore, the film was produced by the Estate of Michael Jackson, which oversees the singer’s artistic legacy. This family involvement explains the overall tone of the biopic, deemed very positive by some observers. In this context, Paris Jackson has also distanced herself from the project. She openly criticizes the script and the film’s vision. “I gave my opinion […] they told me they were not going to consider my comments,” she explains. She then denounces an idealized representation: “These films, it’s Hollywood. It’s fantasy.” Finally, she straightforwardly concludes: “I prefer honesty to sales and profit.” Thus, her testimony reinforces the idea of a deep artistic disagreement. The film divides even within the Jackson family, between support and rejection.
