Fact-checking ‘Michael’ biopic: What the movie gets right and wrong about the King of Pop's life
The biopic 'Michael' was released in theaters on April 24 and has created quite a buzz with its depiction of the singer's life and career. Michael's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, brings the legendary musician to life in the biopic with actors including Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Mike Myers, and Miles Teller playing integral parts. The biopic highlights key moments from his early life in the 1960s, from his time as a member of the Jackson 5 with his brothers, to his solo career and his ascent to stardom in the 1980s. The movie is directed by Antoine Fuqua from a screenplay written by John Logan. Here's a look at some scenes from the film to determine if they are based on real events from the singer's life or if they are reimagined for storytelling purposes.
Michael suffered severe burns while filming a Pepsi commercial
As seen in the movie, Michael's hair did indeed catch on fire while filming a commercial for Pepsi on January 27, 1984. The fireworks display went off unexpectedly, leading to severe burns on his head. He was treated for second-degree burns and needed a lengthy hospital stay to recover from the injuries. In the aftermath of the incident, the burn center in Culver City, California, was renamed after the singer.
Was Michael's obsession with Peter Pan real?
In 'Michael,' the lead character is seen reading the book 'Peter and Wendy,' which features Peter Pan and is set in the magical island of Neverland. According to Biography.com, the singer once revealed that he related to Peter Pan, a young boy who never grows up, because he was deprived of a childhood and thrust into the limelight at a young age. In an effort to create a happy childhood, Michael purchased a property in Santa Barbara County, California, for $19.5 million and named it the Neverland Ranch in 1988. He lived on the property, which also included a zoo and amusement park, for 15 years until 2005.
The Jackson family head count
One of the aspects the biopic got wrong about Jackson's life was the number of members in the family. In reality, he had a total of eight siblings, but only five are featured in the film - Jermaine, Tito, Jackie, Marlon, and LaToya. Undoubtedly, the most glaring omission from the biopic was that of Janet Jackson, Michael’s youngest sister. The biopic made no mention of her and only showcased his older sister LaToya, who was played by Jessica Sula. LaToya Jackson told Variety that Janet Jackson was not portrayed in the biopic because she "was asked and she kindly declined," and the filmmaker respected her wishes. Other family members missing from the biopic are Michael’s brother, Randy, and his other sister, Rebbie.
Did Michael own a pet chimpanzee?
Yes, as seen in the movie, Michael owned a chimpanzee named Bubbles who famously appeared in his music videos and even toured with the singer in Japan. The Center for Great Apes noted that Bubbles was born in 1983 and was returned to the ape sanctuary in 2005. Bill Bray, the singer's head of security, revealed to UPI that the pop icon was fond of animals and also owned two llamas and multiple deer, as per People.
Did Michael Jackson recruit gang members for the 'Beat It' music video?
As seen in the film, Jackson used his fame to unite members of rival Los Angeles gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, by getting them to participate in his music video 'Beat It' (1982). A Time magazine article from 1983 reported that Michael flash danced through a cast of 80 gang members for the music video. Furthermore, the music video's director, Bob Giraldi, confirmed the story to Boards Magazine in 2009, as per People. He revealed how Michael pulled off the near-impossible stunt. He said that the singer "went out and he got 'em through, I guess, the LAPD's gang squad and he convinced them that, with enough police presence, this would be a smart and charitable thing to do; get them there to like each other and hang with each other for two days doing the video."
Michael announced his last performance with the Jacksons in 1984
Towards the end of 'Michael,' the singer announced during a Victory Tour concert in Los Angeles in 1984 that he would be performing with the Jacksons for the last time ever. This scene is based on a true event, as Michael said, "I'd like to say this is our last and final tour, and I think this is our farewell tour. You've all been wonderful, it's been a long 20 years, and we love you all." Michael's father, Joe, wanted to extend the tour to Europe, but Michael put his foot down, and his decision was reportedly news to his brothers as well.
