Colman Domingo and Nia Long Speak Out on Why ‘Michael’ Skips Abuse Allegations
The upcoming biopic Michael is drawing attention just before its theatrical release, mainly because of how it chooses to tell its story. The film focuses on the life of Michael Jackson, but it does not directly include the sexual abuse allegations that followed him later in life.
Cast members Colman Domingo and Nia Long spoke about the film’s direction in recent comments shared through interviews and press coverage. Domingo, who plays Michael’s father Joe Jackson, explained that the story is told mainly through Michael’s perspective. He said the focus is on his upbringing, his early influences, and how he built his identity as an artist.
A journalist raised questions about the decision to leave out the abuse allegations, especially in a time when audiences expect serious claims to be handled more directly in films based on real people. The concern was whether the movie avoids important parts of Jackson’s story. Domingo and Long suggested that not everything is off the table in the long run and hinted that future projects could explore more difficult topics.
Colman Domingo and Nia Long speak on why "Michael" doesn't touch child molestation claims.
— TMZ (@TMZ) April 22, 2026
🎥: NBC pic.twitter.com/TmGR9PhSBW
Director Antoine Fuqua also addressed the film’s approach in an interview with The New Yorker. He confirmed that earlier versions of the script did include material related to Jackson’s 2003 arrest and surrounding controversy. Some of those scenes were even filmed. However, legal restrictions tied to a past settlement involving the Jackson estate blocked the use of those events in the final cut.
Because of those limits, the film shifted direction. Instead of focusing on legal accusations, it highlights Jackson’s journey from child star to global fame. Fuqua said the changes forced him to reshape the story into something different from what he originally planned.
The director also shared his personal thoughts in the interview, saying he is not fully convinced about the accusations made against Jackson. At the same time, he admitted he does not have all the answers about what happened.
The movie stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson and includes Colman Domingo in a key role. It is set to release in theaters this week.
This kind of storytelling will always create debate. Some viewers will like a focus on Michael Jackson’s rise and music legacy, while others will feel important parts of the story are missing. Biopics often face this problem when real-life controversies are involved. What do you think about this choice? Share your thoughts in the comments.
