As Netflix gears up to unveil its comprehensive documentary on Michael Jackson’s trial, the streaming giant finds itself under fire on social media.
Jackson, an iconic figure in the pop culture landscape, faced serious allegations in 2003, being charged with multiple counts of child molestation. The ensuing trial became a media sensation, drawing global attention and keeping him in the limelight for months on end.
Although Jackson was acquitted of all charges, his trial continued to fuel public discourse and left lingering doubts regarding his innocence.
Netflix’s upcoming documentary, “Michael Jackson: The Verdict,” aims to delve into this pivotal case, featuring insights from those directly involved, including jurors, eyewitnesses, accusers, and defenders.
Netflix’s new doc, “Michael Jackson: The Verdict”, revisits the case and features numerous key individuals who were inside the courtroom, including jurors, eyewitnesses, accusers, and defenders alike.
Fans of the star have taken to social media to criticise Netflix over the timing of the doc’s release, which is coming just weeks after the release of his critically panned but highly profitable biopic.
“This is disgraceful from Netflix, every other studio is regretting that they passed on the Michael movie that ended up being a huge success. So they make this in retaliation to try and gain some money from it all? What a joke,” remarked one angry fan.
A second commented: “It was already decided that Michael was INNOCENT. If anyone really wants to decide without watching this sensationalist bulls**t, just read the court transcripts.”
“Wow, this man is still being exploited by people 17 years after his death,” tweeted a third.
While another added: “The media still trying to convict a man whose innocence has been proven an indescribable amount of times… you’re so pathetic for endorsing this.”
The series is directed by Nick Green and executive produced by Fiona Stourton, who say it felt like the right time to revisit the trial and its lingering questions. They approached it as a historical account, presenting the facts as they unfolded in court.
“It has been 20 years since the trial of Michael Jackson, in which he was found not guilty. Yet, to this day, controversy still rages,” the filmmakers told Netflix’s fan event Tudum. “No cameras were allowed in court, and so the public’s view of the facts at the time were filtered by commentators and presented piecemeal. It was time to take a forensic look at the trial as a whole.
“Anyone interested in the Michael Jackson story should feel this documentary gives them a window into what was largely a closed event and a chance to feel closer to what happened.”
Meanwhile, earlier this month, four siblings who once shared a close friendship with Jackson alleged that, behind closed doors, he was subjecting them to sickening child sexual abuse in a bombshell 60 Minutes Australia report.