Taj Jackson Defends Michael Biopic Amidst 35% Rotten Tomatoes Score

With a dismal 35% critic approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the 'Michael' biopic is being fiercely defended by Michael Jackson's nephews, Taj and TJ Jackson.

AS
Andre Silva

April 23, 2026 · 4 min read

Taj Jackson passionately defending the 'Michael' biopic movie poster against a backdrop of a low Rotten Tomatoes critic score.

The biopic 'Michael' currently holds a 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, according to TheWrap. This strong family endorsement comes as the film faces widespread negative reviews. The biopic, which aims to portray the life of the iconic singer, has generated significant discussion surrounding its critical reception and family support.

Michael Jackson's nephews are publicly championing the 'Michael' biopic and their cousin Jaafar Jackson's performance, but the film holds a 'rotten' critical score of 35-36% on Rotten Tomatoes. This divergence creates a clear tension between insider loyalty and external critical judgment regarding the film's quality. The public discourse now navigates these conflicting narratives.

The family's strong defense appears to be a strategic effort to shape public perception and protect the legacy of Michael Jackson, but it is unlikely to significantly alter the film's critical standing or prevent audience skepticism. The situation reveals a potential disconnect between family-approved narratives and broader critical expectations.

Critics Pan 'Michael' Biopic with Low Rotten Tomatoes Scores

  • The biopic 'Michael' currently holds a 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, according to TheWrap.
  • The film 'Michael' has a 36 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as reported by Latest news from Azerbaijan.
  • As of the publication of this article, the movie 'Michael' maintains a 35% 'rotten' critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer, according to Forbes.

These consistent low scores from multiple reputable outlets establish a clear, widespread negative critical consensus for the film. The minor discrepancy between 35% and 36% consistently reinforces the overwhelmingly negative critical sentiment. The data shows a broad professional rejection of the biopic's overall execution.

Jackson Nephews Rally Behind Film and Cousin Jaafar

Taj and TJ Jackson are actively supporting the new 'Michael' biopic and their cousin Jaafar's performance. They have publicly praised Jaafar's portrayal of Michael Jackson, emphasizing his dedication and talent. This familial endorsement aims to draw focus to the lead actor's merit amidst the broader critical backlash.

The nephews are defending the movie amid criticism, stating their belief in the project's integrity, according to People. Their vocal support attempts to counter the negative critical narrative by emphasizing family endorsement and the lead actor's portrayal. This approach seeks to influence public perception, potentially rallying existing fans.

Michael Jackson's nephews, Taj and TJ Jackson, defending the film while critics universally pan it, highlights a critical misjudgment by the estate regarding the film's ability to resonate beyond a loyal fanbase. This stance risks damaging the legacy they aim to protect. Their efforts focus on individual acting merit, potentially overlooking broader narrative or directorial issues.

The Weight of Critical Consensus: Over 100 Reviews

The Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score for 'Michael' is based on a substantial 105 reviews, according to Forbes. The volume of reviews shows a wide and consistent critical rejection. The sheer number of negative assessments suggests the film's flaws are systemic, rather than isolated opinions.

A critical score derived from over a hundred reviews indicates a robust and broad consensus. This makes the family's counter-narrative a significant challenge to overcome. The widespread critical rejection makes the Jackson family's isolated and fervent defense appear increasingly out of touch rather than influential.

The biopic 'Michael' currently holds a 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, according to TheWrap. The broad rejection shows a disconnect between the film's internal vision and external critical standards.

What This Means for the Biopic's Future

The ongoing tension between critical panning and family endorsement will likely create a polarized public discussion. This dynamic could impact audience turnout as viewers weigh critical opinion against loyalty. The film may struggle to attract mainstream audiences seeking objective portrayals.

The persistent defense by Michael Jackson's nephews against overwhelming critical consensus suggests the biopic may prioritize a family-approved narrative. This choice could limit its appeal beyond the existing fanbase. The critical reception could overshadow the family's promotional efforts, affecting long-term viewership.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 'Michael' Biopic Controversy

When is the Michael Jackson biopic set to be released?

The Michael Jackson biopic, 'Michael,' is scheduled for release in April 2025. This timing places it in a competitive spring movie season. Its debut follows extensive production and anticipation from fans and critics alike.

What is Taj Jackson's specific role in the Michael biopic?

Taj Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, has been a vocal advocate for the biopic and his cousin Jaafar's performance. While not officially credited in a direct production role, he serves as a public defender and family representative for the film. His involvement primarily centers on media appearances and social media commentary.

Are there other controversies surrounding the Michael Jackson biopic 2026?

Beyond the critical reception, the biopic faces scrutiny regarding its portrayal of controversial aspects of Michael Jackson's life. Concerns about historical accuracy and the film's narrative choices have been raised by various media outlets. The focus remains on how the film addresses these sensitive topics.