Michael Jackson’s Nephews Defend ‘Michael’ Ahead of Movie’s Release

The Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, hasn’t even opened in theaters yet and the late singer’s family is already defending it against criticism from the media.

Two of Jackson’s nephews, TJ and Taj Jackson, both sons of Tito Jackson who perform together in the group 3T, posted messages to social media on Tuesday and Wednesday supporting the film, which hits theaters on Friday, against a negative reception from critics. Critics have blasted the film for skipping Jackson’s controversies and failing to address the many sexual abuse allegations against Jackson, and ending the timeline of the film in 1988. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Jermaine Jackson‘s son, as his uncle.

“Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was,” Taj, Tito Jackson’s eldest son, posted in a tweet thread on Tuesday. “The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves. And you can’t handle that. Can’t wait till some critics have to eat crow. And yes I will be that petty.”

“I’m going to the theater in a few hours to see a movie I’ve seen several times. Why? Because I’m proud,” TJ Jackson, Tito’s youngest son, wrote in his own post. “I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to be masked in the electrifying energy that will be in that theater for nothing. My uncle deserves this, my cousin earned this and his loyal supporters are owed this. The world will be reminded or learn who MJ truly was and I can’t wait! #michaelmovie.”

In another post, TJ praised the film. “I am excited for the world to see it,” he wrote. “My uncle’s essence is captured and Jaafar is 🙌🏾…”

Rolling Stone’s critic, David Fear, described the film, which was years in the making, as an unbelievable hagiography, right down to a scene where Jackson’s lawyer says he believes the singer will be the greatest. “This isn’t really a biopic,” he wrote. “This is the Passion of St. Michael, rendered with great fidelity to and emphasis on both Jackson’s undeniable suffering and equally undeniable talent. … To paraphrase a Jackson song: Please stop. We’ve had enough.”