New Netflix documentary on Michael Jackson's molestation trial sparks backlash from some fans

*This content was translated by AI.

When Netflix's three-part documentary "Michael Jackson: The Verdict," which covers Jackson's 2005 child molestation trial, was released on the 3rd, some fans reacted strongly against it.

The documentary, directed by Nick Green, is a three-part series that reconstructs the events that took place inside the courtroom during Jackson's trial on charges of child molestation against Gavin Arvizo (then 13 years old). At the time, the California court strictly prohibited cameras from being brought into the courtroom, but this work reconstituted what happened inside the courtroom through interviews with jurors, lawyers, witnesses, and reporters who directly participated in the trial.

Jackson was acquitted of all charges at the time. Jackson's close associates, including Macaulay Culkin and Chris Tucker, also appear, with James Goldstone serving as the executive producer.

Fans had strongly opposed the release even before it aired. They demanded its withdrawal through an online petition, criticizing it as "a shameful work that tarnishes the legacy of the King of Pop." One fan pointed out, "While other studios regretted turning down the film 'Michael,' Netflix is trying to cash in on its box office success by making this." Meanwhile, some countered that "this documentary emerged precisely because the biopic completely ignored Jackson's legal issues." The film "Michael" sparked controversy from the time of its release for essentially not addressing Jackson's child molestation allegations.

Reactions from critics were also mixed. What's on Netflix strongly criticized the documentary, stating, "It feels hastily assembled to ride the wave of the film's box office success and fails to show anything beyond what is already known." In contrast, The Daily Beast evaluated it as "meaningful for directly addressing the controversies that the film ignored."

The timing also became a topic of discussion. With the film "Michael" currently surpassing $715 million worldwide and nearing the second-highest box office record for a music biopic of all time, Netflix released content with the opposite nature, riding the wave of that box office success.

Jackson's family's legal representative maintains a rebuttal stance, stating, "We firmly believe that Jackson is innocent of these allegations. All credible evidence supports that." Despite the controversy, Netflix proceeded with the release, which is interpreted as a judgment that the controversy itself would lead to increased viewership.

In fact, despite the fierce backlash before the release, interest in the work actually increased, and Jackson's song "Chicago" newly entered the Billboard Hot 100 this week, bringing Jackson's name back to the center of global attention for both the film and the documentary.

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*This content was translated by AI.