A new Variety exclusive has once again sent the Michael Jackson fan community into a frenzy, claiming that Netflix executives seriously considered pulling the controversial docuseries Michael Jackson: The Verdict just one week before its release.
According to Variety, anonymous sources alleged that senior executives at the streaming giant became increasingly nervous after announcing the three-part series. The reported concerns? A potential lawsuit from the Michael Jackson Estate, combined with the inevitable backlash from Michael’s loyal global fanbase.
One source claimed Netflix executives had “cold feet” and feared the Estate’s legal power far more than angry fans, while another alleged the company quietly scaled back promotion, refused advance reviews, limited interviews with the filmmakers and even used anonymous internal email accounts to discuss the project.
If true, it paints a picture of a company that lacked confidence in a documentary it was about to release.
But here’s where things get interesting.
Netflix has now firmly denied the claims.
In a statement provided to Variety, a Netflix spokesperson said:
“Characterizations that Netflix reconsidered the release or changed course because of outside pressure are inaccurate. The series launched as planned and reached the Netflix Top 10 for three weeks.”
So… who do you believe?
Variety is standing by its reporting, citing anonymous insiders. Netflix is publicly denying there was ever any hesitation.
Without someone willing to go on the record or internal documents surfacing, we may never know exactly what happened behind closed doors.
One thing, however, is undeniable: Michael Jackson: The Verdict became one of the most heavily criticised documentaries among Michael Jackson fans almost immediately after its release.
Fans organised petitions, flooded Netflix with complaints, cancelled subscriptions and challenged many of the claims presented in the series. Despite being marketed by some as a balanced re-examination of the 2005 trial, many viewers, including us, saw it as yet another attempt to recycle old allegations while ignoring or downplaying the overwhelming evidence that led to Michael Jackson’s complete acquittal on all counts.
Let’s be honest: we found the documentary to be another piece of sensationalist television built around a narrative that has been picked apart for years. Dressing it up with interviews and dramatic production values doesn’t suddenly make it objective. If anything, it demonstrated once again how profitable controversy surrounding Michael Jackson continues to be.
Whether Netflix truly panicked before release or whether Variety‘s sources exaggerated internal discussions is something only those inside the company can answer.
What is certain is that Netflix released the documentary anyway, and it remains one of the most divisive projects involving Michael Jackson in recent years.
As for the truth behind the alleged behind-the-scenes drama?
We’ll leave that verdict to our readers. One side says executives nearly pulled the plug. The other says that never happened.
Either way, the documentary itself certainly didn’t change our opinion.
Netflix, Take that show off! Can’t You leave MJ alone and give him peace. He never did that and he was already found not guilty. Why do You ado this to people? This is why our World is so Fucked up. You’re ridiculous and I will not watch your network anymore. All you reporters did was lie about him and it was so sickening and disgusting. Can’t you talk about feeding the starving children like he did. Oh I don’t think You Care. Rest in Peace Michael. You are an angel in heaven.
I believe the sources Variety spoke to and the Netflix statement is just saving face. To me, all signs point towards hesitancy by Netflix. The last minute trailer drop, the lack of promotion on social media and in the media, no interviews from the filmmakers, etc. They didn’t even have it listed on their June new releases list on their own social media although the trailer had dropped. This is unlike the actions they take for other high profile docs. It just seems like a story they quietly wanted to roll past.
Netflix is never, ever going to admit this!