Jaafar Jackson is interested in doing a “Michael” sequel that focuses on the child molestation allegations made against his famous uncle from the King of Pop’s perspective.
Michael Jackson’s 30-year-old nephew impressed fans with his portrayal of the controversial “Beat It” singer in a biopic that hit theaters in April. That movie smashed box office records, but was questioned by critics who took issue with the fact that it ends in 1988, which is shortly before serious sexual misconduct accusations sidelined Michael’s career. He died in 2009 from acute propofol intoxication.
Jaafar told GQ Middle East that a “Michael” sequel is in the works. He appears to hope that it takes on the darker years of Michael’s life.
“I think the second film will give even more insight from his point of view, because at the end of the day, (the allegations) are always from someone else’s,” he said.
He believes the claims against his uncle tell “someone else’s story” rather than that of the person accused of having improper relationships with children.
“It’s someone else’s idea of what it is, and it’s mainly driven by an agenda,” Jaafar said. “And that’s really the issue we’ve been having as a family – not having Michael’s voice being heard.”
He calls getting that perspective into the open a “very, very important” part of understanding Michael’s later years.
Allegations against Michael date back to 1986 and involve several accusers. He was booked on child molestation charges in 2003, but acquitted on criminal counts. He settled a $15.3 million civil suit with one accuser’s family in 2004, but admitted no guilt, according to CNN.
Jaafar recalled that he last saw his uncle in Beverly Hills a couple of months before the singer’s death.
“He was seeking a more spiritual journey just because of, I would imagine, the type of scrutiny and the level of pressure he was probably feeling from the press, that he wanted to find that sense of peace for himself,” he said of Michael’s final years.