AceShowbiz - The upcoming biopic about Michael Jackson, titled Michael, will notably omit several members of the Jackson family, as they have chosen not to participate in the project. Most prominently, Janet Jackson is absent from the film by her own decision. At the red-carpet premiere, her sister La Toya Jackson expressed, "I wish everybody was in the movie. She was asked and she kindly declined, so you have to respect her wishes."

Other family members who are not included in the film are Randy Jackson, who replaced elder brother Jermaine Jackson in the group in 1975, and the eldest sibling, Rebbie Jackson. Additionally, Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, has voiced her opposition to the movie. She revealed that she chose not to get involved, stating, "I just butted out and left it alone because it's not my project. They're going to make whatever they're going to make."

Paris Jackson also criticized the portrayal in the biopic, saying, "A big section of the film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in the fantasy, and they're gonna be happy with it." This suggests she feels the film caters to an idealized image of her father rather than a full representation.

In contrast, other family members such as La Toya, Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon Jackson have publicly supported the film and have attended its premieres. According to a source speaking to the New York Post, this divide in support represents a split within the family itself. The source described Paris Jackson as being "ridiculously stubborn," and suggested her reluctance stems from influences like Janet and Randy Jackson.

This schism highlights differing perspectives within the Jackson family regarding how Michael Jackson's story should be told. While some embrace the biopic as a tribute, others prefer to distance themselves from it, underscoring the complexity surrounding the legacy of one of music’s most iconic figures.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Vulture.