Last Updated:April 11, 2026, 11:38 IST
Thousands of Michael Jackson fans flock to Berlin for early premiere of biopic Michael starring nephew Jaafar Jackson, as controversy over past abuse allegations persists
Michael Jackson fans travel thousands of miles, swarm Berlin for Michael biopic premiere
When it comes to Michael Jackson, the love clearly hasn’t faded, not even after all these years. From different corners of the world, fans showed up with the same excitement, turning one city into a global fan moment overnight.
Berlin witnessed a massive turnout on Friday as thousands gathered for the premiere of Michael, a biographical film based on the life of the pop icon. The film, which stars Jaafar Jackson, Jackson’s nephew, in the lead role, is set for a wider release later this month.
Despite long-standing controversies associated with the late singer, fans remained undeterred. Many travelled across countries to attend the premiere, with only a limited number managing to secure entry. Around 4,000 attendees were selected through prize draws to watch the film ahead of its official release, while others participated in themed events organised across the city.
Among those in attendance was Andy Escobar, a 31-year-old aircraft mechanic from the United States, who shared his long-standing admiration for the singer. Recalling his school days, he said his nickname was MJ “because everybody knew that I was a Michael Jackson fan”.
Addressing the allegations that have followed Jackson’s legacy, Escobar said, “We know that’s not true.” Echoing a similar sentiment, Megane Kittler, a 31-year-old educator from France currently living in Berlin, stated, “He was found not guilty.”
The film has generated significant anticipation and is expected to perform strongly at the global box office. Industry projections suggest it could become one of the highest-grossing biographical films of its kind. Studio Lionsgate is reportedly aiming for earnings of around $700 million worldwide — a figure that would place it among the top performers in the genre, though still below Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned approximately $910 million globally.
The journey to release has not been without complications. Initially scheduled to hit theatres on April 18, 2025, the film was delayed following reported legal concerns. According to Variety, portions of the film addressing abuse allegations had to be removed after legal teams identified restrictions linked to a prior settlement involving one of Jackson’s accusers. This reportedly led to significant edits and a restructuring of the narrative.
Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50 due to a propofol overdose, faced multiple allegations of child sexual abuse during his lifetime. While he was acquitted in a 2005 criminal trial, civil cases were filed after his death, some of which are still ongoing. The artist, however, was never convicted in either criminal or civil court.
Beyond the screening, Berlin is hosting a series of fan-centric events over the weekend, including exhibitions, panel discussions featuring the film’s team, and themed gatherings celebrating Jackson’s music and legacy.
(With inputs from AFP)
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First Published:
April 11, 2026, 11:38 IST
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