Controversial Michael Jackson TV Show Almost Got Axed by Netflix a Week Before Its Release
Variety said the streamer feared blowback from Michael Jackson’s estate and fans, even as the three-part series drew 17.8 million views in five days.
- Netflix reportedly considered canceling "Michael Jackson: The Verdict" a week before its June 3 release. Sources told Variety that executives feared potential litigation from the Michael Jackson estate, which has a reputation for litigiousness.
- The estate previously forced removal of HBO's "Leaving Neverland" in 2024 and settled with ABC over "The Last Days of Michael Jackson" in 2018. This litigation history prompted significant anxiety at Netflix regarding the new docuseries.
- To mitigate risk, Netflix implemented strict security protocols, including a dedicated anonymous email address for production correspondence and restricted filmmaker interviews. Executives decided against traditional marketing after the trailer release.
- Despite reported internal debate, the docuseries premiered as scheduled on June 3. Netflix denied claims of backtracking, stating "characterizations that Netflix reconsidered the release or changed course because of outside pressure are inaccurate."
- The series reached the Netflix Top 10 in 89 countries and earned an 82% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it faced opposition: a petition garnered more than 188,000 signatures requesting its removal.
17 Articles
17 Articles
The Netflix documentary series revisits the infamous Michael Jackson child sexual abuse case, with rare footage and interviews with key people involved. The post The plausible reason Netflix wanted to pull “Michael Jackson: The Verdict” appeared first on in.gr.
Netflix responds to claims of backtracking on Michael Jackson documentary release
Netflix responds to claims of backtracking on Michael Jackson documentary releaseNetflix is denying reports that it nearly pulled its Michael Jackson documentary just days before its release.A source has said some Netflix executives allegedly had second thoughts after the trailer was released,...
ComingSoon.net
MandatoryControversial Michael Jackson TV Show Almost Got Axed by Netflix a Week Before Its Release
(Photo Credit: Netflix) Netflix almost pulled a controversial Michael Jackson documentary before it ever aired. According to a recent report, the documentary series was nearly shelved over fears of legal action. However, the series premiered on schedule and gained instant international popularity. Why did the Michael Jackson TV show almost get axed by Netflix? According to Variety, Netflix nearly canceled the launch of Michael Jackson: The Verdi…
Netflix reportedly had second thoughts about Michael Jackson: The Verdict
A week before the premiere of Michael Jackson: The Verdict, Netflix was getting cold feet. This is per Variety, which reports Netflix feared reprisals for its three-part docuseries about Michael Jackson’s 2005 criminal case that acquitted Jackson of all charges. According to Variety‘s sources, the streamer feared “a lawsuit from the estate rather than the fans,” with the world’s biggest streamer worrying over the Jackson estate’s “financial musc…
The Independent
Netflix denies Michael Jackson documentary was nearly pulled days before release
Netflix executives raised concerns over a potential lawsuit, according to sources
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
