Jackson legacy at stake as 'Michael' biopic divides family

The 'Michael' biopic premiered in Berlin and Gary and is projected to open near $60 million, while Paris Jackson has not participated and has brought legal action involving the estate.

The new biopic about Michael Jackson opened with premieres in Berlin and Gary and is projected to have a strong box office debut. Jaafar Jackson stars in the film, and some younger family members, including Prince and Bigi, appeared at early screenings. Paris Jackson has been absent from promotion and has said she had no involvement beyond reading an early draft. Sources report that divisions within the family predate the movie and have been compounded by Paris taking legal action against the estate executors, who are also financial backers of the film. What is known: - The film premiered in Berlin and Gary and is forecast to open near $60 million. - Jaafar Jackson is the lead actor; Prince Jackson is listed as an executive producer and Prince and Bigi attended premieres. - Paris Jackson did not participate in the film and has said she had "zero per cent involvement" beyond reading an early draft; she described the movie as appealing to a particular section of her father's fandom. - Paris has filed legal action involving the executors of Michael Jackson's estate, which are also financial backers of the movie. - Family matriarch Katherine Jackson, age 95, has seen the film and reacted emotionally; insiders say she remains a central figure holding some measure of family cohesion. Summary: The biopic’s release has highlighted long-standing tensions within the Jackson family, including differing views on the film and legal disputes involving the estate, and it has drawn a clear split between relatives who participated and those who did not. Undetermined at this time.