Taj Jackson claps back at critics as Michael biopic hits screens with mixed reviews

The Michael Jackson biopic is rolling out worldwide this week, and amid the wave of negative notices, Taj Jackson has told critics to “eat crow.”

The film has been entangled in controversy since its announcement, drawing scrutiny over what it depicts and omits.

Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson, has been explaining why the movie sidesteps certain sexual abuse allegations leveled at Michael.

Meanwhile, Paris Jackson has criticized the movie, labeling it filled with “full-blown lies.” On the eve of release, Taj Jackson stepped in to defend the biopic.

Taj Jackson responds to critics LionsgateJaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson.

The review embargo lifted earlier in the week, and most critics did not praise the film. The BBC called it “a bland and barely competent daytime TV movie.” Empire described it as “deeply generic,” IndieWire called it “glossy, sanitized, and surprisingly dull,” and IGN labeled it “really, really bad.”

Those critiques helped push the Rotten Tomatoes score to 38% at the time of writing. But by the next day, the site’s consensus had slipped further, prompting Taj to fire back on social media.

“Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves. And you can’t handle that.” — Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) April 21, 2026

He followed with a sharper bite at film journalists: “Can’t wait till some critics have to eat crow. And yes I will be that petty.”

The Michael biopic is due to broaden its release, with early projections suggesting $65–$70 million in the United States during its opening weekend and up to $150 million worldwide. For fans craving more music biopics, you can check our roundup of the best music biopics of all time.