Controversial Michael Jackson TV Show Almost Got Axed by Netflix a Week Before Its Release
Netflix reportedly considered canceling the release of the Michael Jackson documentary 'Michael Jackson: The Verdict' due to fears of potential legal action from the singer's estate. Despite these internal concerns and a scaled-back marketing campaign, the series premiered as scheduled and became a significant success on the platform.
Why it matters
The report highlights the tension between streaming platforms' editorial independence and the influence of powerful estates in controlling the narrative of public figures.
0 (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.
According to Variety , Netflix nearly canceled the launch of Michael Jackson: The Verdict just a week before its June 3 premiere.
The report states that fears of a lawsuit sparked concern among Netflix executives. They considered canceling the show’s release after it had already been publicized. This fear is justified since Michael Jackson’s family has sued numerous times in order to protect his image.
A source claimed, “It was the fear of a lawsuit from the estate rather than the fans. [Netflix] was really scared of their financial muscle.”
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