SHOCKER: Netflix Execs Almost AXED Michael Jackson Docuseries Days Before Premiere!

Netflix reportedly faced significant internal apprehension regarding the release of its recent three-part documentary, “Michael Jackson: The Verdict,” with discussions to pull the series just a week before its scheduled June 3 premiere. Sources close to the situation, speaking anonymously to Variety, indicated that "higher ups" at the streamer developed "cold feet" after the project had already been announced and its trailer dropped. The primary concern stemmed from the potential for legal action by Michael Jackson's estate, known for its litigious nature, rather than solely from the deceased singer's notoriously vocal fanbase. One source specifically stated, "[Netflix] was really scared of their financial muscle."

The docuseries revisits Jackson’s 2005 criminal trial, where the pop superstar was acquitted of all charges, including child molestation. Despite the reported internal anxieties and the potential embarrassment of withdrawing the series so close to its release, "Michael Jackson: The Verdict" ultimately premiered as planned. A Netflix spokesperson, however, publicly disputed these claims, asserting that characterizations of Netflix reconsidering the release due to external pressure were "inaccurate," and highlighted the series' success in reaching the Netflix Top 10 for three weeks.

The litigious history of the Michael Jackson estate is indeed well-documented. Prior instances include a lawsuit against HBO over the 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which eventually led to the film's removal from HBO Max in 2024. In 2018, the estate also sued ABC concerning “The Last Days of Michael Jackson,” resulting in an out-of-court settlement. Despite this precedent and Netflix’s anxieties, Variety understands that the streamer has not yet received any communication from the estate regarding "The Verdict."

Adding to Netflix's initial nervousness was a flood of emails from fans complaining about the documentary. However, the company reportedly relaxed after discovering that a significant number of these complaints were generated by bots. The documentary itself aims to present an even-handed account of the 2005 trial, featuring first-hand testimony from individuals on both sides of the argument: those who believed Jackson was guilty of molesting 12-year-old Gavin Arvizo, and those who continue to assert his innocence. Interviewees include long-time Jackson family attorney Brian Oxman, publicist Raymone Bain, a fan who attended the trial, and two jurors who explained their verdict. Notably, neither Arvizo nor his family participated in the docuseries.

The documentary has elicited strong reactions, particularly from Jackson's ardent fanbase. A Change.org petition calling for the removal of "Michael Jackson: The Verdict" from Netflix has amassed over 188,000 signatures, and numerous social media discussions on platforms like Reddit feature fans claiming to have canceled their Netflix subscriptions in protest. On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score for the series stands at a mere 7%, contrasting sharply with a critic rating of 82%. Variety's TV critic Aramide Tinubu reviewed the doc, noting it "stands more as an examination of our collective obsession with celebrity, who the public is willing to believe and why."

In anticipation of potential backlash, Netflix implemented several precautions for the documentary's release. These included announcing its existence only two weeks before its launch, providing security briefings to those involved in its production, and strictly using a single, dedicated Netflix email address that did not disclose the sender's name for all related correspondence. Furthermore, Netflix declined all review requests ahead of the premiere and prohibited any interviews with the documentary's filmmakers. A source described the situation: "There was anxiety... And as a result of that anxiety they took the decision there’d be no marketing and no publicity." The filmmakers were reportedly "not allowed to talk," leading to an "extraordinary" lack of publicity.

Despite the considerable behind-the-scenes "brouhaha," "Michael Jackson: The Verdict," directed by Nick Green and produced by Candle True Stories, debuted on Netflix on June 3. This release occurred just months after the estate's blockbuster "Michael" biopic, which deliberately concluded its narrative before the child abuse allegations surfaced. The documentary quickly found success, accumulating 17.8 million views within its first five days, reaching the No. 1 spot in 61 countries, and ranking within the Top 10 in 89 countries globally.