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Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar, to play pop star in new biopic after 'worldwide search'

Lionsgate Studios said the biopic, titled Michael, "explores the complicated man who became the king of pop." The film will feature "every facet" of his life and some of his most notable performances on his path to becoming a music icon," the statement said.

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Michael Jacksons nephew, Jaafar, to play pop star in new biopic after worldwide search

Lionsgate Studios said the biopic, titled Michael, "explores the complicated man who became the king of pop." The film will feature "every facet" of his life and some of his most notable performances on his path to becoming a music icon," the statement said.

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Michael Jacksons nephew, Jaafar, to play pop star in new biopic after worldwide search

Lionsgate didn't directly address one of the most controversial aspects of Jackson's story, namely the 2005 child abuse trial and additional allegations against the singer that were featured in the 2019 documentary He Neverland.

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Michael Jacksons nephew, Jaafar, to play pop star in new biopic after worldwide search

In 2005, a California jury acquitted Jackson of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy.

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Michael Jacksons nephew, Jaafar, to play pop star in new biopic after worldwide search

The 2019 documentary followed reports from Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who were friends with Jackson in the early 1990s and claimed to have been sexually abused by him when they were 7 and 10, respectively.

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Michael Jacksons nephew, Jaafar, to play pop star in new biopic after worldwide search

In an Instagram post Jackson, 26, wrote: "I'm humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael's story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I'll see you soon."


Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, while preparing for his comeback tour This Is It.