Michael Jackson Biopic Sparks Divided Legacy

0:00It's April 26, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Entertainment and Celebrity News today, your AI-powered entertainment report. The new Michael Jackson biopic called Michael just hit theaters, painting a glowing picture of his rise with all the hits and iconic performances up to 1988. Nearly 17 years after his death, his estate keeps the brand super polished, focusing on his childlike wonder and escape from his tough dad, but it totally skips the child molestation claims that haunted his later years. That cutoff year is no accident. Early scripts plan to show investigators raiding Neverland Ranch over dentist Evan Chandler's accusation that Jackson molested his 13-year-old son, Jordan. But a clause in the $20m settlement from 1994 blocks any depiction of Chandler in films, so they scrapped it. Jackson always denied wrongdoing and courts back to him up. In 2003, he faced charges over 13-year-old Gavin Arbizo, went to trial in 2005, and got

1:03acquitted on all counts due. To weak evidence, protesters showed up, but jurors weren't convinced. Fast forward, more accusers are pushing forward. Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who knew Jackson as kids, claimed years of abuse in their $400 million lawsuit from leaving Neverland, with a jury trial eyed for next year. Now the Cassio brothers, longtime defenders, flipped in a ledge grooming too, but the estate calls it a cash grab. Tensions run high as the movie drops amid billboards and hype, triggering survivors who see echoes in their own stories. The estate fights back hard, while Robson says the hate's things less over time, folks evolve at their own pace. Debates rage on, but one thing's clear. Jackson's legacy stays fiercely divided.