American comedian Donnell Rawlings has defended the decision to remove references to child abuse allegations from the new Michael Jackson biopic, insisting the King of Pop should be remembered for his music and not for “speculation.”
The biopic, titled “Michael,” has faced controversy after reports emerged that filmmakers spent an estimated $25 million to reshoot the third act, which originally featured the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson.
In an interview with TMZ over the weekend, Rawlings said Jackson was acquitted in his 2005 criminal trial and that the allegations amounted to “speculation.”
“He was found not guilty,” Rawlings said. “The movie shouldn’t tarnish his legacy by ending on accusations instead of his contributions to music and the world.”
The comedian said people should remember Michael for “healing the world” and being “the greatest performer that we’ve ever seen.”
Rawlings also revealed that Jackson’s son, Prince Jackson, personally invited him to the film’s premiere. He said the two bonded years ago during a river trip in Ohio, and that Prince once told him he appreciated seeing the relationship Rawlings had with his own son because it reminded him of experiences he didn’t always get with his famous father.
Rawlings ended with a heartfelt message for the late pop star: “Long live Michael Jackson. You’re the king. You’re the greatest.”
The biopic, starring Jaafar Jackson, the pop star’s nephew, debuted atop the North American box office with $97 million, bringing its global total to nearly $220 million. The film has received strong audience approval but weak reviews from critics, some of whom said the film avoids the complicated parts of the performer’s life.
