Spike Lee Defends Michael Jackson Biopic Over Renewed Controversies: 'Worldwide, People Showed Their Love'

Many fans and critics might find themselves a bit divided over the recent Michael Jackson-focused biopic Michael, but director Spike Lee is defending the new musical drama with predictably strong intensity.

During a recent interview with CNN, the 69-year-old Lee revealed that he had seen the new movie on two separate occasions, confirming that he had indeed "loved it." In that same conversation, the Do the Right Thing filmmaker defended the film for its handling of Jackson's most publicized controversies, including allegations related to child abuse.

As Lee saw it, the bulk of Michael is centered around the King of Pop's early life, notably ending in 1988, five years before the first allegation came out against Jackson. Because of this, Lee saw little reason for fans or critics to accuse Michael as glossing over the accusations, given the fact that said controversy did not occur in the span of the movie's time frame.

"First of all, if you're a movie critic, and you're complaining about the stuff - all this other stuff - but the movie ends at ‘88," Lee explained. "The stuff you're talking about, accusations, happen [later]. So you're critiquing the film on something that you want in, but it doesn't work in the timeline of the film. But people showed up. Worldwide, people showed their love."

Of course, Lee also harbored a long-standing friendship with the pop star, something he went on to directly acknowledge in his conversation with CNN.

"I miss Mike. I miss Prince," Lee said, referencing Jackson and fellow music legend Prince. "I mean, these are my brothers. I worked with both of them. Both beautiful, beautiful people."

While critics themselves remain divided over Michael's narrative, the movie has nevertheless proven popular enough among mainstream moviegoers. Since its release on April 24 in the U.S., the movie has earned an estimated $424 million at the box office, becoming the fourth highest-grossing movie of 2026 to date.

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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 10:14 AM.