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Spike Lee defends Michael Jackson biopic against criticism

The film, titled Michael, stars hitmaker's real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson as the King Of Pop (pictured) PIC: AP
The film, titled Michael, stars hitmaker's real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson as the King Of Pop (pictured) PIC: AP

Spike Lee has defended the new Michael Jackson biopic against criticism for its omission of the allegations of child sexual abuse against the late singer, claiming that chapter of his life "doesn’t work in the timeline of the film."

The film, titled Michael, stars the hitmaker's real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson as the King Of Pop, and charts his life from being in the Jackson 5 in the Sixties to his early solo career.

And despite breaking box office records, the movie has sparked backlash over the producers' decision to leave out the abuse allegations, which began in 1993 and plagued Michael later in his career and even after his death in 2009. However, director Spike, 69, has defended the film - which he said he'd already seen twice and 'loves' - insisting that the abuse accusations weren't included as it only documents Michael's life up until 1988 - before the first allegation was made.

Editor's Comment
Calls to officialise sign language overdue

At home, Botswana is still lagging in many aspects despite some steps taken to fix the situation. Those living with disabilities are often ignored and shut out from basic rights, access to services, or social participation. A motion tabled in Parliament by Kgatleng Central Member of Parliament, Mpho Morolong, calling for the introduction and adoption of sign language as an official language in Botswana is indeed a welcome development.The deaf...

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