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Artist News Media
Michael Jackson estate distances itself from king of pop telly projects
By Chris Cooke | Published on Tuesday 23 May 2017
The Michael Jackson estate has distanced itself from two TV productions in development about the late king of pop. One of which tells Jackson’s story through the eyes of his pet chimp Bubbles. What a time to be alive!
The estate says it is not involved with, nor did it sanction, a biopic currently being promoted by Lifetime TV, nor the Bubbles-focused project, the script for which was recently bought by Netflix.
The former is called ‘Michael Jackson: Searching For Neverland’ and is based on a 2014 book written by two of the popstar’s former bodyguards. It stars Michael Jackson impersonator Navi in the lead role. Yeah, see, that Bubbles-based project is sounding pretty good now, isn’t it?
Says the estate on the two telly projects: “To clear up any confusion or misperceptions about unsanctioned Michael Jackson projects currently in the news – including a Lifetime television movie and an animated film script recently purchased by Netflix – the estate of Michael Jackson does not license or permit the use of any rights it owns, including to Michael’s music, images, video and films, for use in unauthorised works seeking to exploit Michael’s legacy”.
It went on: “The estate itself has numerous projects in development, all of which respect, honour and celebrate Michael’s life and legacy along with his extraordinary artistry that touched fans throughout the world. When the executors are ready to announce them, they will. As Michael said countless times about his own work, the quality goes in before the name goes on”.
