Here Are The Controversial Scenes Reportedly Cut From ‘Michael’

InnovationGamingHere Are The Controversial Scenes Reportedly Cut From ‘Michael’ByPaul Tassi,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. News and opinion about video games, television, movies and the internet.Follow AuthorApr 26, 2026, 01:26pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.MichaelLionsgateMichael just blew away all box office expectations, earning $217 million worldwide, sailing past its production budget and setting an all-time record for any biopic, musical or otherwise. But the final film could have looked different before controversial scenes were reportedly cut.A report citing familiar sources from Variety details several scenes that touch on the dark moments of his life, ones that did not make the final cut of Michael. Among them:Michael Jackson stares in the mirror as police lights flash behind him, which takes place in 1993 after a child molestation accusation. A sequence where police search Neverland Ranch, among others, was cut amidst changes to the film, where that storyline previously made up much of the final act.Any mentions of those child molestation allegations were removed from the film. These cuts were made after it was revealed that Jordan Chandler, a Jackson accuser who settled his case, had a clause that barred any depiction or reference to him in a movie.SANTA MARIA, CA - DECEMBER 3: Singer Michael Jackson testifies during his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court on December 3, 2002 in Santa Maria, California. The artist is being sued for $21 million by his longtime promoter for backing out of two concerts. (Photo by Jim Ruyman-Pool/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMORE FOR YOUThe update here, however, is that some or all of this could emerge in some form if there’s a sequel to the film, which seems increasingly likely if its box office rises. Here’s Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson speaking to THR:“We absolutel...