Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson Feuding Over Michael Biopic

The siblings reportedly clashed over the new film about their late brother Michael Jackson.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Janet Jackson and her brother Jermaine Jackson are reportedly feuding over the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. According to reports, Janet heavily criticized the film during a family screening, while Jermaine defended the project and accused Janet of being jealous. The biopic, titled "Michael", stars Jermaine's son Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop and is set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026.

Why it matters

The Jackson family has long been in the public eye, and this feud highlights the ongoing tensions and dynamics within the famous clan. The biopic is seen as an opportunity to put the family's legacy in a positive light after the controversies surrounding Michael Jackson's life, but the disagreement between Janet and Jermaine threatens to overshadow the film's release.

The details

During the family screening, Janet Jackson reportedly "had something negative about almost every scene" of the film, criticizing the acting, makeup, and even the way the actors walked. Jermaine Jackson allegedly condemned his sister's criticism, telling her "You are so jealous - just get on the wave." Jermaine sees the biopic as a way to restore the family's reputation after the allegations of child sex abuse against Michael, while Janet appears to be unhappy with the final product.

  • The family screening took place earlier this month in Los Angeles.
  • The Michael Jackson biopic is set to hit theaters on Friday, April 24, 2026.

The players

Janet Jackson

One of the 10 Jackson children and the sister of the late Michael Jackson.

Jermaine Jackson

One of the 10 Jackson children and the father of Jaafar Jackson, who is playing Michael Jackson in the biopic.

Jaafar Jackson

The son of Jermaine Jackson and the actor portraying Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic.

Michael Jackson

The late King of Pop and member of the Jackson family, who faced multiple high-profile allegations of child sex abuse during his lifetime.

Paris Jackson

The daughter of Michael Jackson, who has denied any involvement in the new biopic.

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What they’re saying

“You are going to miss this wave. You are so jealous - just get on the wave.”

— Jermaine Jackson

“We keep looking for that moment again, [but] only Michael can give us that and he's not even with us anymore. But look at the talk this movie has generated worldwide. This isn't just about Michael. It's about us. It's about our legacy. It's about the comeback in store for all of us.”

— Relative

What’s next

The Michael Jackson biopic is set to hit theaters on Friday, April 24, 2026, despite the reported feud between Janet Jackson and Jermaine Jackson.

The takeaway

The ongoing tensions within the Jackson family highlight the complexities and challenges of portraying the life and legacy of a global superstar like Michael Jackson. While the biopic aims to restore the family's reputation, the disagreement between Janet and Jermaine threatens to overshadow the film's release and the family's efforts to reclaim their legacy.