Netflix nearly pulled the three-part documentary “Michael Jackson: The Verdict” shortly before its scheduled debut, according to sources familiar with the situation. The series examines the pop star’s 2005 criminal trial, in which he was acquitted of all charges including child molestation. Internal discussions at the streaming platform centered on potential risks associated with releasing the project.
According to anonymous sources, Netflix executives experienced “cold feet” in the days leading up to the premiere, primarily due to concerns about litigation from Jackson’s estate, which has demonstrated a pattern of pursuing legal action against media outlets covering contentious aspects of the singer’s life. The Jackson estate previously sued HBO over the 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland” and successfully had it removed from HBO Max in 2024, and had previously settled with ABC over another documentary in 2018. Anxiety about fan reaction also factored into the deliberation, as Jackson’s supporters have historically mounted vocal campaigns against critical coverage.
Netflix disputed characterizations of internal reconsideration in an official statement, asserting that the series “launched as planned and reached the Netflix Top 10 for three weeks.” The company implemented several security measures surrounding the release, including announcing the documentary only two weeks prior, restricting marketing efforts, limiting promotional interviews, and conducting security briefings for production personnel.
Despite the internal concerns, the estate has not contacted Netflix regarding the series as of the reporting date. The documentary presented perspectives from both supporters and skeptics of Jackson’s innocence, drawing interviews from jurors and individuals present at the trial. The series garnered 17.8 million views in its first five days and reached number one in 61 countries, though audience reception was divided, with a 7% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from viewers compared to an 82% critical score.
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