'He Hasn’t Forgiven': Insider Reveals Why Paul McCartney Refused to Appear in Michael Jackson Biopic

Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's friendship soured after the former acquired the Beatles' catalogue for $47 million in 1985.

Once considered a "dream team," it appears that the former Beatle is still bitter years after his old friend and pop icon's death.

According to the latest reports, McCartney declined to appear in the recently released biopic Michael, which is based on the life of the King of Pop.

RadarOnline reported that McCartney declined to appear in the biopic despite their successful collaborations in the 1980s, including Say Say Say and The Girl Is Mine.

An insider told the media outlet, “Paul wants nothing to do with this film or with revisiting Michael. Paul made it clear he doesn’t want to be part of the narrative at all. No likeness, no involvement, nothing.”

McCartney still hasn't forgotten old chapters of his life. The insider revealed, “Paul saw it as a betrayal, not just business. He hasn’t forgotten, and he hasn’t forgiven. Paul’s protecting his legacy — and keeping his distance.”

Jackson and McCartney's friendship is considered one of the most charming in the history of the music industry.

In the early 1980s, the musical stars were inseparable. They recorded hits like Say Say Say and The Girl Is Mine and often spent time at McCartney's home in London.

During one of these visits, McCartney, who believed he was advising a younger friend, showed Jackson a notebook of all the song rights he owned.

He told Jackson that owning publishing rights was the "best way to make money." Jackson reportedly looked at him and joked, "One day, I’m going to buy your songs."

In 1985, the massive catalog for ATV Music, which included nearly every Beatles hit, was up for sale.

McCartney had wanted the songs back for years, but the price was gigantic.

Jackson, allegedly inspired by the advice that McCartney had given him, swooped in with a $47.5 million bid.

When McCartney found out Jackson had bought his life's work, their friendship shattered immediately.

McCartney called it a "breach of trust" and a "sneaky" move that ruined their friendship for good.

After Jackson obtained the publishing rights to the majority of the Beatles catalogue, the two never spoke again.

Talking about the deal, McCartney later said, as reported by Far Out Magazine, "I think it’s dodgy to do something like that. To be someone's friend, and then buy the rug they’re standing on."

Jackson defended his decision and said, "You can't put a price tag on a conspiracy from the past. It’s just business."

As mentioned earlier, McCartney and Jackson were good friends before their fallout.

In 1976, during a party in Beverly Hills, McCartney surprised Jackson with a special gift.

Jackson recalled in his book Moonwalk, "He said, 'You know, I’ve written a song for you.' I was very surprised... and he started singing 'Girlfriend' to me at the party."

Though McCartney eventually released it first with his band Wings, later, Jackson' producer suggested he cover it for his album Off the Wall.