'That's Where the Money Is': Jackson Clan Heavily Divided Over Exposing Pop Star's Scandals in Biopic Sequel

The Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, turned out to be a massive success, reportedly minting nearly $800 million at the box office so far.

Needless to say, the theatrical blockbuster has resulted in a huge profit for the King of Pop’s estate.

However, as the makers have already announced a sequel, the Jackson clan is rumored to be in an unpleasant rift over which controversial incidents from the late pop star's life are suitable to be shown.

An insider close to the development has told RadarOnline that Jackson’s family members are engaged in a conflict over the scandalous details of the late singer’s life that would eventually find a place in the biopic.

The source added that the Billie Jean hitmaker’s mother, Katherine Jackson, and his children, Prince Jackson, Paris Jackson, and Bigi Jackson, are trying to protect his integrity and legacy from being hurled into the public eye for fresh scrutiny.

The insider said, “A lot of Michael's family members would sell him out tomorrow if they thought the money was big enough. The only people stopping that from happening are his mom, Katherine Jackson, and his kids."

Michael Jackson’s family members are reportedly divided over what parts of his life should be exposed to the audience in the sequel.

Insiders also revealed that the initial biopic deliberately concluded before the time period when major controversial incidents emerged in his life, specifically the serious allegations of child abuse and exploitation that plagued the pop icon during the latter stages of his career.

The 2026 biographical drama ended after his successful 1988 Bad World Tour performances at London’s Wembley Stadium. Following the finale, the screen faded to black and the words, “His Story Continues,” were etched on it, confirming a sequel to the movie was in the works.

“That was intentional. The movie avoids the ugliest chapters because Katherine Jackson and his children still have influence and control,” the source explained.

However, a source mentioned that the sequel might face the creative necessity of tackling at least some of the controversial aspects of his life.

This includes the Thriller singer battling legal scrutiny, such as the 1993 civil lawsuit filed against him by the family of Jordan Chandler, which was eventually settled.

Jackson also faced a 1994 criminal investigation that was later shut down without charges.

However, the insider revealed that Katherine is fiercely protective of her late son’s legacy and does not wish to include any incident in the sequel that would tarnish his image.

Jackson's three children are in alignment with their grandmother.

Family insiders have revealed that the King of Pop’s extended family members have a different perspective.

These members do not have direct access to the lucrative financial yields of the estate.

“If Katherine and the kids were no longer standing in the way, there are family members who would absolutely participate in a second movie that told everything – because that's where the money is,” another insider claimed.

This development comes following reports that the pop icon's daughter Paris Jackson voiced some dissatisfaction with the initial film's narrative direction, publicly criticizing the biopic for offering a "sugar-coated" or fairy-tale interpretation of her late father's complex life to appeal strictly to fans.