The Stars Behind Michael Jackson: Searching For Neverland React To Criticism From The Jackson Family

The actors behind Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland are speaking out.
As we reported, the made-for-TV movie is based on the book written by the late singer’s bodyguards Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard, Remembering the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days, and is meant to depict the King of Pop’s everyday life.
Unfortunately for the cast and crew, the Lifetime TV project hasn’t garnered support from the MJ’s estate.
Related: Paris Jackson Shares Rare Photo Of Brother Blanket
In case you missed it, the family said in a statement on Monday:

“To clear up any confusion or misperceptions about unsanctioned Michael Jackson projects currently in the news — including a Lifetime television movie and an animated film script recently purchased by Netflix — the Estate of Michael Jackson does not license or permit the use of any rights it owns, including to Michael’s music, images, video and films, for use in unauthorized works seeking to exploit Michael’s legacy.”

Yikes.
In response, the biopic’s stars, Navi (a famed Michael Jackson impersonator) and Chad Coleman (who plays Whitfield) have spoken out about not receiving the estate’s approval.
Navi told CBS News:

“Is it important to me? Of course, because I wouldn’t like to hear that someone didn’t support the project. But I didn’t do this project from a business point of view. I do this project from my heart, from a Michael Jackson fan’s point of view. So it doesn’t matter which company and businesses and associates, whatever, do or don’t support us. Fans want it told.”

Coleman added:

“At the end of the day, Bill Whitfield had a personal experience with Javon Beard. And it is with integrity and character, so there’s nothing salacious here. You know, the men had so many people turn the book down because they said Michael appeared too normal. But that’s what we’re going for. We’re trying to show you the man. So no, this project is something that I believe will allow his fans to be able to properly grieve the man.”

The show must go on!
[Image via Apega/WENN.]