The eagerly-awaited biographical film, "Michael," brings together several members of Michael Jackson's family to grace the big screen. However, a notable absentee is Janet Jackson. According to La Toya Jackson, there's a straightforward reason for the musician's absence in the highly anticipated movie, which was produced with the support of much of the Jackson family.
"She was asked, and she politely declined," La Toya, 69, told Variety at Michael's Monday, April 20 premiere in Los Angeles. "So you have to respect her wishes." As she walked the carpet alongside her siblings, including Jackie, Marlon, Randy, and Jermaine, La Toya expressed her wish for everyone to be in the film.
Janet, 59, has yet to publicly comment on her absence from the movie and did not attend the premiere. On the carpet, director Antoine Fuqua addressed her absence to Variety, saying, "I have so much respect and love for Janet, but you know it's okay. She's supportive of Jaafar, and that's what matters."
Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine and nephew of Michael, stars in the titular role. The John Logan-written biopic also features Nia Long and Coleman Domingo as Michael's mother and father, Katherine and Joe, respectively. Additionally, Miles Teller plays lawyer-manager John Branca, and Laura Harrier portrays producer Suzanne de Passe.
The movie traces the rise of Michael, who passed away in 2009 at age 50, from signing with Motown Records in 1969 as part of the Jackson 5 to his pinnacle as the groundbreaking King of Pop. Speaking to Variety, La Toya raved about Jaafar's "absolutely fabulous" performance as her late brother. "I'm sure you've seen the movie and know how wonderful he is," she said. "We all forget and think we're watching Mike... He really delivered."
"Michael" hits theaters on Friday, April 24.
