What constitutes the notion of Michael Jackson as an “American tragedy”? Is it his dramatic decline from global superstardom to financial distress, addiction, and public disgrace? Or does it pertain to the children who have accused him of sexual abuse, both during his life and posthumously? Perhaps it reflects the profound longing of a child star seeking affection from an abusive father, attempting to fill that void with the adoration of millions. Alternatively, is it a commentary on the sacrifices made by a creative genius in a ruthless music industry? Or does it delve into themes surrounding race in America?
The BBC documentary series, Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy, explores all these aspects and more. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, who served as Jackson’s spiritual counselor, observes, “The tragedy was that this man, who attracted more attention than anyone, was profoundly lonely.” Childhood friend Michelle Breger recalls witnessing Jackson’s skin whitening in the late 1980s as “heartbreaking,” suggesting he was attempting to hide something about himself. Prosecutor Ron Zonen reflects on the tragedy from a legal perspective, stating, “It was painfully obvious that he was abusing children.”
Intended to contextualize Jackson’s life, this documentary precedes the release of Michael, a family-sanctioned biopic featuring Jackson portrayed by his nephew. Unlike the recent Channel 4 production, Michael Jackson: The Trial, this series does not unveil new information; instead, it seeks to frame the entire narrative: the rise of a child prodigy to a global icon, the ensuing controversies, media attention, and ongoing legal battles that have shaped Jackson’s legacy and generated significant wealth for his estate since his passing in 2009.
However, the broad approach presents a challenge, risking oversimplification and a loss of moral clarity. While the documentary strives for balance, it raises the question of whether a nuanced perspective is necessary for such a complex story.
The series unfolds across three episodes: Fame, which acknowledges Jackson’s musical genius; The Reckoning; and The Resurrection. Notably, the first episode is the only portion of Jackson’s saga that appears in the upcoming film, which seemingly stops before the initial allegations of child abuse in 1993. Fame begins by depicting the Jackson family’s modest beginnings in northwestern Indiana, with the boys sharing cramped sleeping arrangements and the sisters on a pull-out sofa. La Toya Jackson describes their father, Joe, as not as cruel as public perception suggests, yet acknowledges the fear he invoked in the family.
Numerous individuals offer their insights throughout the documentary, including family members, childhood friends, notable figures like Dionne Warwick, producers, publicists, and even Donald Trump, who expresses disbelief after Jackson faces allegations in 2003.
Shana Mangatal, a member of Jackson’s talent management team during the 1980s and 1990s, shares intriguing details about how they aimed to strengthen his bond with the Black community following the initial abuse allegations. Although a comprehensive documentary addressing the racial dynamics and institutional racism within the music industry remains unproduced, hints of that narrative emerge here.
The Reckoning begins with Jackson reflecting on the importance of children in his life and concludes with the fallout from the controversial Martin Bashir documentary. Rabbi Boteach expresses his shock at Jackson’s admission of sharing his bed with children, while Wiesner marks it as the beginning of the end for Jackson’s career.
The final episode, The Resurrection, focuses on Jackson’s attempts to revive his career, his death, and the significant impact of Leaving Neverland, which irrevocably altered his public image. The documentary highlights that the ongoing discourse largely centers on how these allegations have reshaped Jackson’s legacy and commercial empire. It concludes that we are witnessing “the most extraordinary effort to uncancel someone in history,” 17 years after his death.
In a striking ending, the series features an image of Jackson depicted as a religious figure, echoing his belief that “children are God.” He reflects, “When I look into a child’s eyes, it’s as if God is saying: ‘Michael, everything will be OK.’” The documentary’s closing notes are dedicated to the alleged victims of Jackson’s abuse, with several currently pursuing legal action against his estate.
Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy has aired on BBC Two and is available for streaming on iPlayer.
