Jaafar Jackson clarifies biggest misconception about uncle Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, is honouring his uncle’s legacy in the new biopic, Michael.

Out in theatres on Friday, April 24, Michael sees Jaafar Jackson stepping into the shoes of his late famous uncle, chronicling his life from his early years with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a true global superstar. The biopic also doesn’t shy away from addressing Michael Jackson’s biggest controversies, and neither does Jaafar.

Speaking to ExtraTV on the film’s Los Angeles premiere red carpet on Monday, the 29-year-old rising star revealed one of the biggest misconceptions about the King of Pop: “That he wanted to be white.”

“That’s a big misconception,” said Jaafar. “This film gives you an understanding of what that is. That vitiligo played a part in his life, and not a lot of people really understand what that is.”

Indeed, MJ was diagnosed with the skin disorder vitiligo, which results in white patches on the skin and sensitivity to sunlight. His attempts to cover up the unevenness resulted in speculation that he was trying to appear white and “hated” his African-American roots -— something he denied many times when he was alive.

For Jaafar, bringing justice to his uncle’s story was the main goal. 

“Bringing my uncles story to the big screen has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he wrote on Instagram. “From day one it's been an experience I’ll carry with me forever. Every single person involved poured their heart into honoring his truth with care and authenticity. I can’ wait for the WORLD to finally see it IN THEATRETS THIS FRIDAY.”