Michael Jackson net worth: Jaafar Jackson’s wealth compared to uncle as biopic slammed by critics
As the biopic on the King of Pop’s life is slammed by critics, a comparison of Michael Jackson and nephew Jaafar Jackson’s net worth.
Michael Jackson has once again burst into the public consciousness - more than 15 years after his death. The King of Pop, who passed away in 2009, is the subject of a new biopic - Michael - which hit cinemas in the UK and Ireland last week.
The film tells the story of the talented performer’s rise from the youngest member of the Jackson 5 to a global megastar famed for hits including Thriller, Ben, Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean.
Michael stars Jackson’s 29-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine and ex-wife, Alejandra, in the title role, joined by Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air star Nia Long, and Laura Harrier, who appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Juliano Krue Valdi of The Loud House.
Top Gun: Maverick actor Miles Teller and two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo also feature in the movie, which was directed by Training Day’s Antoine Fuqua and produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King.
The film tells the story of Michael Jackson, nicknamed the King of Pop, and his life beyond his music before he died at the age of 50 in 2009. The film traces the pop star’s journey during the early days of his career as part of the Jackson 5, the family band which originally consisted of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, with Randy later replacing Jermaine, who were behind the hit songs I Want You Back and ABC, through to his career as a solo artist.
Michael Jackson biopic controversies
The singer was accused of being a prolific child abuser – an allegation he denied up until his death. Jackson was found not guilty of molesting a boy at a high-profile trial in 2005, however, the accusations resurfaced in 2019 following the explosive documentary Leaving Neverland, which featured graphic interviews with two men who said he routinely abused them as boys.
The documentary’s director Dan Reed told The Times in 2024 that he had seen a version of the script for the biopic which he described as a “complete whitewash” and that it had rewritten and dismissed the allegations.
Jaafar Jackson’s net worth
Following a boost in profile following his appearance in the movie, Jaafar Jackson’s star is undoubtedly on the rise. However, he is far from the echelons of wealth enjoyed by his late uncle, with a fortune worth an estimated $500,000 (around £400,000) as of April. In contrast, Michael brought in more than $217 million worldwide on opening in cinemas.
Michael Jackson’s net worth
Pop megastar Michael - in his pomp - was renowned for showing off his extravagant wealth. One of the most recognisable faces in the world, the music icon peaked at an estimated worth of around $613 million - long before billionaires were even dreamed of. Experts have estimated Jackson's estate has generated more than $3 billion since he passed away in 2009.
Michael Jackson biopic slammed by critics
Critics have not been impressed with the blockbuster. The Times gave it one star and described the film as “the quintessential Trump-era film where difficult truths are met with bold-faced mendacity”.
The Independent also gave it one star claiming it “resists story in favour of content” while The Guardian and The Telegraph gave it two stars. The Guardian described it as a 127-minute long trailer montage of “every music-movie cliche you can think of” while The Telegraph criticised the film for refusing to “address the elephant in the room”.