Michael Jackson is a proven force – both in life and in death. Indeed, since his 2009 passing, the late great megastar has grossed more than $1 billion posthumously. 

It’s little wonder, then, why the King Of Pop’s Estate are playing no games when it comes to use of his likeness and legacy by parties unaffiliated with them.

This weekend sees Lifetime debut ‘Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland’ – a dramatisation of MJ’s final years. And the Estate are not happy.

Releasing a statement to the press, they slammed the production – as well as other projects such as a Netflix cartoon about Jackson. They also hinted at new titles that they are working on.

Here’s what was said:

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. The Estate itself has numerous projects in development, all of which respect, honor and celebrate Michael’s life and legacy along with his extraordinary artistry that touched fans throughout the world. When the executors are ready to announce them, they will. As Michael said countless times about his own work, the quality goes in before the name goes on. [Source]

For those wondering how the aforementioned projects are able to proceed without the Estate’s approval, MJ is a public figure. Thus making it fair game to produce movies like the one Lifetime are about to debut. What folk won’t see or hear in the films though – as the statement stresses – is any of his music, videos, or performances. Which, for an act like MJ, begs the question of: what’s the point?

Still, it’s more than clear at this point that his narrative will remain something of public fascinating forever.

Your thoughts?