Michael Jackson greeting his fans during his infamous trial.
Image: X
As the 17th anniversary of Michael Jackson's death draws closer, the King of Pop is once again in the spotlight thanks to a new Netflix documentary chronicling his much-publicised 2005 child molestation trial.
The music icon died at the age of 50 in his Los Angeles home on Jun 25, 2009. It was later determined by investigations that Jackson suffered cardiac arrest brought on by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication.
Jackson’s personal physician, Conrad Murray, had been administering the musician propofol - a powerful intravenous anaesthetic typically used in hospital settings - to help him sleep.
But the medical practitioner was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering a lethal dose of propofol and failing to properly monitor Jackson.
While Jackson's death dominated headlines around the world, his life had long been the subject of intense public scrutiny.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential entertainers in music history, he broke records with albums such as "Thriller", "Bad and Dangerous", earning countless awards and cementing his status as the King of Pop.
However, his extraordinary success was repeatedly overshadowed by allegations of child sexual abuse that followed him for years, culminating in the closely watched 2005 trial that remains one of the most controversial chapters of his legacy.
As anticipation continues to build around “Michael”, the upcoming biopic about Jackson's life starring his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, “Michael Jackson: The Verdict” shifts the focus away from his musical achievements and onto one of the most contentious periods of his life.
The new three-part Netflix documentary revisits the singer's 2005 child molestation trial, examining the allegations, courtroom proceedings and media frenzy that surrounded the case.
Through interviews with jurors, journalists, legal experts and others connected to the trial, the series explores a chapter of Jackson's life that continues to spark debate more than two decades later.
Directed by Nick Green, it is a detailed, courtroom-focused examination of the trial that reignites debate around one of music's most complicated legacies.
The documentary takes viewers back to 2003 as it unpacks the media storm triggered by “Living with Michael Jackson”, a documentary by renowned journalist Martin Bashir, which followed the singer's personal life.
But it was the explosive interviews featured on the programme at Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, where he spoke about his relationships with children, that shocked the world at the time. Grabbing headlines globally, the iconic entertainer admitted to sharing a bed with young boys, insisting that it was innocent and non-sexual.
The documentary caused major backlash and significantly intensified scrutiny of Jackson, particularly regarding his interactions with minors.
In “Michael Jackson: The Verdict”, archive footage shows those closest to the superstar explaining that he admired Bashir’s work, particularly following his infamous interview with Princess Diana. But following the media storm it caused, Jackson later criticised the film, saying it misrepresented him and was edited misleadingly.
Meanwhile, as the first episode introduces and unpacks the allegations Jackson faced, it also explores the claims made by teenager Gavin Arvizo, who appeared alongside the musician in Bashir’s film, and the events that led to criminal charges being brought against Jackson.
Michael Jackson is the subject of a new Netflix documentary.
Image: X
As viewers gain an understanding of how these allegations emerged, episode two shifts focus directly to the world-renowned 2005 trial itself.
Through archive footage and first-hand accounts, it depicts the intense global attention surrounding the matter as journalists, fans and protesters descended on the courthouse. Then, through accounts from jurors, lawyers and reporters, the episode explores the prosecution's case, Jackson's high-profile defence team and the media circus surrounding the proceedings.
By now, viewers are well versed in the trial, so the final episode wraps up the production by examining the testimony that shaped the outcome of the case, including evidence from former Neverland employees and key defence witnesses.
It concludes with Jackson's acquittal on all charges while exploring the lasting impact the case had on his reputation and legacy.
What I did enjoy about this documentary was the courtroom-focused material, as it provided a detailed look inside a trial that was never televised.
I also appreciated how Jackson’s career legacy was handled. The documentary does a good job of highlighting why he remains one of popular culture's most debated figures more than 20 years after the trial.
Its biggest weakness, however, is that although it is neatly packaged, it offers little genuinely new information for people already familiar with the allegations, trial and aftermath.
While I found the insights from the array of personalities interviewed interesting, none provided particularly groundbreaking revelations.
If you are already well-versed in the trial, the documentary has little new to add. However, it is recommended for those who are keen to learn more about the case. It is also not the most entertaining watch, so avid fans of the superstar - or those with almost three hours to spare - are perhaps the target audience.
Rating: *** solid and enjoyable, though not groundbreaking.