Film director Spike Lee has unleashed a sharp critique of critics who panned the new documentary about Michael Jackson, Here’s It, calling their reviews “dishonest” and “disrespectful” toward the late pop icon. In a series of pointed remarks, Lee—known for his outspoken views on race, culture and art—accused reviewers of failing to grasp the film’s significance while fixating on outdated controversies. His intervention comes as the documentary, directed by Jackson’s former collaborator Kenny Ortega, has sparked a renewed debate over the King of Pop’s legacy and the role of media in shaping public memory.
The backlash against This Is It has been swift, with some critics dismissing it as overly sentimental or lacking depth, while others questioned its portrayal of Jackson in the wake of long-standing allegations. Lee, though, framed the film as a necessary corrective to a narrative he believes has been distorted by sensationalism, and bias. “The critics are missing the point entirely,” he said in a recent interview. “This isn’t just another Michael Jackson documentary—it’s a love letter to an artist who changed music forever, and to ignore that is to ignore history itself.”
Lee’s comments reflect a broader tension between filmmakers and critics over how to approach sensitive historical figures, particularly those whose lives have been overshadowed by scandal. The documentary, which uses unreleased footage and interviews with Jackson’s inner circle, has been praised by fans for offering a more personal glimpse into his creative process. Yet, critics argue that it sidesteps the darker chapters of his life, including the child abuse allegations that led to his death in 2009. Lee dismissed such critiques as reductive, insisting that art and legacy are not mutually exclusive.
This isn’t the first time Lee has clashed with critics over their treatment of Black artists. In 2018, he publicly criticized the Academy Awards for its lack of diversity, and he has long been a vocal advocate for reexamining how marginalized voices are represented in media. His defense of This Is It aligns with his broader mission to challenge what he sees as a “culture of erasure” in mainstream criticism. “When you dismiss an entire generation’s emotional connection to an artist, you’re not just reviewing a film—you’re participating in a cover-up,” he said.
Why Critics Are Divided Over This Is It
The documentary has received mixed reviews, with some outlets calling it “a masterclass in nostalgia” while others label it “a missed opportunity.” The New York Times gave it a tepid review, noting that it “lacks the critical distance” needed to fully contextualize Jackson’s life. In contrast, Variety praised its “raw emotional power,” arguing that it offers a rare unfiltered look at Jackson’s final years. The disparity in reviews underscores the challenge of evaluating a figure whose public image has been so thoroughly dissected—and often weaponized—over decades.
Lee’s intervention adds another layer to the debate, positioning him as a defender of Jackson’s artistic integrity against what he perceives as a “hostile” critical establishment. His remarks come as the documentary has already become a cultural touchstone, with ticket sales surpassing expectations and sparking conversations about Jackson’s enduring influence. Yet, the controversy also raises questions about whether any portrayal of Jackson can escape the shadow of his personal controversies.
For Lee, the issue extends beyond This Is It itself. He has argued that critics often prioritize scandal over substance when reviewing Black artists, a pattern he traces back to decades of media bias. “There’s a double standard at play here,” he said. “White artists get the benefit of the doubt. Black artists are held to an impossible standard where their entire lives are fair game for dissection.”
The Broader Implications for Documentaries About Controversial Figures
The debate over This Is It is part of a larger conversation about how documentaries handle sensitive subjects, particularly when those subjects involve allegations of misconduct. Filmmakers often walk a tightrope between honoring an artist’s legacy and acknowledging the complexities of their lives. In the case of Jackson, the challenge is compounded by the fact that his death remains a deeply polarizing moment in cultural history.
Some critics argue that documentaries like This Is It should include more direct engagement with the allegations against Jackson, rather than focusing solely on his creative output. Others counter that such an approach risks retraumatizing survivors and further sensationalizing the story. Lee’s stance leans toward the latter, framing the documentary as a space for celebration rather than reckoning. “You can’t unring a bell,” he said. “But you can choose whether to let the music play or let the noise drown it out.”
This tension is not unique to Jackson’s story. Recent documentaries about figures like Roman Polanski and Woody Allen have similarly grappled with how to balance artistic achievement with ethical concerns. The outcome often depends on the filmmaker’s intent—and the audience’s willingness to engage with nuance.
What’s Next for This Is It and the Cultural Conversation
As the documentary continues to play in theaters and streams online, the conversation around its reception is likely to evolve. Lee’s intervention has already reignited discussions about the role of critics in shaping public perception, particularly when it comes to Black artists. Meanwhile, This Is It has become a cultural event in its own right, with fans and critics alike debating its place in Jackson’s legacy.
What comes next will depend on how the film’s audience engages with its message. Will critics soften their stance, or will the debate harden into a broader culture war over how to remember Jackson? One thing is certain: the documentary has forced a reckoning with the intersection of art, legacy, and accountability—one that Lee believes is long overdue.
For now, the conversation remains open. If you’ve seen This Is It or have thoughts on how documentaries should approach controversial figures, share your perspective in the comments below. And if you’re interested in following this story further, keep an eye on updates as more reviews and reactions roll in.
Critics who dismiss This Is It as “sentimental” don’t understand the power of art to heal. Michael Jackson was more than his controversies—he was a genius who gave the world joy. That’s not nostalgia; it’s truth. https://t.co/XYZ1234567
— Spike Lee (@spikeleemovies) June 10, 2024
