Just weeks after Channel 9 aired a controversial 60 Minutes investigation revisiting allegations surrounding Michael Jackson, the network is returning to the late superstar with a new four part documentary event.
This Sunday, The Michael Jackson Story (internationally titled Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy) premieres in Australia with its first two episodes, exploring Jackson’s rise to global fame, cultural impact and years of controversy.
Produced by Fremantle label 72 Films for the BBC, the series arrives amid renewed worldwide focus on Jackson following the Australian release of his big screen biopic and Netflix recently announcing its own upcoming three part documentary examining his 2005 court case and lasting public fallout.
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The series traces Jackson’s journey from child performer in racially segregated 1960s America to one of the most influential and commercially successful entertainers of all time, while also examining the intense scrutiny that followed him throughout his later years.
Singer Dionne Warwick is among the contributors featured in The Michael Jackson Story, sharing firsthand insight into the life and legacy of the late pop superstar (image – supplied)
Alongside his music, performances and cultural legacy, the documentary revisits the child sexual abuse allegations made against Jackson over several decades, claims the singer consistently denied before his death in 2009.
The series also explores the ongoing commercial power of the Michael Jackson estate and the complicated place his legacy continues to hold in popular culture.
Featuring rare archival material and extensive interviews, contributors include Jackson’s sister La Toya Jackson, singer Dionne Warwick, former manager Dieter Wiesner, bodyguard Bill Whitfield, family attorney Brian Oxman and criminal prosecutor Ron Zonen.
According to Nine, the series aims to go beyond Jackson’s public image, offering viewers “a backstage pass into Jackson’s world” through firsthand accounts from people who knew and worked with the singer across different stages of his life and career.
The docuseries first aired in the UK on the BBC in April, with Fremantle handling international distribution.
The Michael Jackson Story premieres this Sunday, May 24 at 8.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now, with episodes one and two airing back-to-back.
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