Here’s the reason Michael Jackson’s sister Janet is most definitely *not* part of the movie

You didn’t fall asleep in the cinema and miss her. Janet Jackson is absolutely not part of the film Michael. Here’s what we know about why she chose not to bother with the movie.

Janet Jackson was asked to be in the film Michael

If you need a recap (or you weren’t born when all these people were cool), then Janet is Michael Jackson’s younger sister. She’s 59 now. Janet wasn’t part of the The Jackson 5, but was wildly successful as a solo artist. Janet Jackson was already raking it in ahead of 1988 – which is when the film Michael ends. You’d expect her to be a big character in this film, right?

The filmmakers did contemplate finding an actor to portray Janet… but she wasn’t on board with this idea.

LaToya Jackson is yet another Jackson sibling, who was portrayed in the film Michael by Jessica Sula. Variety asked LaToya about Janet at the film’s premier. She responded: “I wish everybody was in the movie. She was asked and she kindly declined, so you have to respect her wishes.”

TMZ also claimed that Janet was offered a role within the production. Several Jackson relatives were involved with the film behind-the scenes. For instance, Michael’s son Prince is credited as an executive producer. However, Janet didn’t end up having a role like this.

There are rumours Janet Jackson didn’t like the film Michael

Janet Jackson has definitely seen the film. She was among the 60+ assorted Jackson relatives at a private screening in March. However, she allegedly had rather a lot of feedback. A source told Page Six: “She had something negative about almost every scene. The acting, the makeup, how the actors spoke, even how they walked. It was Janet deciding against the room that this movie wasn’t going to meet her approval.”

Page Six also claimed her brother Jermaine Jackson got up and told her: “You are going to miss this wave. You are so jealous – just get on the wave.”

However, another Jackson family member recalls this differently. Entertainment Tonight questioned LaToya about the rumours of beef between Jermaine and Janet over the movie.  “There was absolutely no problem whatsoever,” she replied, “none whatsoever. And please believe it.”

The director Antoine Fuqua also addressed Janet’s absence at the premier. He said: “I have so much respect and love for Janet, but you know, it’s okay. She’s supportive of Jaafar, and that’s what matters.”

By the way, Jaafar is Michael Jackson’s nephew, who stars as him in the film.

Janet Jackson hasn’t publicly addressed the rumours about her and Jermaine, or her opinions on the film. Unlike Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris, Janet has kept quiet about the project.

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Featured image credit: James Shaw/Shutterstock