Jaafar Shares Biggest Misconception about Michael Jackson at ‘Michael' LA Premiere

The moment many Michael Jackson and movie fans have been waiting for has almost arrived, as Michael, the authorized biopic of "The King of Pop", hits theaters on April 24. Of course, the movie has been engaging in a few exclusive premieres ahead of its wide release, and on April 20, Hollywood arrived in droves for the Los Angeles premiere of the film, including many members of the Jackson clan. The family was no doubt there to support the film about their superstar brother, but they were also there to support Jaafar Jackson, who took on the tall order of portraying his uncle.

Speaking of Jaafar, as he walked the red carpet of the LA premiere, he was stopped by several entertainment writers and journalists, and asked a number of questions. However, it was his answer to a question about the biggest misconception about the "Thriller" singer that proved most interesting.

Biggest Misconception about Michael Is "He Wanted to Be White"

Derek Hough was working the red-carpet event on behalf of Extra and had the opportunity to speak with Jaafar. One question that Hough asked was, "What do you think the biggest misconception about your uncle is?" Jaafar took a brief pause, then answered:

"The biggest misconception? Um, hmm. That he, I would say that he wanted to be white. That's a big misconception. And that this film gives you that understanding of what that is. That vitiligo played a part in his life. And not a lot of people really understand what that is. And he was dealing with that from an early age."

Jaafar Jackson says the #MichaelMovie clears up the rumor that Michael Jackson wanted to be "white" and shows that he had vitiligo since he was a kid. pic.twitter.com/L8cA2j7fgx

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) April 21, 2026

Early Audiences Appear to Love ‘Michael'

Michael is getting a lot of great applause from viewers who have had the privilege to see it already at select early screenings. Jaafar, in particular, is being widely celebrated for his performance as Michael. Additionally, it should be mentioned that Juliano Valdi is also wowing audiences with just how similar he sounds to a young Michael, prompting some to question if Valdi or Michael is really singing. Again, Michael premieres in theaters across the country on April 24.

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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 8:09 AM.