People News

Michael Jackson fans' film protest

Oct 27, 2009, 10:48 GMT

The group has accused the AEG and Sony - the firms behind the film - of concealing Michael\'s poor health and glossing over the stress he was under as he prepared for his 50-date London residency. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

Michael Jackson's fans are boycotting 'This Is It', the film about his last performance.

Thousands of the late singer's followers have formed a group called 'This Is Not It', to protest against the movie, which is due to be released on October 28.

The group has accused the AEG and Sony - the firms behind the film - of concealing Michael's poor health and glossing over the stress he was under as he prepared for his 50-date London residency.

A statement on the group's website reads: "The true state of Michael Jackson's failing health was being hidden from you by those who are making a profit from the screening of the 'This Is It' movie.

"The movie is made of a careful choice of footage taken during Michael Jackson's last rehearsals. Out of 110 hours of footage, a few scenes were selected in which Michael Jackson smiled, in spite of being in a dire state.

"The promoters for 'This Is It', ignored the signs, ignored the pleas, and in fact, actively covered up the truth. What you will see on that screen is part of that cover up."

If people do decide to see the film, the 'This Is Not It' urges them to "see it with different eyes".

The statement continues: "Should you decide to watch it, we hope that you will see this movie and the greed that produced it with different eyes, because you are watching the product of those who should bear much guilt for the passing of the world's greatest entertainer, Michael Jackson.

"This movie is not a true representation of what happened to Michael Jackson in his last weeks, nor is it the polished, live performance that Michael would have wished the world to see. It is their lie. The true story behind is one of neglect, greed, and inhumanity."

But Michael's close friend Elizabeth Taylor - who has seen an advance screening of the film - sobbed when she watched the movie because she loved it so much.

Writing on her Twitter account, the iconic actress said: "It is the single most brilliant piece of filmmaking I have ever seen. I wept from pure joy at his God-given gift. There will never, ever be the likes of him again."

Michael died of acute Propofol intoxication on June 25.