In 2005 Michael Jackson was accused and acquitted in full of all 13 counts of sexual abuse and is presented in The Verdictthe new Netflix docuseries.
In three chapters, real judicial documents and scenes are presented that take the public by the hand to know the dark part in the life of one of the great musical artists.
Michael Jackson established himself over more than three decades of career as one of the most emblematic pop figures, positioning himself as an icon. With hits like Thriller, Billie Jean, We are the world and other melodies, the artist became the musical reference for an entire decade.
Narrated by key figures who were present in the courtroom, this comprehensive three-part docuseries examines Michael Jackson’s trial and his complex legacy in detail. The series is in part a continuation of the Antoine Fuqua and Graham King biopic, Michael also released in 2026.
The project was led by Nick Green and is executive produced by Fiona Stourton. They also participate as executive producers David Herman and James Goldston. The series was produced by Candle True Stories.
Tudum, the official Netflix site, explains that the filmmakers considered revisiting the trial two decades after it took place. The documentary was conceived as a historical account focused on the facts presented during the judicial process.
The series arrives weeks after the release of the film “Michael” which talks about the first part of the life of Michael Jackson. This film talks about a boy full of potential in the Jackson Five, to global success, Michael explores the dilemma between his family and his art, in a film directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring his nephew Jaafar, transformed down to the smallest detail into his uncle.
That is what a film focuses on that goes until 1988, when Jackson made his first solo tour to promote what was his seventh studio album, Bad.
For this reason, in the film there is no reference to some of the most controversial episodes in the singer’s life, such as the accusations of child abuse, which were uncovered in 1993, or the controversial birth of his three children.
Martin Bashir, the journalist who interviewed Michael Jackson, describes what that meeting was like and the moment when he shows him a child who lived with him and who was cured of cancer. When he describes that he sleeps with the minor, it is one of the most controversial moments from which criticism begins to develop worldwide.
The testimonies
Jackson faced a total of ten charges during the judicial process. They included four counts of sexual abuse of a minor, giving alcohol, one count of attempted child abuse and one count of conspiracy to unlawfully detain the Arvizo family and conspiracy to commit extortion and child kidnapping.
The minor at the center of the accusations was Gavin Arvizowho was 13 years old at the time of the events. Those interviewed include prosecutor Ron Zonen and defense attorney Mark Geragos, as well as Jackson family attorney Brian Oxman. Two jurors also participate: Melissa Herard (juror number 8) and Tammy Evans (juror number 6).
Vincent Amenwho worked for Michael Jackson starting in 2002, reveals that he received a Nike bag with a magazine containing images of naked minors, with circles marked over the video request section.
The documentary also describes obscene nicknames for the children who frequented Neverland.
Some old photographs show Janet Arvizo and her youngest son, Star. In one of them, Janet wrote: “Dearest Michael, we thank you for being our family. What God joins together, no man can undo. We love you.” In another, Star wrote: “I love you, my dad Michael. Your son, Blowhole”this is usually a play on words or a vulgar reference to the mouth.