Jaafar Jackson Clarifies Widespread Misconception About Michael Jackson's Appearance

Jaafar Jackson is setting the record straight about one of the most misunderstood aspects of his late uncle's life.

The 29-year-old actor, who portrays Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic arriving April 24, spoke candidly on the red carpet at the film's Los Angeles premiere on Monday, April 20.

When asked about the biggest misconception surrounding Michael Jackson, Jaafar didn't hesitate with his answer. "The biggest misconception? That he wanted to be white. That's a big misconception," he stated.

He went on to explain how the film addresses this misunderstanding directly. "This film gives you that understanding of what that is. You know, 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."

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes depigmentation, resulting in white or light-colored patches—medically known as macules or patches—that appear on the skin. The condition typically first manifests on the hands, forearms, feet, and face. Approximately 1% of the global population is affected by vitiligo. While treatment options exist for those seeking to address visible changes to their skin tone, it is not medically necessary.

The biopic has received mixed reviews from critics since its release.