Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard has voiced strong criticism of the upcoming biopic about the pop icon. Matt Fiddes, a millionaire originally from Swindon, says he is deeply troubled by the direction of the film. He claims the production does not properly represent the star he knew personally.
The movie, titled Michael, is set to explore the singer’s life and the events leading up to his death. It is planned for a cinema release in April 2026. Even though the film has not yet debuted, early promotional material is already stirring controversy.
The official trailer dropped recently, but instead of excitement, it triggered backlash from Fiddes. He says the portrayal shown in the teaser feels inaccurate and misleading. As someone who worked closely with Michael Jackson, he believes the film risks shaping a false narrative.
Fiddes insists he was not only Jackson’s bodyguard but also a trusted friend. Based on that connection, he argues he can recognise when the star’s image or story is being distorted. According to him, the trailer suggests a version of Jackson that does not match the real man.
In addition to his past role with the singer, Fiddes is now a successful businessman. He heads Matt Fiddes Martial Arts, a large franchise network with more than 2,000 branches across the UK. His criticism has added significant publicity—and debate—to the film ahead of its release.
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