In the heart of Valletta, at the historic Empire Cinema, a crowd gathers on a warm Maltese evening. They’re not here for the latest blockbuster, but for a man who’s been gone for over a decade – Michael Jackson. The biopic ‘Michael Jackson: The Last Photo Shoot’ is playing, and the fans are eager to see it, abuse claims be damned.

Jackson’s Enduring Legacy in Malta

Malta’s love affair with the King of Pop is no secret. From the bustling streets of Paceville to the quiet corners of Rabat, his music echoes through the years. The Jackson 5’s ‘ABC’ was a hit in the 70s, and ‘Thriller’ in the 80s sent shivers down the spines of Maltese teens. Today, his influence can still be seen in local dance studios and music academies.

Take, for instance, the MJ Dance Academy in Msida. Owner and instructor, Joseph Vella, has been teaching Michael Jackson’s iconic moves to eager students for years. “His music, his dance, it’s timeless,” Vella says, “It brings people together, no matter their age or background.”

Abuse Claims: A Stain on the Legacy?

Yet, the biopic’s release comes at a time when Jackson’s legacy is under scrutiny. The HBO documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’ detailed allegations of child sexual abuse by Jackson, sending shockwaves through the music industry and beyond. Some radio stations pulled his music, and some fans turned their backs. But not all.

Back at the Empire Cinema, the fans are undeterred. “I don’t believe it,” says Maria, a 55-year-old nurse from Birkirkara. “He was a genius, a musical genius. I won’t let these claims tarnish that.” Her friend, Lisa, nods in agreement, “We all have our demons. It doesn’t mean we should cancel him.”

Jackson’s Estate: Fighting Back

The Jackson estate has been fighting back against the abuse claims, suing HBO for $100 million. They argue that the documentary is defamatory and violates a 1994 agreement not to disparage Jackson. The biopic, they say, is a celebration of Jackson’s artistry and a refutation of the allegations.

Locally, the Jackson estate’s efforts seem to be paying off. The biopic has drawn crowds, and Jackson’s music continues to play in local clubs and bars. At the popular Paceville venue, ‘The George’, manager Mark Xuereb says, “His music is still in high demand. People want to dance, to celebrate. That’s what Michael Jackson’s music does.”

But the debate rages on. Can an artist’s work be separated from their personal life? Should we cancel artists accused of wrongdoing? These are complex questions with no easy answers. But one thing is clear – Michael Jackson’s music continues to captivate Malta, despite the controversies.

As the crowd files out of the Empire Cinema, they hum Jackson’s tunes, their faces alight with nostalgia and joy. For them, Michael Jackson is still the King of Pop, and nothing can change that.