Why Nia Long and Lionsgate Are Fighting Over The New Michael Jackson Movie

Folks online are still raving about Nia Long’s latest Met Gala 2026 red carpet look, but she’s also in the headlines for her role in the record-breaking Michael Jackson movie, and we’ve now got the details.

As you already know, Long starred in the film alongside Colman Domingo and newcomer Jaafar Jackson as the Jackson family matriarch, Katherine, a very vital person in Michael’s life. And while she wasn’t shown onscreen as much as some of the other characters, there were still a handful of notable scenes where she showed off her acting chops and brought some emotional vulnerability.

So, it’s no wonder that fans online were scratching their heads when they got word that the veteran actress and Lionsgate (the production company behind the film) were reportedly engaged in a “quiet” legal battle over the film. Per Puck News, the issue hinges on the allegation that Long wasn’t paid as much as her costars, despite a clause in her contract stating she would.

Specifically, Long allegedly implemented a “favored nations” clause in her contract, which—according to SAG-AFTRA—is “an industry term which means that you are getting equal, contractual treatment to others on the project – billing, accommodations, and any other contractual provision.” However, as noted by the Daily Beast, after learning that Domingo and another star, Miles Teller, allegedly made more than she did for the film, Long decided to take action in an effort to rectify the situation and “threatened to take the studio to mediation.”

The original script for “Michael” reportedly gave Long’s character more lines, especially in the third act. However, as The Root has reported, many of the movie’s initial plans were scrapped due to last-minute legal constraints that required reshoots. If this led to her reduced role, it could explain the pay discrepancy.

However, a legally-binding contract is a legally-binding contract, and if Long’s contract included that clause, her request should still be honored, regardless of her shortened scenes.

Neither Long nor Lionsgate has publicly commented on their dispute.