A Netflix documentary about Prince, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ezra Edelman, has been canceled after the late singer’s estate prevented its release.
The completed but untitled series was delayed in 2024 when representatives of Prince’s estate reviewed a cut and claimed it contained factual inaccuracies and sensationalized aspects of the artist’s life, according to Variety.
Netflix and the estate confirmed on Friday that the project had been scrapped under an agreement allowing the estate to develop a new documentary featuring exclusive content from Prince’s archives. A short video posted on X by the estate, featuring images of Prince and his music, included the caption: “The Vault Has Been Freed,” referencing the artist’s personal archive of recordings.
Edelman, best known for O.J.: Made in America, spent nearly five years on the project, conducting interviews with Prince’s former collaborators, managers, friends, and family members. The documentary also included allegations from ex-girlfriends who accused the musician of physical and emotional abuse, as reported by The New York Times in September.
One of Prince’s former band members and girlfriends, Jill Jones, claimed he repeatedly punched her in the face after she slapped him. The film explored Prince’s childhood, personal struggles, and artistic complexities. The final edit reportedly ran nine hours long.
Prince passed away in 2016 from an accidental fentanyl overdose, leaving his estate to be divided among six siblings, which led to extended legal disputes. Reports suggest the documentary was initially approved while the estate was under bank management.
L. Londell McMillan, a lawyer overseeing part of the estate, posted on X: “False and unsubstantiated rumors, hate and vengeance more than showing the brilliance & MUSIC will NOT be the focus of a ‘definitive’ doc on Prince!”
Following the cancellation, fan reactions have been mixed—some believe the new documentary will present a censored version of Prince’s life, while others support the estate’s efforts to protect his legacy.
Edelman has not publicly commented on the controversy, but in December, on Pablo Torre Finds Out, he criticized the trend of documentaries being produced in collaboration with their subjects, arguing that it diminishes journalistic integrity and shifts the focus away from art.
Source: Swifteradio.com
