Nia Long tells critics of Michael Jackson biopic to beat him and protect his peace

Nia Long says the haters can defeat him – she protects his peace while entering Michael Jackson territory.

The actress who plays Catherine Jackson in the highly anticipated upcoming biopic, “Michael”, made it clear in his Playboy interview in the spring issue, she doesn’t let outside noise shake her concentration.

“No one can interfere with my mental health. That’s priority number one,” Long said, adding that she learned early on that success in Hollywood meant eliminating distractions completely.

And with the MJ biopic already sparking numerous debates, notably family disapproval — she’s not pretending that chatter doesn’t exist… she’s just refusing that it matters.

Long emphasized that while everyone is entitled to their opinion, she has a job to do in the most important role of her career…and it’s bigger than the headlines. She says she’s there to interpret a story, represent a woman and honor a mother who she considers to be the true backbone of it all.

In his eyes, Katherine is not just part of the story… she is the “real hero” who organized everything behind the scenes during Michael’s meteoric rise.

“I know what it’s like to be a weight-bearing mom, and when I think of grace, I think of Katherine Jackson,” Long said.

The critics may speak, but Long ignored them…and she tells this story her way.

“Michael” hits theaters on April 24.