
Tavis Smiley has plans with J.J. Abrams’ production company Bad Robot to develop a TV event series for Warner Bros. Television based on Smiley’s book Before You Judge Me: The Triumph and Tragedy of Michael Jackson’s Last Days.
As Entertainment Weekly points out, a deal between Smiley and Warners Bros. Television was announced last October. Smiley’s book will be published June 21 by Little, Brown and Company. Before You Judge Me looks into the final days of Jackson’s social presence, focusing on his public persona as a pop star searching for privacy.
Smiley’s two other books on Martin Luther King, Jr. and Maya Angelou, respectively, are in development for TV adaptations as well.
No TV network has yet to be attached to the project.
Remembering Michael Jackson: 40 Iconic Moments in Photos
Celebrate MJ's incredible legacy with photos tracing his life and illustrious career. Watch Fuse's HBD music video special all Tuesday morning, Aug. 29, to celebrate the King of Pop's birthday.
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The King of Pop
It's safe to say there will never be another artist quite like Michael Jackson. Always pushing the creative boundaries of music, dance, video, performance and fashion, MJ's influence transcends genre, generation and geography. Go through history with a photo timeline of Michael's life and career.
more »Al Messerschmidt Archive / Getty Images

Where It All Started
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

The Rise of The Jackson 5
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

The Jackson 5 Top the Charts
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Born to Be a Star
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Cute x 2
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Family First
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Living on the Edge
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

The Jacksons hit Jamaica
Fin Costello / Redferns

Michael & Kermit
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Ease on Down the Road
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Life on the Road
Rob Verhorst / Redferns

'Cause This is Thriller!
Sony Music

Just Beat It
Chris Walter / WireImage

'Thriller' Sweeps The GRAMMYs
Ron Galella / WireImage

Momma's Boy
Jeffrey Mayer / Getty Images

The Victory Tour
Ebet Roberts / Redferns

The Victory Tour
Ebet Roberts / Redferns

Michael Jackson Mania
Dave Hogan / Getty Images

Michael's Exotic Pets
Getty Images

Bad World Tour
Kevin Mazur / WireImage

The Way Ya Make Me Feel!
Kevin Mazur / WireImage

King & Queen of Pop
Ron Galella / WireImage

The Dangerous World Tour
Peter Still / Redferns

The Dangerous World Tour
Rob Verhorst / Redferns

The Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Show
George Rose / Getty Images

Michael & Janet Reunite at The GRAMMYs
Kevin Mazur / WireImage

1995 MTV Video Music Awards
Kevin Mazur/WireImage

1995 MTV Video Music Awards
Kevin Mazur / WireImage

Michael Takes Over Rio
AVANIR NIKO / AFP / Getty Images

The HIStory World Tour
Phil Walter

The HIStory World Tour
Phil Dent / Redferns

Michael Jackson & Nelson Mandela
ANNA ZIEMINSKI / Getty Images

Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special
Kevin Mazur / WireImage

Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special
Kevin Mazur / WireImage

Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special
Kevin Kane / WireImage

United We Stand
Kevin Mazur / WireImage

Michael Jackson & Dave Navarro
Timothy A. Clary / Getty Images

This Is It
Dave M. Benett / Getty Images

Still Putting on a Show
Proving how much people are still dying to see a Michael Jackson show, the King was resurrected for one night via a hologram onstage at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards. It was a shocking moment to see Michael back on stage, but the strong reactions it evoked proved how present he still is in our hearts.
more »Kevin Winter/Billboard Awards 2014/Getty Images for DCP
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