Ezra Edelman responded on Tuesday to Netflix’s decision not to release his Prince documentary, calling the move “short-sighted,” “stifling,” and “a joke.”
The controversy surrounding the documentary began in September when a New York Times report claimed the nine-hour film would accuse Prince of physical and emotional abuse. The Prince estate responded, stating they were “working to resolve matters,” and Netflix announced in February that the documentary would not be released. Instead, the streaming service planned to collaborate with the estate on a new project using Prince’s archival material.
Edelman, who is best known for his Oscar-winning documentary O.J.: Made in America, refrained from commenting on Netflix’s decision last month. However, he spoke out this week on Pablo Torre Finds Out, criticizing the situation as “a joke.” He explained that the estate’s role was to review the film for factual inaccuracies, but they returned a 17-page document filled with “editorial issues, not factual ones.” He added, “Do you think I have any interest in releasing a film that is factually inaccurate?”
Edelman emphasized that the conflict was not about truth but about control. He noted that Prince was known for being a “control freak” and fought for artistic freedom, particularly against Warner Bros., who he felt hindered his work. Edelman expressed frustration, saying, “I’m not Prince, but I worked really hard on this film, and now my art is being stifled and thrown away.”
He also criticized Netflix for “fearing Prince’s humanity.” During the interview, host Pablo Torre shared his impression of the documentary, calling it a powerful portrayal of Prince as one of the greatest artists ever. Edelman responded, saying he was troubled by the “short-sightedness” of those prioritizing their financial interests over artistic integrity.
He went on to explain the estate’s concern that the documentary’s portrayal of Prince could harm his legacy, particularly among younger audiences. “This is a gift,” Edelman said, referring to the film. “A nine-hour exploration of a brilliant artist. It lets you experience his genius, but also forces you to confront his humanity.” He noted that Prince was often trapped in his own myth and unable to fully reveal himself.
The documentary reportedly includes interviews with people from Prince’s personal life, including ex-lover Jill Jones, who spoke about an abusive encounter with the singer, and Susannah Melvoin, who described Prince’s controlling behavior during their relationship. The film also features Prince’s ex-wife, Mayte Garcia, who recalled the emotional toll of losing their child. Despite these allegations, Edelman highlighted that the documentary also portrays positive memories of Prince, making it one of the most challenging projects he’s ever worked on.
