Ezra Edelman Slams Prince Estate for Shelving His Revealing Documentary on the Iconic Musician

Ezra Edelman, the Oscar-winning director behind O.J.: Made in America, recently voiced his frustration about the shelving of his nine-hour Prince documentary by Netflix. The film, which was set to explore the legendary artist’s career and his complex legacy, was pulled due to allegations regarding Prince’s personal life and behavior. Edelman didn’t mince words during a recent podcast appearance, criticizing both Prince’s estate and Netflix for prioritizing their own financial interests over telling a truthful, multifaceted story about the late musician.

The documentary had already sparked controversy for its exploration of Prince's darker sides, including his reported emotional and physical abuse. Edelman, however, maintains that his project wasn’t a “hit piece” but rather a comprehensive portrait of a genius whose contributions to music and culture cannot be ignored—flaws and all. “This is a gift,” he said of the nine-hour work, emphasizing that it was a deep dive into both the highs and lows of Prince’s career, providing a raw and authentic look at the enigmatic star.

The director took particular issue with Prince’s estate, accusing them of imposing edits that would sanitize the story, an action that Edelman sees as just another example of Prince’s own controlling nature, which had been part of his legacy throughout his career. Edelman was clear that his film was intended to be factually accurate, and that any criticisms it may have of Prince were not attempts to tear him down, but simply a reflection of a complex figure who wasn’t afraid to show both the brilliance and the flaws of his character.

This turn of events is frustrating for fans who were eagerly anticipating a documentary that could offer a fresh, honest perspective on Prince. Instead, it seems like the world may be subjected to another sanitized, image-controlled version of his life and legacy, leaving the truth about the enigmatic star in the shadows. Edelman’s frustration is palpable as he calls out the industry's hesitancy to engage with an artist’s full humanity, warts and all, instead opting for a more controlled and palatable narrative.

In the end, Edelman’s documentary could have been a powerful cultural moment, allowing the public to grapple with the full scope of Prince’s impact, both positive and negative. Instead, it appears that a complicated, multi-faceted look at his life will never see the light of day, leaving fans yearning for the truth about the man behind the music.