DMX Biopic Rumors Stir Controversy, Parallels with Jackson Film Raise Questions of Authenticity

By WorldWide Entertainment TV — Published September 12, 2025

The possibility of a DMX biopic has recently resurfaced — but as details emerge, so do disputes over who is involved and how the story might be told over the last year. Reports that Murder Inc. producer and longtime associate Irv Gotti confirmed development of a film about the late Earl “DMX” Simmons had been met with a public rebuttal from DMX’s family, who deny any formal agreement or partnership with Gotti. Gotti would end up passing away a few months later in February of 2025. At the same time, the controversy surrounding the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has highlighted questions around family approval, narrative control, and authenticity in music biopics.

What’s Been Reported So Far

Irv Gotti’s statement: Irv Gotti publicly stated he was working on multiple projects, reportedly including a movie about DMX. As a figure who played an important role in DMX’s rise, the announcement immediately generated excitement across the hip‑hop community.
Family denial: Tashera Simmons — speaking on behalf of the Simmons family — issued a statement denying that they are currently working with Irv Gotti or that they’ve authorized any biopic with him. The family said any official news would come through their channels. This report was covered in outlets including HipHopDX.
Health updates: Coverage around these statements also noted Irv Gotti’s recent health scare, reporting that he was recovering from a minor stroke earlier in the year.

Why the Dispute Matters

Family involvement, access to accurate life details, and moral authority over a deceased loved one’s story are central to how audiences judge biopics. When announcements come from outside the family, questions naturally arise about perspective, legal rights (to likeness and certain anecdotes), and the integrity of the narrative.Further, DMX’s life contained deeply personal struggles — addiction, legal battles, and mental health challenges — which require careful, sensitive handling to avoid sensationalism or exploitation.

Parallel Case: The Michael Jackson Biopic and Paris Jackson’s Response

The controversies around the Michael Jackson biopic — known in trade press as Michael — provide a useful mirror. Despite high-profile production backing, Paris Jackson publicly distanced herself from the project, saying she was not involved and calling out what she described as a sugar‑coated portrayal of her father. Paris said she read an early draft and shared feedback that she felt wasn’t acted upon, and she asked to be excluded. That public disagreement has fueled debate about how much family input should matter and whether a film can capture the full truth when key people decline to participate.These developments show that even with large studios and notable directors attached, the perception of authenticity can be altered dramatically by family statements and firsthand accounts.

Implications for the DMX Rumors

Official confirmation matters. Conflicting messages from Irv Gotti’s camp and the Simmons family leave stakeholders — fans, press, and potential distributors — uncertain about project legitimacy.
Family endorsement shapes reception. A film without family cooperation risks skepticism and may struggle to present certain rights-managed materials like private archives or personal recordings.
Creative tension is likely. Deciding whether the story centers the artist, the human being, or both will affect casting, tone, and which moments are dramatized.
Legal and ethical issues. Rights to songs, likeness, and life events will need careful negotiation; projects without clear permissions could face legal obstacles.

What We Don’t Know

As of this writing there is no independent confirmation from DMX’s estate that they have a deal with Irv Gotti; nor is there a confirmed director, actor, script, or release timeline tied directly to a validated production announcement. Until those items are made public — and until the family state their position in a formal release — the project remains in the realm of rumor.

Conclusion

The rumor of a DMX biopic highlights enduring questions about who gets to tell the stories of music icons. Fans want honesty, nuance, and respect; families want truth and dignity. The way the Michael Jackson film argument unfolded — with Paris Jackson’s public distancing — offers an instructive example for the DMX situation: family voice and narrative control matter. Until an official, transparent announcement is made, the DMX biopic should be treated as tentative — a story the public will be watching closely.