Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Billy Joel Slams Unauthorized Biopic From ‘Michael’ Editor

Joel says the filmmakers lack his life and music rights as casting continues on the unauthorized biopic.

  • On Tuesday, Billy Joel spoke out against the upcoming biopic 'Billy & Me,' stating he has not authorized the project and that filmmakers lack the necessary life and music rights to proceed.
  • Director John Ottman is developing the film, which chronicles Joel's formative years and focuses on his first manager, Irwin Mazur, who secured exclusive life rights for the production.
  • Former bandmate Jon Small is attached as consultant and second unit director, despite a notorious rift with Joel after Small's wife, Elizabeth Weber, left him for the musician.
  • Casting is currently underway for production slated this fall in Winnipeg, Canada, and New York, with Small serving as consultant despite Joel's continued objections to the project.
  • The 2025 HBO documentary 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' featured the Grammy winner's direct involvement, contrasting sharply with this unauthorized project proceeding without his support or authorization.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

75 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 49% of the sources are Center
49% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Variety broke the news in Los Angeles, United States on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal