When Spike needed funding to complete Malcolm X (the studio’s answer was to cut staff and for Spike to work with what was already shot, while
limiting the run time to 2:15), MJ was one of a handful of notable black celebrities who stepped up and contributed funds so Spike could finish the film according to his vision.
The film might have never seen the light of day if not for those contributions.
“This is not a loan,” said Lee, back in 1992. “They are not investing in the film. These are black folks with some money who came to the rescue of the movie. As a result, this film will be my version. Not the bond company’s version, not Warner Brothers’. I will do the film the way it ought to be, and it will be over three hours.”