Do New Revelations About Michael Jackson Change Perceptions of Him?

The good thing about music is that it is universal, regardless of differences in life, culture, and otherwise. Music is transcendent, so in many cases where a particular artist is viewed as or painted as controversial, often their craft in itself isn’t viewed unfavorably.  In other words, an artist can be a godawful, horrid person or have some hellish issues, but despite those issues, is still respected for their genius.  So why the long introduction? A bombshell was dropped about an iconic musician:  Michael Jackson.

Before diving into the bombshell, let’s discuss the late Michael Jackson favorably – his music. Musically, the man was a genius, responsible for some of pop’s most iconic, memorable songs.  He possessed a distinct set of pipes, could dance like a boss, and more than earned his characterization as being the King of pop.  Musically, Jackson will never be forgotten and has cemented his place in history.  Musically there is no way we’re ever going to tear down the king.  “Billie Jean” is immortal.

Here’s where things get hairier – more awkward. Michael Jackson seemed to have his fair share of issues – quirks.  As a person, for all his genius as a musician, he seemed to possess a fair share of idiosyncrasies. It was confirmed that Jackson had vitiligo when he died, but for years, his changing appearance made him the subject of questions and scrutiny. Naturally, if someone’s skin goes from darker to pronouncedly whiter, it’s a talking point. It isn’t something that frequently happens.

Beyond his appearance, the big point of controversy with Jackson is clearly the child abuse cases/ his interaction with children.  While most fans (and Jackson’s family) were celebrating Jackson’s acquittal in a tough child abuse trial, it would be fair to say that Jackson’s interactions/sleepovers were odd, certainly unorthodox.  Still, another issue worth mentioning in regards to these “sleepovers” is why did parents allow them to take place? Arguably, if inappropriate things were taking place, beyond Jackson’s on negligence, don’t the parents have some negligence for allowing their children to go to Neverland?

Why bring up Jackson’s child abuse trial and questionable interactions with children? Apparently, there was some porn recovered. Nope, not just any porn, but disturbing, underage porn recovered from Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.  Apparently, this included animal torture, blood, and of course.  Phew! The bombshell broke on Tuesday, June 21.

So, what do you say or make of this revelation? Clearly, rather than Michael Jackson being viewed as a remarkable musician who was a gift to the world, it opens up a can of worms, most of which involve that ugly term called pedophilia.  BUT beyond Jackson’s actions comes the biggest question –  Why now is this just being unveiled? Where was this evidence at even a couple of years back?  He’s been dead for seven years, and the trial has been over for 11.

It is disturbing, without question.  Even still, particular super fans, who wants to believe Michael Jackson to be a pervert? No one, BUT, clearly something was “rotten in the state of Denmark?” The Jackson estate denies such allegations.

Photo Credit: Epic