MICHAEL JACKSON, WORLD FAMOUS PEDOPHILE, DEAD AT 50
Not speak ill of the dead, you say?
You can speak ill of the dead if they have done “ill” while they were alive. And there isn’t anything much more “ill” than molesting a kid.
To those who claim Michael Jackson was exonerated of the crime of sexual molestation of a minor, I would ask a simple question; would you allow your teen or pre teen son to spend a night at Jackson’s home unchaperoned?
I thought so.
Perhaps if you are eager to bestow such an honor on your son, you too wish to use your child for a gigantic payday as apparently some parents over the years did with their children, allowing them to stay with Jackson and being paid to keep quiet about abuse.
As for Jackson’s impact on the world, it says something truly awful about us that so many people would become rabid fans of this man of little talent. As a child with “The Jackson Five,” Michael had a nice little voice and was very cute shaking his hips like an adult (The sexualization of children Michael’s age when he performed with his brothers is another article entirely.). But as an adult, Jackson’s voice - OK for pop but no great shakes for any other milieu - was thin as a reed with an annoying false vibrato and a squeaky “hiccup” that supposedly drove female fans nuts.
His “dancing” was unique but repetitive. And I find it incredible that some would actually compare him to people with genuine talent like Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire. It goes without saying that neither of those two giants had to grab their crotch on stage to excite their fans.
Gregiry Hines was a superior dancer. Just about any Motown artist of the 60’s and 70’s was a superior singer. Michael Jackson, the total entertainment package, was a good showman but hardly an earth shattering talent. The outpouring of tributes to him today is a fascinating exercise in wishful - perhaps delusional thinking. Proclaiming anyone “King of Pop” and waxing lyrical about how his talent impacted the music world is a misnomer. It wasn’t Jackson’s “talent” that affected future pop artists but rather his “style” - a completely different kettle of fish altogether. It certainly was original but worthy of the kind of encomiums we are reading and hearing today? Not hardly.
In short, he was not a “no-talent” but rather a performer of limited gifts who, through savvy marketing, a recognition of trends (such as producing music videos that went far beyond concert performances that was standard fare for most MTV selections), and an eccentric personality, hit the world of pop music at exactly the right moment in history.
A comparison to Elvis Presley is useful here. Presely was also a performer of limited ability but hit America at exactly the right time in history when his shockingly unique style (and having Tom Parker, a man ahead of his time, managing his career), brought unusual success. Elvis was also a great showman and his later career was sustained by his aging female fans who never tired of watching him grind out the old favorites on a Las Vegas stage.
Perhaps it is the nature of pop music today to elevate these performers to heights undreamed of by real talents like Sinatra, Garland, Sammy Davis, Jr., and others whose pop stylings will last forever - even beyond the lifetimes of their fans. I say this not out of spite because I genuinely enjoyed Thriller, Billie Jean, and Beat It as well as other pop music of the day. Although limited in their artistic success, performers like Jackson reflected their times perfectly as all good pop music does. But does this mean that we should elevate Jackson to an artistic pedestal. Not hardly.
I sympathize with many in Jackson’s family today. Losing a brother or a son is always a tragedy. But I don’t sympathize with Jackson’s rabid fans. Losing oneself in the doings of someone who is deliberately manipulating your emotions is a form of narcissm. I suppose like most, I will mourn Jackson’s passing as I have many icons of my youth who have left us. Farrah Fawcett, who also died yesterday, elicits the same yearning in my heart to return to what in my misty memory were simpler times when responsibilities were few and I had the optimism and confidence that the whole world was before me for the taking.
I really wish the media weren’t making such a big deal of Jackson’s death. Other, more vital stories like Iran, health care, and the continuing power grabs of the Obama administration are given short shrift. But covering Jackson means a big audience so one can hardly fault the media for trying to cash in. They’d be crazy not to milk the story for all its worth.
In 100 years, will historians be amazed at the popularity of people like Jackson? Hopefully by then, we will have outgrown our compulsion to place these people on a mountaintop and all but worship their every move.
A fine piece and something that needed saying. I’d disagree slightly with one point, though, and that’s about Presley. Elvis had a truly wonderful if untrained voice; the reason that he’s not Sinatra or Bennett in his impact is due to the selfsame Col. Parker, who channeled a large talent into a narrow, insipid, pablum-ish series of career moves, pushing him into the most godawful group of movies on record and misdirected the singer’s vocal gifts into equally vapid record albums after the rougher, bluesier early ones. That’s part of the reason why the docu-performances on TV in his last few years now shown on PBS are so valued by his fans (of which I am not a particular one) - we see the shadow of what might have been. With Jackson, smoke and the man in the mirrors, we were shown more than was there.
It is possible Presley’s voice had great potential that was never exploited. It certainly had a very nice, very rich tone but his phrasing was god awful even singing the simple rock melodies of the 50’s. His forays into the American song book were near disaster, in my opinion.
That said, you’re right. That reshowing of of the ABC special from 1967 I believe with Elvis in a black leather jacket and pants singing in the round is the best performance of his on record, far surpassing the film of his Las Vegas show where he forgets lyrics and constantly runs out of breath, singing off key in the process.
His fans forgave him a lot in later years.
ed.
Comment by Your Brother Jim — 6/26/2009 @ 7:39 am
Sinatra had a very limited singing voice. What he did have was fantastic technique: good phrasing and breathing and enormous respect for the lyric. Watching Sinatra sing was like a master class in the art of singing! In all other respects, I totally agree with you about Michael Jackson. I really resented the hysterical blathering over Mr. Jackson’s [probably] drug-related death to the exclusion of real and important news, like the massacre of its own citizens by Iranian thugs!
Sinatra’s voice aged so well and I would disagree with you on his range. When he needed to stretch, he could. And you are spot on about his phrasing and breathing (the two obviously go hand in hand) as well as having a real emotional attachment to the lyric. Not surprising because a lot of our greatest song writers actually wrote material just for him.
ed.
Comment by Gayle Miller — 6/26/2009 @ 8:08 am
Remember: left-of-center==victim, right-of-center==evildoer.
Comment by smitty — 6/26/2009 @ 8:54 am
Thank you so much. Well said. The man RAPED little boys. Period.
I was amazed at hearing the reporter on the radio news saying that “Yes, he did some questionable things but he was so talented, yada, yada, yada”.
THIS MAN RAPED CHILDREN. It does not matter how much talent, money, fame, etc that he had. He was evil.
Jim Treacher has a really good comment on his blog….
Comment by Charlotte — 6/26/2009 @ 8:54 am
In my opinion you always have to separate art from person. Is Wagner’s work bad because of his anti-semitism. Good or bad, Michael Jackson will always be linked to the early eighties in my personal life.
I somewhat agree but the heinousness of Jackson’s transgressions against children is, I think, a special case. This is especially true when you consider the outpouring of praise for him today. It is sickening with many people saying, “Well, he may have done some bad things but he’s still the greatest.” Not defining “bad things” gives these people an out to lavish praise on a pedophile.
Jackson also personified the 80’s for me too. But given the over the top superlatives being ascribed to his talent and influence, that all goes way too far.
ed.
Comment by funny man — 6/26/2009 @ 9:08 am
I wouldn’t let my son stay overnight in your house even if chaperoned.
If you are trying to make the point that I’m a pedophile, nice try - and pretty childish of you.
ed.
Comment by Ricardo — 6/26/2009 @ 9:28 am
Nice work, Rick.
I know that at least one commenter has disagreed with you on Elvis, and I do too. I’ll read his comment, and your response after I write my own exception.
I strongly disagree with you that Elvis was a man of limited ability. I would posit that he was a man of great natural ability, and that hurt him greatly… everything came too easy to him. His voice was powerful and resonant, his guitar skills were adequate (he could have been much better if he had applied himself), he wrote several very good songs (not the majority, but he was creative) and his natural showmanship was (is) apparent.
These two should not be mentioned in the same article, other than a reference to the sham marriage between Jackson and Lisa Marie.
Just one man’s thoughts (and yes, I am from Mississippi, so I might not be completely objective)
Comment by lionheart — 6/26/2009 @ 10:04 am
People like “Charlotte” and Rick Moran are idiots. Do your research before you ride your self-righteous high horse. Well, this blog is aptly titled, so I suppose I shouldn’t think much about such baseless opinions.
It’s questionable whether or not Michael is guilty of molestation, but to even assume he’s guilty of rape is beyond rational judgment.
Then again, conservatives are the worst when it comes to morality.
Gee…I guess all those millions and millions of dollars he paid out to those families was for ice cream and bubblegum, huh?
And even my pet cat Aramas knows the difference between right and wrong - something lefties like you seem to have a struggle with.
ed.
Comment by Carl — 6/26/2009 @ 10:13 am
Jackson ultimately was a very sad human being. If our nation were not so obsessed with wealth and engaged in banal celebrity worship, he would have been forcibly committed many years ago and possibly helped. As it is, he was allowed to engage in self-mutilation unhindered and child molestation without major consequences. Even his enablers–and I include the plastic surgeons and parents of the children–were given a pass for the most part.
I believe as far as artistic impact, you may sell him short in one aspect although you did touch upon it. The man fairly well made the music video channels such as MTV and VH1 what they are with his over-the-top productions in the Eighties. What that is worth is another matter. I deeply suspect the video has cheapened music in that it emphasizes the visual over the audio, but that thesis is above my pay grade.
What isn’t above my pay grade is that a pop star was allowed to descend into depravity and become a one-man freak show because he could sell tickets and CDs. That speaks more about our society than the man.
Comment by jackson1234 — 6/26/2009 @ 11:00 am
Carl: I am not getting up on my high horse. I am not perfect.
But you know, with all the sins I have committed (and I have committed a lot) I have not raped a child. Raping a child is evil. Period.
Michael Jackson was a pedophile. He had sex with little boys. Are you suggesting that it was “consensual?”
He pretty much admitted it when he said he did not see anything wrong with “sleeping ***wink** with little boys”
Are you actually trying to argue that Michael Jackson was NOT a pervert? Not a pedophile? Because if YOU ARE, with all due respect, an idiot.
Comment by Charlotte — 6/26/2009 @ 11:26 am
Sorry, sentence above should read:
Because if YOU ARE trying to argue [that Michael Jackson is not a pervert and pedophile] then YOU are, with all due respect,
AN IDIOT.
Comment by Charlotte — 6/26/2009 @ 11:28 am
BTW Carl
Molestation frequently rises to the level of rape.
Comment by Jim — 6/26/2009 @ 11:31 am
“(and having Tom Parker, a man ahead of his time, managing his career)”
Two words: Quincy Jones.
MJ certainly had talent and a unique style. Greatest Talent Evar? No. But talent nonetheless (at least while he still sang . . . at the end he just yelped and squeaked). Regardless of his (debatable) gifts, without Mr. Jones he’d have ended up a 2nd string singer with a good stage show. Mr. Jones could make a gold record out of my burps.
The molestation trial was one of the saddest examples of Jurisprudence I’ve ever seen. The Prosecution managed to prove he molested every boy and girl in Los Angeles EXCEPT the one the trial was based on. No disrespect to Fieger and the rest of the D team (they’re top-notch), but the Prosecution was embarassing.
Comment by busboy33 — 6/26/2009 @ 11:38 am
OK, you can call him a pedophile, and maybe he was … we don’t actually know that. But calling him untalented puts you in the league of people who deny the Holocaust, and people who claim we never landed on the moon. (And maybe you are both … who knows?)
MJ was extraordinarily talented, whether you liked him or not. Oh, and the Holocaust happened. And we really did land men on the moon.
So don’t taint your good argument with bad thinking. If you hated him for his foibles, stick to the argument.
Fine. Talented compared to who? My 13 year old niece? Yes, if that is your yardstick then he was hugely talented.
But let me rattle off a few names here of people I think had it all over Michael Jackson, talent wise:
Frank Sinatra
Judy Garland
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Donald O’Connor
Gene Kelly
Fred Astaire
Bernadette Peters
Ethel Merman
Bette Middler
Liza Minneli
Tommy Tunes
Most of the cast of the original Chorus Line
And that’s just off the top of my head. Every single one of those people could dance better than Jackson. Every one of them could sing better than Jackson. If you believe otherwise you know nothing of dancing or singing. Jackson had some talent. He was blessed with a great producer in Quincy Jones who found material (Jackson wrote few of his mega hits) for him. Jackson also benefited from the services of some of the best choreographers in the business for both his videos and stage shows.
In other words, he was a leech. He fed off the talent of others and packaged it, sold it, and promoted it thanks to the best PR and publicity team in the business. And people who are in the business know this but find it useful to jump on his bandwagon and call him a “great performer.” Well, he was. But an “icon for the ages?”
It is to laugh.
ed.
Comment by Jonny Boy — 6/26/2009 @ 1:13 pm
Rick did not call MJ “untalented” - he opined (he is entitled to his opinion - fuzzy headed though you might think it - this IS still America) that Michael Jackson’s talents were somewhat limited and on that I do agree with him. I find that a great many of these mildly and minimally talented creatures who have captured the public’s attention and enjoyment (money) tend to think of themselves in grandiose terms, referring to themselves as artists. J-Lo comes to mind. She is a fairly mediocre singer, decent dancer, ho-hum actress. All of that being said, she is paid way, way, way more than she is worth and apparently uses money as the yardstick of her abilities! Pathetic really. But Bach and Beethoven were artists, J-Lo is NOT.
Comment by Gayle Miller — 6/26/2009 @ 1:23 pm
Rick…
Bette Midler? I don’t know about that one. I do like her song “The Rose”, but I’m not sure I agree that she belongs on your pro forma list (comment 14).
Her stage show is incredible. Makes Jackson look like he’s asleep.
ed.
Comment by lionheart — 6/26/2009 @ 3:07 pm
Talking about talented; Mahalia Jackson certainly was and she also never showed off her voice like Aretha did (does). BTW, she also walked the walk not only talked the talk.
I was going to list Mahalia but she didn’t dance. Now THERE was talent.
ed.
Comment by funny man — 6/26/2009 @ 3:17 pm
No one can be completely sure that michael jackson was a pedo, in my personal opinion i believe he did have sex with little boys and just because he performed great music that shouldnt excuse what he has done.
Yet i will not miss him or did i ever hardly listen to his music.
Plus everyone has their own opinion so stop slating people’s views.
And if I believe someone’s opinion is ignorant, uninformed, and without any merit, I will say so. Opinions are not equally valid - especially when someone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about offers one.
ed.
Comment by shelbe — 6/26/2009 @ 3:47 pm
seems as im only 17 i still know the difference between right and wrong, and in all honestly i believe my opinion and everyone else’s is valid. i might not have been the biggest fan but i have a fair few songs on my ipod and beyond all the child’s play, there is no denying he wasn’t a good performer.
Comment by shelbe — 6/26/2009 @ 3:55 pm
Michael’s greatest talent was listening to Quincy Jones and John Landis
Comment by Juan Paxety — 6/26/2009 @ 4:14 pm
It always amazes me how quickly people want to believe the worst in other human beings. I do not believe that Michael Jackson molested any child. I believe that he was a victim of grifters like Janet Arvizo and her “terminally” ill son, Gavin, who is still very much alive in Atlanta, GA, with his mother,(whose name is Janet Jackson now and who was recently charged with Welfare Fraud) and others that wanted his money and got it by instructing and coaching their children to tell the worst kind of lie. There is abundant information on the web about these 2 families. There are also multitudes of children that experienced Neverland and have said that Michael Jackson never did anything that made them feel uncomfortable. He was quite a philanthropist with children and their causes. He gave millions of dollars to different organizations. He was found not guilty on each and every count because he was innocent. I believe that he was very strange and child like but maybe that’s because he didn’t ever get to experience a childhood.
Is it possible that he felt more comfortable in the company of children because he lived vicariously through their innocence? I watched the Mashir piece and it made me uncomfortable because he was so different but not scared for the children. He was very odd but what a talented individual.
RIP Michael. I hope whatever is on the Other Side will bring you the Peace you never found here on Earth.
Comment by sarah — 6/26/2009 @ 4:51 pm
Thanks for posting this. Many of my friends have suddenly become MJ fans again, and I have refrained from saying anything because I didn’t want to get in an argument. To suddenly offer praise in his direction after so many years of making jokes at his expense would be hypocritical of me.
Comment by Monthigos — 6/26/2009 @ 4:59 pm
#21 indeed you are sooo correctomundo. Guilty until proven innocent. And paying out $20 mil or so really does indicate innocence. That and the fact one kid described his penis. Thanks for being one of those celebrity worshipping enablers. Pity Jacko couldn’t play with your kids.
Comment by Anonymous — 6/26/2009 @ 5:01 pm
Rick,
I’ve known and liked you for a long time, at least going back to working together during the primaries last year, but I disagree with a lot of what’s being said here, and this is why.
Not only was Jackson aquitted during his 2005 trial, but the whole event was a sham. In fact, it was a slam dunk not-guilty because it became so blindingly obvious to anyone who waited for all the facts to come out that it was a scam.
It’s a fact that the Aziro family tried to scam numerous celebrities (not all were left wingers) and most, if not all of them, spoke out on these matters.
The stories of the prosecution witnesses were so twisted and contradictory of each other that it was blindingly obvious that they were lying.
Does that mean that Jackson never molested a child? Of course not. Just like it’s possible that anyone who is found innocent of a crime may have committed the act and gotten away with it. However, unlike the Simpson case, the family that accused Jacko’s story was so worthless by the time the trial ended that they had no legs to bring forth a civil suit.
Of course, I wouldn’t let my child spend the night with Michael Jackson unchaperoned. At the same time, I wouldn’t let my child spend the night with any adult unchaperoned who wasn’t related to me. In fact, any adult that would let their child spend unchaperoned nights with any adult because they were a celebrity has serious problems. Here’s a question to all of those on here that I read on a message board somewhere today:
“If your child was molested, how many millions would it take for you to drop the case? Which would involve telling your child to lie to the prosecutor.”
I’m not even saying that Jackson is innocent, he was definitely a strange person, but I’m not going to declare him guilty for the same reasons. I respect the laws of the United States, and since there were no subsequent actions taken in other avenues, then it’s because the legal avenues are exhausted.
Comment by Tommy Oliver — 6/26/2009 @ 5:32 pm
Saying that the man is untalented or limited in his talent is subjective, regardless of what you think he did had talent, he could sing and dance. Wether or not it was good in your oppinion, i dont care. Comparing him with others is like comparing the taste of one fruit with another, its stupid. ” This apple is better than that apple .. ”
About the child-molestation, nobody really knows wether or not he did anything, however i think you cannot link that to thee fact that he was a born entertainer. The first has nothing to do with the other, its like saying John Travolta is a bad actor because he believes in Scientology.(talking about idiots)
I think you have a genuine dislike towards the man, wich is your right, but you try to prove that with irrelevant arguments and comparisons that dont make sence.
In my opinion just say that you dont like him and be done with it dont be a wise-ass and try to cover it with sweet talk.
Comment by Dave — 6/26/2009 @ 7:02 pm
Here’s my guess… Rick knows a lot more about music (and possibly dance) than he is letting on. I’m guessing that Rick is classically trained, probably did some theatre, maybe did a little dancing (my guess tap or ballroom). Come clean Rick… your MJ critiques are too technical for a layman. I seem to (vaguely) remember a previous post where you “confess” to a theatre background… am I remembering correctly?
Comment by lionheart — 6/26/2009 @ 7:40 pm
When all is said and done, a dead pedophile is still a pedophile.
Comment by Sponagle — 6/26/2009 @ 7:42 pm
Add to say, I wouldn’t leave my child with “any” movie or music star.
Comment by Sharon R — 6/26/2009 @ 8:02 pm
Marketing. You nailed it! I don’t agree with you more than 50% of the time but this was a brave and honest evaluation of mainstream pop culture at it’s worst. He was a meal ticket for all who allowed this sad soul to decay before our eyes.
Comment by CZ — 6/26/2009 @ 8:30 pm
Rick, I wouldn’t say that the people on your list are not talented (they most definitely are). However, the list does reveal that you may not be the best judge of talent in the realm of rock music. Clearly, that genre is not your favorite. Jes’ sayin’
Comment by Funeral Guy — 6/26/2009 @ 9:07 pm
Thank you for speaking out! I’m so upset that his death is given as much air time as a president’s would have been given. The man abused kids and bought his way out of it, a fact that is being brushed over by the media. A couple of catchy tunes and videos, maybe, but nothing compared to true artists of our past and NOTHING that would excuse his child abuse habits.
Comment by Elizabeth — 6/26/2009 @ 9:12 pm
Elvis and Jackson sold more records than Sinatra or any of the other entertainers that the editor of this blog mentions. The truth is that as Elvis got older, his voice matured. He knew that he couldn’t keep singing teenie bopper music. He changed his style by switching to pop with a helping of rock now and then. Yet he managed to still outsell all of the other singers in his era. Yes he also did some crazy things. But all those who knew him said he was one of the most generous persons that lived. Often helping total strangers because he heard that they needed help. Even though he has been dead for over thirty years his estate is still profiting from his talent more than any other deceased celebrity and that includes Frank Sinatra. Granted Jackson had a really weird lifestyle. Was he a child molester ? I don’t know and neither does any other person who isn’t directly involved with the matter. I hear that he also was the type of person who would help a person out who was down on his luck. The man is an enigma within an enigma. As far as talent goes ,his singing voice never matured where he could sing other songs that appeal to those fans of his who have outgrown their teenie bopper years. That was one of his problems. ;his fans had grown but he hadn’t. Just one thing. Sinatra owned the Cal Neva lodge that was mobbed up with the Chicago Mob and Giancana. He was also known to associate with mobsters. Some notable authors and journalist have written that he was the go between between the Kennedys and the mob. Does this make him a mobster? Just wondering. By the way. I think that Sinatra was one of the top five singer of our era. I am glad to have MJ Elvis, Holly, Drifters, Sinatra,Streisand, Garland as well as the Beatles ,Doors and Stones in my collection.
Comment by roaddog — 6/26/2009 @ 10:06 pm
Rick just how old are you dude? Sinatra, Bennet, Garland! What about Bing Crosby and Rudy Valle? I bet you think that the foxtrot is cool. I am sorry man. But if your younger than 60 and you believe that the rat pack is hip, you’ve got to be a Republican.
There are a lot of contemporary artists with more talent than Jackson. My point was to highlight artists who could sing and dance better than he could. An incomplete list to be sure and dominated by giants whose contributions to the American songbook will still be acknowledged 100 years from now where Michael Jackson will be a pleasant memory in the minds of his fans during their lifetimes only. This is the difference between Jackson and anyone on my list (Merman, Peters, and Tunes are legends on Broadway - Merman has been dead for decades and she is still recalled with awe.)
Jackson had presence (which I suppose is a talent of sorts), a marvelous flair for the dramatic - both on and off stage - and recognized trends in pop and the industry before they became popular; a sure sign of genius - in marketing. But as I’ve been trying to make the point - beyond the pedophilia - the scales do not balance. On one side, you have the real Michael Jackson of limited talent and historical impact. On the other side, you have this gargantuan coverage - wall to wall cable news, specials on The Big Three networks, millions of words written in respectable, supposedly non-tabloid media. There is a disconnect that just doesn’t add up.
ed.
Comment by non gop — 6/26/2009 @ 11:54 pm
well micheal slithered his way out of being convicted of child molestation in court….but he’s now where he’s being judged again and can’t buty his way out of this one….justice is being serverd and jackson will server in hell for it…..JUSTICE FINALLY SERVERD!!
Comment by acidburn — 6/27/2009 @ 12:07 am
michael jackson was a strange person.
i think that he was a good performer. he had some alright songs but none that i would call classics.
i would say the chances of him being a pedo are extremely high. i don’t understand why so many people love him after he has done such things and is so creepy.
Oh, and in relation to one of JonnyBoy’s comments: i believe that man hasn’t landed on the moon but i don’t deny the holocaust. you shouldn’t always believe what you see on tv. you are being narrow-minded by saying what you did. and i think michael jackson did have talent but there were others who were more talented than him.
Comment by boda — 6/27/2009 @ 3:38 am
My hat’s off to you. Michael Jackson was a pedophile. Although “not convicted” in our ingorant world… he will be judged. Not for his “talent” but for the wake of young boys he left destroyed and for those who procurred boys for his perversion… may they and he all be judged by Him.
Comment by Liz — 6/27/2009 @ 7:03 am
… and I am sick and tired of hearing that he didn’t have a childhood. What a crock of s–t! Michael Jackson toured the world with all his brothers. They played in hotel rooms. Had pillow fights, ate the best foods, were beautifully clothed. My heart goes out to children in this world who really never had a childhood! Michael Jackson never wanted for anything. Motown took care of him and his whole family.
Comment by Liz — 6/27/2009 @ 7:11 am
I think you’re all missing the point.
~”Television coverage of Iran’s turmoil has fallen since Jackson’s death Thursday; on the Twitter micro-blogging site, Iran remained among the most discussed topics, but fell below Jackson and comments about the movie “Transformers 2.”
That’s the end of the article on Comcast news about the gasping uprising in Iran.
Comment by Snarkydoodle — 6/27/2009 @ 9:16 am
I’m not convinced MJ was a pedophile. As a matter of fact I don’t believe he was a pedophile. Yet he clearly was a troubled man.
Matt Taibbi, a reporter I have utmost respect for, and one who spent considerable time with MJ, called him asexual.
Anyways, I am grateful for MJ’s contributions to the world. He brought a lot of joy to me and my family.
If you guys want to go after pedophiles why don’t you look up the Catholic Church. Lots of them there. And the church is covering for them.
Comment by jharp — 6/27/2009 @ 10:04 am
JHarp… did you read Matt’s piece on alternet.org “Suck on our Yachts…” excellent.
lol Catholics.
Comment by Snarkydoodle — 6/27/2009 @ 10:52 am
Snarkydoodle,
Just did and it is excellent. Taibbi often nails it and he did again. Here it is if anyone else is interested.
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/140806/%22suck_on_our_yachts%22:_goldman_sachs_issues_non-apology_for_destroying_the_world_economy/
Comment by jharp — 6/27/2009 @ 11:17 am
@#21 and #23:
You are right that there is no “proof”, conclusive proof, that he was a pedo. Legally, he was certainly guilty until proven innocent, and I’ll stand by that happily.
However, there is a difference between legally convicted and “they did it”. In a criminal trial, no one is ever determined to be innocent — only “not sufficiently proven guilty”. OJ was found not guilty — does that mean that based on all the facts I heard I should assume that he didn’t commit the crime?
Personally, I believe that MJ did commit some pedo-esque act(s). It had nothing to do with the trial. The documentary sealed the deal for me. Unfortunately, I’ve known too many pedophiles (and falsely-accused pedophiles) and had to work closely with them. Every single one had a certain, undefinable tenor and phrasing to their speech about the allegations. I know that’s sounds unbelievably subjective (and it certainly is), but I came to rely on that tell, and in my opinion I was never proven wrong once the facts came out. MJ had it in that video, 100%.
Comment by busboy33 — 6/27/2009 @ 11:30 am
On of the wonderful things about music is that different styles appeal to different people, allowing a huge cornucopia of music to choose from. Musical talent and musicianship don’t have a lot to do with record sales. Personal taste does. Rick sees Ethel Merman as a very talented Broadway legend. That’s good. When I listened to Merman, I heard loud yowling. To each his own. My favorite music may not appeal to you and your favorites may not appeal to me. You nor I are wrong, just different. Of course, I am a liberal and see a lot of things as subjective in nature. Conservatives tend to see things as black and white, right or wrong, and liberal tend to see many shades of gray and personal choice as important. I don’t think conservatives are bad, we just see things differently.
And yes, Michael Jackson was a very sick little shrapnel of humanity.
Nothing whatsoever to do with politics, political ideology, or anything like that. I am an expert. And I put it to you that judging talent is hardly subjective and is based on experience and knowledge - two attributes that I happen to have in this area.
It is likely you heard Merman in her late 50’s or 60’s. I would direct your attention to the original cast album of Annie Get your Gun.. She brought the house down night after night - the same held true for Hello Dolly, and especially her turn as Rose in Gypsy which many critics believe to be the greatest performance in the history of musical comedy. Her stage presence would have dwarfed Jackson if the two appeared together.
I agree that liking styles of music is a matter of taste and personal preference. But talent is talent to someone who recognizes it and has learned to evaluate it. As an actor, director, dancer, it was a survival skill for anyone wishing to make a living in the business. Being able to gauge the competition was necessary for success.
btw - I have met more close minded, smug, self righteous liberals in my time than conservatives. Your analysis of right-left is so ridiculously generalized as to render it pathetically ignorant. Advice: Take people one at a time as they come at you. Otherwise, you end up looking pretty silly when saying that conservatives or liberals “tend” to analyze the world a certain way.
ed.
Comment by still liberal — 6/27/2009 @ 11:54 am
Rick,
Sorry, but no one in the contemprory music world is going to live up to your expectations and standards.
You are clearly an old timer
With all that being said, i can still remember the time i tried to imitate his break dance moves, just like the millions of other kids around the world. He was a remarkable entertainer and he singlehandedly made the American music scene more global than all the greats before him.
of course as some one pointed out, his music unfortunately lead to a slew of copycat wannabes (thats you Justin Timberlake) as well.
Comment by Nagarajan Sivakumar — 6/27/2009 @ 3:05 pm
here is Jordy Chandlers statement !!! http://www.politics.ie/chat/80717-michael-jackson-paedophile.html
Comment by rob — 6/27/2009 @ 3:13 pm
GET OVER IT ! THIS GUY WAS SICK ! A PEDOPHILE ! HE WANTED TO BE “WHITE” AND DIANA ROSS AT THE SAME TIME ! QUITE FRANKLY HE WAS A BETTER DIANA ROSS THAN SHE WAS ! WHAT A BUNCH OF WORTHLESS “FREAKS’ ! GET A “WORKING ” USEFUL LIFE TO HELP OTHERS !
Comment by SICK OF IT — 6/27/2009 @ 4:15 pm
What I find amazing, is that while right-wing would describe the left as “emotional” and manipulative, you lot have shown yourselves to be experts at this. “THIS GUY WAS A PEDOPHILE!! HE RAPED CHILDREN!! END OF STORY!”
Wow, *amazing* rationalism and factualism there. Very practical and realistic approach. Even if you are right and he did rape children - you do know that you still only GUESSED correctly, and thereby your point is still not’ but air. The cold hard truth, you cold-hard-truth-lovers, is that you don’t know, I don’t know, nobody knows except the people who were there. That’s the cold hard truth. And I find it pathetic how self-righteous people become when they get to bluff with a card as horrible as “pedophile”. Get over yourselves - you don’t know SHIT. Just like I don’t know shit. You’re guessing, so don’t pretend to be better than anyone else by using terms like “childrape” to scare people into agreeing with you. Low.
I don’t know what he did or didn’t do. Whatever happened, justice will find him - in the afterlife now, obviously. It isn’t up to YOU or ME to judge this situation, it is up to us to take care of the children we CAN protect. What you are all doing is easy, cheap and incredibly shallow. Talk about narcissism.
Comment by Jake — 6/27/2009 @ 5:10 pm
I am troubled by people in general in this case and in other cases. It seems as if the world has somehow tunrned upside down. If there is one scintilla of evidence of something—people become SUPER DETECTIVES and enjoy ferreting out the perpetrator. CSI and Law & Order shows proove that. But if a MOUNTAIN of evidence exists—the opposite happens. People almost take a perverse pleasure in denying the obvious. The jury in the MJ case obviously succumbed to this faulty logic. They stupidly believed that if they were convinced he was guilty they had some duty to find him NOT GUILTY! This is not logic. The law regarding this even states that they could use past evidence of molestation behavior as AN INDICATOR OF GUILT in the trial. So instead they did the opposite and said he probably did it before but that was not evidence he did it then. VERY STUPID. There is so much evidence against MJ that he was a pedophile. You would have to believe an elaborate conspiracy involving hundreds of people clever enough to convince three boys who all look alike to lie and be humiliated. There is so much evidence that it constitutes an almost surreal and over the top obvious quality. But people still say “well–we don’t know”. The OJ case was the same. The guy has the victims blood on him and in his car and people perversely believe a conspiracy rather than the obvious. MJ was a pedophile. Too bad because he was also an entertainer who people enjoyed. Following some peoples logic–I guess three boys who all look alike who say Mj molested (but were lying) really lucked out that MJ had child porn in his house and also slept in bed with them. I guess the more outrageously bad you behave the more people let you off the hook. To all these people saying MJ was innocent. Please learn to process information in a logical way.
Comment by kl — 6/27/2009 @ 5:24 pm
Rick said:
“Nothing whatsoever to do with politics, political ideology, or anything like that. I am an expert. And I put it to you that judging talent is hardly subjective and is based on experience and knowledge - two attributes that I happen to have in this area.”
I spoke of musical preference and record sales, neither of which has much to do with talent. It would appear that your expertise is Broadway and musical theater, and I appreciate your knowledge and expertise. However, the talent that it takes to succeed there would not be recognized talent for a blues singer, a country singer or a lot of other genres. Judging talent is not subjective, but it is genre specific. And your knowledge and experience would not be worth two cents in the aforementioned genres or dozens of others, including pop music. Comparisons across genres is illogical, if not simply stupid. Comparing Michael Jackson to Ethel Merman, as if he had presented himself as a musical theater star, makes no sense. It would seem someone so enlightened and knowledgeable as yourself would not fall into such a simplistic trap. It would rather be like comparing a Formula One car driver to a racehorse jockey. Yes, they both race and yes there are some with much more ability than others, but saying Willie Shoemaker couldn’t compare to Juan Fangio is just silly. And an expert on either would be a fool for making a comparison. You missed the mark by a country mile on this one and no amount of insults and name calling can rescue you.
And of course I apologize for my idiotic comparison of left and right. How could I forget conservatism’s unwavering adherence to moral relativism and multiculturalism that finds value in all cultures, while the rigid, intolerant liberals insist on seeing American values as something the world either envies or despises, because they are just the best. Ta,ta!
Comment by still liberal — 6/27/2009 @ 5:40 pm
Charlotte well said. He was a pedophile and a very sick man, that being said people refuse to see that, and no one wants to believe someone could be guilty of such an unbelievable act of cruelty but the world has lost one more threat to worry about.
Comment by Jarrett L. Wilson — 6/27/2009 @ 7:27 pm
Let’s bury him and forget him, OK?
Comment by mannning — 6/27/2009 @ 9:08 pm
Michael Jackson just died? I thought he died many years ago!
Seriously, no one seemed to mention the irony that his efforts to prolong and enhance his life actually doomed it. Indeed, no amount of plastic surgery, enhanced oxygen therapy, sex with little boys, or body-building drugs will extend your life. Indeed, when God or Satan calls you, you gotta go. (Perhaps I will put off my laser eye-surgery, hair transplant, and liposuction for yet another year.)
Another thing is, how may of us can be so lucky as to have a personally-hired, medical doctor on-hand when we keel over with a drug-or-narscissism-induced heart failure?
I don’t know what it is with white women and blacks like Jackson and Obama. Is it the money, or their voice, or their big noses? What ever it is, they all get hysterical at the slightest thought or mention of them. And I thought Americans were racist. I guess I learn something new every day.
–
Disclaimer - I just said what?
Comment by RSJ — 6/27/2009 @ 9:27 pm
While it is sad that MJ passed, it is not surprising. What SHOULD be surprising is how ignorant these masses who flock together to “mourn” are while their reality is that their country is dying.
One of the best lines in a movie ever: “Never underestimate the power of denial,” by Kevin Spacey’s character in American Beauty. So it’s not surprising, these deep-denial America-haters who embrace evil and call it good, as they mourn the passing of one of their false idols. They will have another one soon enough. And us redneck gun-toting bible-reading in NON-denial will be out trying to save and retain some semblance of freedom and liberty.
Comment by Lori — 6/27/2009 @ 11:46 pm
Rick,
I can understand where u are comming from, but I have to agree with Nagarajan..none the artist of today will be good enough for u..Micheal, may have been repetitive in his dancing style but arent most artist repetitive…plus it didnt hurt his pockets..
Micheal jackson is the only artist I can think of who’s music was loved everywhere around the world by all races.He was treated like he was above human. Elvis and the beatles didnt do that.. when u saw a child in one of those 3rd world countries with a ” beat it” shirt on, that says a whole lot.
Comment by kendra — 6/27/2009 @ 11:54 pm
Michael Jackson was a pedophile and paid the families to keep quiet that is why he was never convicted of those charges. The man obviously had problems. His “dream team” is the only thing that saved him.
Comment by Bethany Wilson — 6/28/2009 @ 12:33 am
Just because someone is extremely strange, eccentric, bizarre, and mysterious doesn’t mean that person is a pedophile. Michael Jackson just didn’t care what anyone thought about him, hindered by the norms of society. Who knows, maybe in a hundred years extensive plastic surgery may become the norm of society. After all, several hundred years ago, fat women were considered better-looking than skinny women. Nowadays, skinny women are considered better-looking than fat women. Although whatever society thinks doesn’t matter at all, people are too easily influenced by what other people do or think. They are dependent on others and don’t know how to think or act for themselves.
Comment by LMAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAO — 6/28/2009 @ 12:42 am
I took him for what he was….a trememdous talent with a sick personality. I liked him for his musical talent, but I don’t idolize him. Every person has the right to lead a “strange, eccentric, bizarre and mysterious” life. In my opinion, we’ve had far greater people in the past to idolize.
People forget he was just a person. I have sympathy for his family for their loss of a relative. But the media coverage tells us where are priorities are. They’re cashing in by keeping his memory alive.
Comment by Bill — 6/28/2009 @ 4:55 am
Still amazed at how sure of themselves people are about the pedophile conviction.
You do all realize that if Michael Jackson would have wanted to have sex with children without anyone knowing, he could have done that without anyone knowing? It’s the guilty ones who look innocent. Michael admitted to his strange affection for children (was it natural? no - but that doesn’t make it pedophilia, you idiots) because he genuinely believed he did nothing wrong. If he had a guilty conscience he wouldn’t have talked about it so publically.
You may say that “that’s because he thought pedophilia was innocent and normal” - many pedophiles genuinely think they would never hurt a child (because they love them).
Then my question still remains, why he would so publically show affection for children when he could have gone to go to Thailand and nobody would ever know. That’s right. Beyond the fact that pedophiles generally blend in rather than stand out, Jackson had the means to hide it well and forever if he had sex with kids. Does not fitting the profile make him innocent?
No. Because again I DON’T KNOW. And it would be nice to see all you so-called righteous people admit that, too. You don’t know. Let it go and protect the children who can still be protected. You can’t only campaign for these things when it’s easy and convenient. Go out and do something.
Comment by Jake — 6/28/2009 @ 5:35 am
The subject is Michael Jackson, and his singing
was fair to good. He reached highest popularity in
the late 70s to mid 80s because HE was influenced
by Disco and like many other singers, and
tried to make their music sound more like Disco
because they were sell-outs. Jackson’s music
mimicked Disco and since Disco was a frenzy
phenomena nearly anyone who rode that genre
got very popular. That genre of music spawn more
one hit wonders in such a short period, it was
a real money maker. Instant success if you had the right beat.
Jackson was a pedophile. The Jackson that I know
and enjoyed listening to died 17 years ago.
When you read the police investigators reports
and when you read testimony of children who
were able to describe the appearance of his genitals,..
then you know he was a pedophile.
That degenerate behavior should never
be forgiven.
Comment by DJ Frankee Cee — 6/28/2009 @ 9:49 am
I disagree with you saying’ that Michael Jackson had a very limted talent abillty!.He was able to sing live and sound the same able to write his own sings too.If you really think that then you must be tone deaf!.Michael Jackson was tallented!.I will tell you what he has a hell of a lot more talent then you ever will!.You jealous spitfull nasty basterd!.Michael Jackson is a person!.It does matter that he has died.Lets’ hope that when you die people will show you more compassion then you have for Michael Jackson!.Growup!.
That’s what I love about this thread. All the kids (or people with the brains of adolescents) trying to express themselves and invariably proving the efficacy of all the criticism directed against our public education system. Misspelled incoherency. This one will probably end up president of Government Motors when she grows up.
ed.
Comment by Jasmin — 6/28/2009 @ 11:11 am
LMAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAO Said:
> “After all, several hundred years ago,
> fat women were considered better-looking
> than skinny women. Nowadays, skinny
> women are considered better-looking
> than fat women.”
At the risk of being way, way off topic:
I think we men have been genetically
programmed to prefer slender (healthy)
women over fat (unhealthy) women.
People who have ever said they
prefer fat ladies, do so because
they can’t get the slender ladies,
or were participating in a college prank.
If you are a guy, could you imagine
any of your ancesters ever prefering a
250 pound rhino over a 120 pound cutie?
What causes fat people? Perhaps:
Sedentary lifestyles, poor eating
habits, depression (because they are
fat and lonely), and [some say] a
good economy. [I say it is over-
consumption of soft drinks heavly
laden with sugar and mildly addictive
additives.]
Getting a bit back on topic: I think
that appearance preferences are
genetically programmed. Plastic
surgery and cosmetics serve
to deceive potential mates, or
satisfy your own narcissism. I
don’t know who Michael Jackson
was trying to decieve, perhaps
little boys?
Black and dark skin evolved to
protect the people who lived in the
tropics from skin cancer. Light
skin evolved in the temperate
zones to help the body produce
vitamin D. Of course, the selection
pressure are reduced in today’s
world of medicine, vitamins,
and clothing. But, that is why
we are different colors.
Michael Jackson said he had
some kind of skin disease that
made him “white”. I’m sure he
had a disease, and it did make
him white, but I don’t think it
was as he explained it.
–
Disclaimer: I just said what?
Comment by RSJ — 6/28/2009 @ 12:10 pm
The little bastard (Jordan Chandler)that accused Michael Jackson of molestation 16 years ago has just admitted he lied.
“Now for the first time I can’t bare to lie anymore. Michael Jackson didn’t do anything to me, all was my father lies to escape from being poor.”
All that Michael gave to us all he wanted was us to believed in him and love him. Now he is dead because he was hurt and destroyed by the media and his fans who turn their backs on him.
Comment by MsLady — 6/28/2009 @ 1:05 pm
I don’t know which is stranger. The group yelling “Michael Jackson is the greatest entertainer of all time and the entire world should be morning his loss”! Or the other group yelling “he’s an evil pedophile and should rightly burn in the lower reaches of hell”!
Uh, no and no.
With few exceptions, his work has gone the way of most Pop - instantly forgettable. With the exception of Thriller, most would have trouble recalling anything he did.
As for his being a pedophile, how much money would it take for you to set your child up to be molested? Or how much money would it take to make you go away if they were? He did the wrong thing - which was pay for the story to go away. Unfortunately there are people out there ready to believe anything about him because he was so damn weird. They take payment of a settlement as something other the proof of to many American Lawyer’s decision to practice blackmail, rather then law. Also these people forget that this (for how much longer, I don’t know)is a capitalist society. If one outcome is going to cost me $35,000,000 and another outcome is going to cost me $20,000,000, most Americans will take the $20,000,000. It’s just good business not to be bothered with the expense and uncertain outcome of a trial. It doesn’t matter if you are innocent as the day is long. I find it fascinating that those of you who still believe OJ is guilty find it strange that he’d avoid the coin toss of a trial. You obviously don’t accept the infallibility of juries.
What I think, is that Michael Jackson was a sad, sad man - who had never been allowed to be a child. Who was tremendously unhappy about who he was. And spent the rest of his life trying to make that person “disappear” and also to recapture a childhood that had been stolen from him long gone.
Comment by Mike Giles — 6/28/2009 @ 3:05 pm
You are an ignorant asshole. Michael Jackson was a great talented person. First off, how can you accuse him of being a pedophile? The man was proved innocent and unless you were there to see him actually sleeping with children you have NO RIGHT whatsoever on accusing him of anything.
Regarding his talent, you must be deaf and blind. When Michael Jackson died, a whole era died with him. Regardless of the rumors that were spread about him… the man made history. He was a sensation and it sad that there are people out there like you that only care about putting others down instead of seeing what they achieved in their lifetime and judging from your insight, it looks like way more than you.
Comment by Lina — 6/28/2009 @ 6:23 pm
What we have here are accusations. Many of them from all sides. I watched his sister, LaToya, clearly state Michael was keeping company with young boys. He admitted during an interview he slept with boys and sounded like he thought there was nothing strange about the behavior. He further stated he would never ever harm a child. I do not know if he was a pedophile and it is not my practice to accuse someone of something that vile without real proof. I here the voice of the accusers however I have not hears one voice of a victim.
Comment by Zelsdorf Ragshaft III — 6/28/2009 @ 6:31 pm
Heard not hears, sorry.
Comment by Zelsdorf Ragshaft III — 6/28/2009 @ 6:32 pm
[...] of his life; ever the opportunists, I guess there’s no reason to let a good tragedy go to waste. Right Wing Nut House MICHAEL JACKSON, WORLD FAMOUS PEDOPHILE, DEAD AT 50 __________________ "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the [...]
Pingback by Michael Jackson and Farrah died today - Page 6 - Expedite Trucking Forums — 6/28/2009 @ 9:55 pm
Well I guess none of you that are accusing someone and sending them to hell because of something someone said without any proof of anything. Even the detectives found nothing. After hundreds of children being at MJ’s home why is it the the one’s on welfare suddenly says molestation. Think about it if someone molest your child there shouldn’t be any money exchanged. There’s no amount of money that could be given to me if someone messes with one of my children in that way, he would pray that they get to jail before I got to him. (the love of money is the root of all evil) and all of you that are accusing just look back at some of the things you’ve done and stop judging because the bible says there is no little sin and there’s no big sin. SIN IS SIN. God says that he will judge, now MJ was acquitted by the justice system because of lack of evidence yet the PUBLIC SYSTEM wants to commit him to hell with no evidence and the very ones accusing problem can’t open your closet without millions of skeletons falling out. If now that MJ is gone and the accusers come out and admits nothing happened, and MJ died from stress and being heartbroken for these accusations, all of you that are calling him a pedophile when then be murderers so now how do you like yourself???
Comment by Big Will — 6/29/2009 @ 11:08 pm
Lol this site is repetitive would rather do a creepy dance then want to agree what you say your just spitting out words just to make yourself look good i mean i know your mother and father raped you when you were young but its obvious your hiding it by typing out un-researched words about a man.
Comment by Rat Boy — 6/29/2009 @ 11:47 pm
I’m glad he’s gone. I may sound cold, but I believe there’s a special place in Hell reserved for child molestors. Jackson was a good entertaining, but a messed up crazy person who did some really horrible things.
Comment by barry — 6/30/2009 @ 2:02 am
Poignantly described chronology. The creep, regardless of molestation issues, provided little or no contribution to the world of musical talent. He could dance and squeak. So what? The merit of his musical accomplishment is meagre. POP IS LIKE POPCORN WITHOUT BUTTER OR SALT, (tasteless and tiresome). Good riddance of a diddler.
Comment by Mark — 6/30/2009 @ 4:31 am
Oh! I forgot to reference the issue of female contact. Pricilla was clearly involved as an agent to control damage. The creep had no interest in the sexual latitude. The freak liked little boys, not hot babes. Come on you loser disbelievers, the punk liked little boys. The interview catalogued and categorized the creepy diddler.
I am disturbed by the public reaction. You do not drop 20 million on a case that you can win. He liked to play with little boys. Can U grip reality?…. no i grip toddlers
MJ, Michael (diddler) jackson
Comment by Mark — 6/30/2009 @ 5:01 am
Looooooooool
This is so ridiculous! First of all, you can say what you want but Michael jackson revolutionized pop. So he deserves some respect. Secondly most of the things you say are based on assumptions, and i know from experience that assumptions can be VERY wrong.
There was no hard evidence that Michael Jackson did anything with any young boys. All the media coverage and people like you making assumptions that you have based on NO evidence drove Michael Jackson crazy and he started on drugs… so before you go and accuse anyone of anything, take a look at WHO ruined someones life!
Cheers.
Comment by Jess — 6/30/2009 @ 3:18 pm
Jackson was talented because he sold millions of albums and he had many number 1’s -this wouldn’t be possible with no talent michael I admire you for your music and your spirit will last forever and so will your stunning music. R.I.P michael Jackson you are truly a legend and I can’t believe you have died and to everyone who hates Jackson read the facts he was amazing at music though the pedophile side of him was unclear for me so I don’t know what to think. You have inspired many people Jackson so you can be proud of your achievements. R.I.P Jackson
Comment by Sam balmforth — 6/30/2009 @ 4:09 pm
its terrible that we excuse the actions of this pedofile just cause he has talent…the freak was sick and we shouldn’t praise that in the least!!!
Comment by acidburn — 6/30/2009 @ 5:18 pm
Artists take what is in their environment or whatever influences them and make it their own. Jackson did. If you got your biggest thrill out of his best selling songs(most “pop”ular songs), then by your own admission you were a fan of his mass marketed hits. Just like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, Jackson was masterful at the dance moves people wanted to see in his time. Just like Garland, Sinatra and Davis Jr., he was masterful at making the songs people of his time wanted to hear. He was a great performer. Other then that, he’s a child molester and should burn in hell.
Comment by zach — 7/1/2009 @ 4:27 pm
I mourn the loss of that beautiful little boy, the handsome young man who we saw perform “Don’t stop ’til you get enough” & “Rock with you”. My mind is having trouble believing that HE just died last week, when that person died in the early 80s.
My question is (for those who believe in MJs innocence re child molestation charges) is what possible use could that secret bedroom have had in his house??? And what was with the sensors alerting him to anyone approaching his bedroom?
I believe that if he was guilty (and I’m still on the fence about it), he himself was also a victim. (Not that it would be any excuse btw.) He seemed like such a tender child and soft person when he was young. Perfect prey for a pedophile, and left unprotected in a very adult world by his terrorising, selfish father.
Comment by LM — 7/1/2009 @ 5:52 pm
We as humans don’t care to know about people who we don’t like, So if someone believes Michael is a child molestor that will possibly be their opinion till the end. I don’t think it is easyily reversable…case in point two years ago, ( a year after my appearence on American Idol) someone sent a message to me on youtube telling me Michael’s ‘93 accuser had admitted while he was in school that he lied and that Michael didn’t molest him…2 years later, Michael dies blogs start ringing in echoing the same claim…while other bloggers go into a state of denial…I believe it got leaked out by a friend, but MJ’s dignity will always be shattered by hatred, and not by fact. People don’t like to believe what they don’t want…that goes for MJ fans too.
Comment by Seth Strickland — 7/1/2009 @ 11:17 pm
right wing nuthouse-the title says it all. bunch of loosers
What’s a “looser?” Looser than what? Your hold on reality?
ed.
Comment by donna — 7/2/2009 @ 12:35 am
Ok.We will never know the truth of what happened behind closed doors. Was he eccentric? Sure. Innocent until proven guilty. Were any of you in the room with these children and Michael Jackson when the molestation was occuring? Would I want me children sleeping in his bed no. Where were these parents while this was going on? Pimping out their kids for cash? even if my father wanted to sleep in the same bed as my son I wouldn’t let him. Come on people maybe he did maybe he didn’t but just let it rest. The guy is gone let him rest in the peace he never had on earth.
Comment by Anonymous — 7/2/2009 @ 12:36 pm
If there was any conclusive evidence that MJ had done anything to those kids he would have been found guilty. He wasn’t found guilty.
You can pull any allegation out your ass and claim it to be true but it has to be proven.
Comment by Scott — 7/3/2009 @ 12:46 pm
So I guess OJ’s innocent too?
Comment by Robert — 7/3/2009 @ 2:36 pm
Scott said:…might want to get ur facts straight, he wsent cleared of the charges, there just wasent enough evidence against him to convict. NOT quite the same as being found not guilty …and if he was innocent the why did he settle out of court for 20 million….the he was a freak so maybe he just wanted to give 20 million away for no reason.
Comment by acidburn — 7/3/2009 @ 2:40 pm
Section 3 paragraph g.
the parties recognize that the settlement payment set forth in this paragraph are in settlement of claims by June, Evan and Jordan Chandler for alleged compensatory damages for alleged personal injuries arising out of claims of negligence and not for claims of intentional or wrongful acts of sexual molestation.
Settlement Agreement: January 20-25 1994
Comment by Seth Strickland — 7/4/2009 @ 12:45 am
This is why there’s a song called Leave me Alone
What if both boys had materialistic parents that would do anything for money? Would that be the first time a celebrity was exploited? NO of course not.
Get over yourselves It’s all about the money. If MJ wanted little boys he could have gone anywhere in the world and never been found out.
Work on it Kids it’ll come to you
Comment by carol — 7/5/2009 @ 12:06 pm
here’s another one for you Why not focus on all the charities he supported, how he felt compelled to help so many people that were worse off. How anyone can focus on the negative when Michael went out of his way to share his wealth is surprising to me.
You all should celebrating the memories of the good that he did
Comment by carol — 7/5/2009 @ 12:41 pm
I agree 100%. MJ is a PEDOPHILE and its disturbing how people who like his music are willing to accept and overlook that he is sexual child molestor. Sleeping with kids is NOT NORMAL or acceptable behavior for an adult!
MICHAEL JACKSON is a DISGUSTING PERVERTED PEDOPHILE MONSTER!
P.S. Being abused in your childhood is not a reason for abusing others, it’s an excuse.
Comment by ZeeFashionista — 7/6/2009 @ 5:20 pm
carol Said: 12:06 pm
“This is why there’s a song called Leave me Alone”
No it means leave me alone with the boys!
Comment by ZeeFashionista — 7/6/2009 @ 5:22 pm
I hope a pathetic blog like this makes you sleep better at night you dumbazz
mike did more for the world(countless joy, millions of dollars donated than your internet blogging self will ever dream of….
try again though…
oh and HAHAHAH @ TALLENTLESS
hate is a strong drink isnt it?
Comment by Luke — 7/6/2009 @ 7:11 pm
P.S. Being abused in your childhood is not a reason for abusing others, it’s an excuse.
you know that for a fact^^^^^^^????
if you actully reserch the fact you’ll learn that mike was innocent http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Jackson-Conspiracy-Aphrodite-Jones/dp/0979549809
not to menton the first kid
When District Attorney Tom Sneddon smugly announced that Michael Jackson was to be criminally charged, and that Neverland was being raided, he was so blinded by greed, jealousy and vengeance that he could not see that the degenerate family he had sided with, the Arvizo family, in order to try and take Michael Jackson’s freedom from him, and ruin his reputation, all so that Sneddon could bask in glory, would actually bring Sneddon the ultimate humiliation. Sneddon’s case against Michael Jackson was built on lies, and was created by liars, and Sneddon got exactly what he deserved, failure!!!
When Michael Jackson was put on trial, accused of having molested Gavin Arvizo — who had learnt from his family how to extort people — the media refused to tell the truth. The media refused to acknowledge, or discuss, what was actually going on in the courtroom that was favorable to Michael Jackson. The testimony that pointed to Michael Jackson’s innocence, the success Michael Jackson’s attorneys had in exposing the prosecution case for what it was, sham, was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth.
When prosecution witnesses who desired to fill their pockets with Michael Jackson’s money, who hoped to become rich by selling false stories, who falsely accused Michael Jackson, and who made up as many lies as possible, as horrible as possible, to extort as much money as possible from Michael Jackson, were exposed, it was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth.
When the accuser, Gavin Arvizo, and his family, mother Janet Arvizo, and siblings Star Arvizo and Davellin Arvizo, stumbled over their lies, contradicted themselves continually, became argumentative when presented with facts that proved they were liars and extortionists, it was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth.
When Michael Jackson’s young cousin testified that the accuser, Gavin Arvizo, and Gavin’s brother Star tried to get him to masturbate in their presence, it was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth.
When it was revealed that Michael Jackson’s former employees only claimed to have seen inappropriate behavior by Michael Jackson AFTER THEY WERE OFFERED MONEY AND PAID BY TABLOIDS/THE MEDIA, it was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth. (Michael Jackson successfully sued these former employees many years ago, they still owe him money.)
When Michael Jackson’s current employees testified that the accuser, Gavin Arvizo, and his family slept in guesthouses at Neverland (and not in Michael Jackson’s bedroom), that they caused a great deal of trouble at Neverland, left a huge mess at Neverland, damaged and defaced property at Neverland, attacked the animals at Neverland, pulled knives on Neverland employees, stole from Neverland employees, stole from Michael Jackson, extorted Neverland employees by lying about their financial circumstances, extorted the government by lying about their financial circumstances, extorted other celebrities by lying to them and falsely accusing them, caused trouble wherever they went, and to whoever was unlucky enough to befriend them, overall having been shown to be users, liars, thieves, troublemakers and criminals, it was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth….. until now.
Aphrodite Jones, a reporter, ashamed of her behavior during Michael Jackson’s trial, having realized that she was wrong, has written this book - “Michael Jackson Conspiracy” - which is pretty much a compact version of Michael Jackson’s trial. It details exactly what happened in the courtroom at Michael Jackson’s trial (using actual trial testimony), the facts that were revealed and exposed, the witnesses and what they stated, how Michael Jackson’s defense team managed to successfully destroy prosecution theories and witnesses on a daily basis, how the media did not want to report anything that was favorable to Michael Jackson or his defense team, how some media reporters had already secured deals to have access to Michael Jackson if he was to be found guilty and imprisoned (which is disgusting, because this behavior implies that these jerks preferred that a child had been molested so that they could profit), and how Michael Jackson was found NOT GUILTY by a jury that saw right through the lies, right through the Arvizo family, right through District Attorney Tom Sneddon and his sham case, and right through the media garbage that has been circulating for years about Michael Jackson.
So, if you want the truth about Michael Jackson, how he has become a target for liars who want to become instant millionaires, and the victim of a media that promotes and prefers lies, read “Michael Jackson Conspiracy”.
Comment by james — 7/6/2009 @ 7:13 pm
Finally, a ray of reality, in the midst of, a “media storm of adoring MJ fans”.
It seems to me, that if a person was poor and acted the way MJ did, they would be labled crazy, a lunatic & yes “A Pedophile”.
Very simply & shortly incarcerated - lacking the crack legal teams that MJ & yes - OJ could afford.
In reality, MJ was wealthy financially, so instead many choose to see him an eccentric celebrity, a victim who missed his childhood and a pop icon to be worshipped, as a false idol (wealth & fame)…
Is it comedy?
Is it a tragedy?
Or is the real truth to be found, somewhere in the middle???
Comment by Paul — 7/6/2009 @ 10:12 pm
Ironically, after my post I realized, ” let him without sin cast the first stone”
On one side MJ is demonized as a pedophile ( put down so we can feel better)…
On the other, he is put up on a pedastal, essentially worshipped as a pop star…
In the end only God knows the truth & he will judge MJ - & the rest of us as well…
We are all “sinners in need of a savior”
We will reap what we sow
Judgement (getting what we deserve) for those that have judged.
Mercy (not getting what we deserve)for the Merciful.
Grace (getting what we do not deserve)for the Gracious.
So far the majority here (including me) are guilty of being judgemental & self righteous…
Is it a commentary on MJ or really a reflection of our own hardened hearts / sinfulness & idolatry???
Comment by Paul — 7/7/2009 @ 12:12 am
With a nod to Occam’s razor:
Jackson had all that surgery perform so as not to end up looking like the man he dispised as a child…his father.
Jackson, being the smallest and youngest was probally molested by his siblings, perpetuating his deviant behavior later as an adult.
Jackson paid out over 20 million to his young accuser because he was guilty.
Jackson did all that charity work in a misguided attempt to buy his way into heaven.
Jackson was addicted to drugs, surgery and attention by the media and his fans.
As much as I too enjoyed his earlier performances…he was no Sammy Davis Junior.
As to what broke the camel back for me was when the U.S. House of Representatives stopped doing the “business of the people” to honor this disturbed but talented man.
Comment by Richard — 7/7/2009 @ 9:27 am
What a circus.
Can I actually know that this guy molested children? No, because I wasn’t there. However, there are WAY too many factors that support inpropriety.
Seriously… if my son said that his friend’s father invited him to sleep in the same bed with him, to “cuddle” and “tickle” like MJ said in one of his entirely creepy interviews, I’d have the guy arrested after he was released from intensive care. F-that. This guy was a freak and the rest of the freaks in the media are worshiping their own personal deity.
When our Lord Jesus Christ returns to open the wrath of God, it’s not gonna be pretty for these folks.
Which master will they serve today… tomorrow…
Comment by Joe — 7/7/2009 @ 12:30 pm
Carol, Carol, Carol.
MJ didn’t leave and go hide in a remote island because he fed off the fans as much as he disliked them for always wanting more from him. People always wanted more from him and he wanted to give, to please, to reconfirm and confirm again his worth and feed his identity, the only ID he knew that felt good, his music. So he created his own world where he had his own rules and in his world, he didn’t have to move away but simply indulge a singular, huge, honking illusion. He could use his millions to protect himself from the law and the lawyers to speak for him while he played with young boys he thought he was in love with. It’s all about love, wasn’t it? He could toss out anyone that displeased him from his royal inner circle and bring close to him anyone he chose and desired. Sad, sad thing to see what was once a charming, lovely, talented little boy turn into a predator–a subtle one but nevertheless one who preyed. No amount of giving to charities could ever erase or mitigate the deeply embedded pain he carried inside which made him act out in such evil ways.
RIP MJ, peace, finally. Condolences to the family that lost what was once their innocent little boy. Ironically, there will be no more innocents for you to take advantage of.
Comment by MakeAScene — 7/7/2009 @ 12:51 pm
Every psychologist polled said Jackson was NOT a pedophile, he was a case of arrested development due to his odd childhood. I sleep resting with my head on my cat’s ass, it doesn’t make it bestiality. Stories about Jackson sold big time, he was money for people just like this blog attracted me through google even though i’ve never been here. He was abused by his dad, the press, and people who believe everything they read.
Comment by larry — 7/7/2009 @ 9:00 pm
Michael Jackson was exonerated because he had millions of dollars at his disposal for a defense attorney, a PR Rep, Image Consultants and support from the many friends, family and fans who had not been abused by him. Don’t you think that he would have been caught many years ago if he didn’t do his best to control who and when he abused? Pedofiles are smart that way. If you abuse 8 out of 10 kids you get caught. If you abuse 1 out of 100 kids then you have 99 witnesses to say you’re innocent. Having a hard life, a horrible childhood, incredible talent and being very charitable does not excuse you for even one incident of abuse. Just because you are a celebrity does not give you the right to do whatever the hell you want but then again, I guess it does. There is your example. I do feel for his children. They have lost their father. But there have been many children of pedofiles, murderers and rapists who had no idea what their father was doing and had perfectly normal wonderful childhoods. It’s a perfect cover. What really bothers me is the fact that the taxpayers of LA will have to shell out money to pay for this very over the top memorial which should have been a very private ceremony.
Comment by im_a_mom — 7/7/2009 @ 9:58 pm
I agree wholeheartedly with your piece on MJ. But I’m a lefty; Should I be worried?
Comment by Marc Wutschke — 7/8/2009 @ 1:06 am
Stick to Elvis who is a confirmed pedo, having the guts to even live with his victim from the age of 14. Jackson was never convicted and no one can prove it. He was the greatest entertainer to ever live whether you accept it or not, we all don’t have to agree with it. It is simply a fact.
Comment by ddf — 7/8/2009 @ 2:06 am
BTW MJ stated he never invited kids into his bedroom and it was not just boys. They always followed him and begged to sleep in his bedroom. Should he have said no? yes. but was he a pedo? I would most likely say no, but I was not there and so only him and his ‘victims’ know the truth. And why would I ever collect money if my child was molested? That is like blood money right there? How can I spend it happily?
Comment by ddf — 7/8/2009 @ 2:10 am
Uh, well campers, everything will pass, even mediocre journalists who write for hate mongering sites like this piece of crap…LOL OOOOPS A JUDGMENT!
You want to judge? Look in your own mirror.
“Judge not, lest ye shall be judged”…pretty simple campers…However, most of you will never get it.
Comment by gARY rOSSI — 7/8/2009 @ 9:27 am
James said:
90james Said:
7:13 pm
P.S. Being abused in your childhood is not a reason for abusing others, it’s an excuse.
you know that for a fact^^^^^^^????
My opinion on this is that being abused in your childhood can be a reason for abusing others. It is damned well NEVER an excuse. And yes, I do know this for a fact. I was abused, and guess what? Hard as it might be to imagine, I don’t diddle.
Sponagle.
Comment by Anonymous — 7/8/2009 @ 1:30 pm
Sounds like right wingers all right. They assume they got all the answers and are throwing rocks while they’re the ones living in glass houses. Now if any one of you posters out there no for sure if the allegations are true, and are the Lord almighty, then feel free to judge. Other than that, shut the hell up.
Comment by Anonymous — 7/8/2009 @ 5:22 pm
Hey Larry, quit judging. Irony again! I love life!
Comment by MakeAScene — 7/8/2009 @ 5:24 pm
Oops, sorry, that’s gARY?, right, not Larry. Sorry, I was thinking about your ad hominem attacks not your name.
Comment by MakeAScene — 7/8/2009 @ 5:26 pm
what a sick bunch of bastards you conservative right wingers are.
Comment by ken meaux — 7/9/2009 @ 8:20 am
Michael Jackson did NOT sexually abuse any kids.
The two boys who accused Michael Jackson of abuse are now coming out saying that Micahel NEVER abused them.
Copy & paste in the You Tube search bar: M.J. Sexual Abuse Accuser Becomes Fugitive.
In that video the second accuser comes out and tells the CBS show The Insider that “Everybody thinks Michael Jackson sexually abused me, Michael NEVER touched me”.
The first boy Jordy Chandler is quoted as saying that he was forced by his father to say Michael sexually abused him to get Michael’s money. In 2003 Jordy Chandler’s father tried to kill him, why? and why wasn’t that reported?
Plus when I was a human service major in college the first paper I had to write was on pedophilia, so I read 5 or 6 books written by psychiatrist & other types of doctors. In those books they all say that pedophiles can’t control their urges because they’re sexually attracted to kids, simply put if you leave a child around a pedophile something bad is going to happen to that child mentally or physically. NOW, Michael has been around the world thousands of times and has been around millions of kids from around the world, yet wicked people wont sane intelligent people to think that Michael only abused TWO American kids, (LOL) that doesn’t make ANY SENSE.
Michael NEVER sexually abused or hurt any children in any way.
Elvis Presley was having sexual intercourse with Prescilla when she was 14 YEARS OLD, why don’t people and the media call Elvis a pedophile?
Instead people (most likely white racist) and the media celebrate Elvis even though he’s a PROVEN child molester, but at the same time condemn Michael Jackson because of accusations that have been PROVEN to be lies.
Elvis Presley was a pervert, child molester and pedophile. Chuck Berry wrote most of Elvis’s songs and he also helped Elvis with his dance moves and performance theatrics. Elvis himself also said that he stole a lot of his moves from watching black performers.
R.I.P. to the ONLY REAL KING OF MUSIC, Michael Jackson.
Comment by Syecap — 7/9/2009 @ 10:42 am