Today was open doors day at the presidential palace in Bratislava, Slovakia: as we waited in line to get in, an honor guard in traditional Slovak military garb and rifles did a choreographed dance number to several pop songs with good beats. The last song, clearly added this morning, was "Billie Jean." Feathered hats and rifles shining in the sun, the guard pointed their white gloved hands toward the sky. They dedicated it to the memory of Michael Jackson, and my husband and I cried. It's the weirdest, and the best, tribute I can imagine.
@Daniele: Ok, sorry. I have been wathcing Thriller nonstop. How awesome was her little Jheri curl head bob when they were walking out of the theatre. God, I love this man.
I think this video was the peak of his plastic surgery excursion. No snark. He is hot in this vid.
I know you guys are jumping on anyone who mentions ill of MJ, but here's the deal.
A lot of kids who are molested dream about the day their abusers die. Many fantasize about different ways to kill them. When those who feel it's OK to molest and rape little ones finally do die, it's sometimes a huge relief to those kids, and sometimes an even bigger burden (did I wish him dead?), but always a reminder of what happened to them.
My prayers go only to those kids and their families. because tonight will be so much harder for them than anyone is recognizing.
MJ's own children will likely be spared the tragic life trajectory they were strapped into.
@IowaJezebel: It's great to have compassion for children who've been molested but since we don't actually know whether the two accusers here were REALLY molested by this man, I'd reserve my compassion and for the person who lost his life so abruptly and his grieving family, rather than assuming his children dodged some kind of bullet thanks to his death.
@Chocolate Sex Bunny: And OJ didn't kill his ex-wife, either. Because he wasn't convicted. Is it OK to honor OJ for his great accomplishments when he dies? Because (being acquitted of) killing one's ex-wife really doesn't overshadow a lifetime of achievements that make people feel warm and fuzzy inside, right?? But we're not sports fans here are we.
It doesn't make any sense to me that someone can do something horrible, and we put blinders on and make excuses because they also did something that we like.
That's like the first few years of my marriage, but I figured out that some wrongs have more weight than all the rights.
@IowaJezebel: The fuck are you talking about O.J....?
Last I checked, Michael wasn't O.J. and these cases aren't even related OR REMOTELY SIMILAR. But since lumping all Black male celebrities accused of crimes together seems to be your strong suit I'll let you just run with the dumb shit you've just spewed.
In any case, as someone who has never even purchased a Michael Jackson album, I'll just point to the facts in the allegations against Michael as I recall them, having read about this extensively.
The families of both accusers first contacted his attorneys to obtain SETTLEMENT money before going to law enforcement with their allegations. Strange that when a child has been molested, the parents would try to get a pay check from the molester instead of trying to bring him to swift, immediate justice in a court of law.
Said families also have VERY sketchy pasts. Allegedly prompting a child to shoplift, committing welfare fraud, and other things consistent with general dishonesty. The father of the first accuser was caught on tape saying " "If I go through with this, I win big-time. There's no way I lose. I will get everything I want and they will be destroyed forever...Michael's career will be over".
Lots of language about destroying his career but shockingly no outrage over his son allegedly being molested!
Weird!
The second family is allegedly now living in Atlanta and using the last name "Jackson". Taking the molester's last name? ODD!
The prosecution in the last case interviewed at least 30 kids who'd spent the night with MJ who were adamant about never being touched inappropriately.
I could go on but why bother you are certain he did it! You're the one with the blinders on here. I simply stated we do not know for sure what happened.
Allow the accusations of two individuals (out of the probably hundreds of children he hung out with) to allow you to hang on to your absolute knowledge that he is a child molester.
I stewed about the OJ thing before I posted but I could not think of another case where someone was acquitted in such a public manner when it was clear to those outside the courtroom who were privy to suppressed evidence, or jury bias. It's the most famous case we've got in the US in current history. It's coincidental that they are both African American. Well, coincidental in that the media probably hyped it a little more because of race, and that's why I can't come up with other surprise acquittal references. But it's a legitimate comparison. They were both acquitted of heinous crimes. They both have contributed greatly to their fields. If alleged crimes against children are going to be wiped away based on what is a considerable and profound body of work in the music field, than why wouldn't an alleged murder be wiped away based on a considerable and profound body of work in a different field. Wouldn't we be up in arms if SI did a huge tribute to OJ upon his death?
You guys are surely right. A man builds a giant circus/zoo at his home, invites children to stay with him overnight sans parents, that really sounds like someone who has a normal relationship with children, and totally not the typical pathology of a child molester.
And surely there were only those TWO kids, right!! That's what you're saying, only those two, and let's all question their background, upbringing, and social class, they must be making it up to get something, that's what kids do, they make those things up ALL THE TIME. Also, all children report molestation to their parents, who in turn immedietly want to put their kids through what would probably be the biggest lascivious acts case in the US. What parent wouldn't want that for their kiddo, to get swift justice and all? It would probably even be their fault if they didn't report it, and then someone else was molested. Well, I bet those little skanks were even wearing suggestive clothing!! Seriously!! How is a grown man supposed to act??
@IowaJezebel: No, it is NOT a legitimate comparison because there was actually LOTS OF EVIDENCE that O.J. was guilty.
Your argument is astounding.
I'd suggest you do some research but it's clear you'd rather just ASSUME that him being a weird, childlike man who's only friends were children makes him guilty of sexual abuse.
This is not a person you should be comparing to any other average grown man either. MJ had an abnormal life and a ton of issues. He made seriously horrible decisions that allowed him to be accused of shit like this, but naivete, and a lack of good judgment do not by default make him a molester. Do you know of any actual proof he molested these kids or would you just like to talk about his weird lifestyle and not offer up anything more?
I love that his troubled persona, coupled with two accusations is all it takes for you to convict him of molestation. Especially when the families of these TWO children have shady pasts and were found to have engaged in seriously questionable, dishonest things in the past.
Forget that the first kid's father put him under the influence of AMYTAL and then somehow a confession about the molestation came forth (which the kid denied later on when the drug wore off). Forget that after MJ's insurance company paid them the $22 million dollars (against the wishes of MJ and his legal counsel) they would no longer cooperate with the authorities. Forget that the second kid's mother was committing welfare fraud, was reported to have coached her child to STEAL at a department store and then lied about being mishandled by security at the store to receive a big fat settlement, pushed her child onto MJ and then was allegedly coaching him on what to say regarding this molestation. Forget that they are now supposedly USING HIS LAST NAME.
Don't you think it's FUCKED UP that BOTH families would ask him for money instead of first going to the authorities? Why do you think they would do that? And please don't give me this "not wanting to put their kids though a public circus" because the identities of minors are protected in cases of this nature.
Do you have any other pitiful excuses for their immediate money seeking you'd like to bring forth? I'm desperately in need of entertainment this morning.
Why aren't YOU bringing up any FACTS? Lemme think….could it be because you don't have any?!
Do you not realize that the profile of a child molester is one that indicates they have an average of over 240 victims in their lifetime? This is a compulsive behavior, these people cannot stop themselves from molesting when there are children around. Do you not think that the fact that only TWO kids brought allegations against this man makes your assertions weak as fucking hell? MJ was 50 years old. Probably 30 of those years were spent with various children, many of whom slept over and lived at his place (many WITH their families). You are so set on believing TWO kids? Like really? Two out of possibly a hundred, or two hundred?
All I can say is, you'd be a helluva loser in Vegas with these kind of odds.
Lastly it is so pathetic that you KEEP coming here to further besmirch this poor dead man's name over nothing but of rumors, oddities, and innuendo.
You are ignorance personified. Shame the fuck on you.
@deeemer: Oh my God. That is terrible. Considering he was pretty much already gone when they came to his house. Yet another blog/show I won't watch again.
Fondly recalling my 5th birthday party (circa 1985) and the Michael Jackson cake and doll my family surprised me with...did anyone have the Michael Jackson doll AND the Brooke Shields doll? I used to make them kiss and slow dance...
@randomnessish: Yeah, I logged into my facebook page reading a bunch of "happy birthday" comments and one of them said that "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You share your celebration of life with the day of Michael Jackson's death..." my mouth dropped to the floor.
I am never, ever going to become a celebrity just because I'd hate my family to see some of the vitriol left behind after I died. Seriously, "Oh good, now the children are safe!" When have you ever seen any proof that he hurt his kids? He made them wear masks so people wouldn't recognize them and they could go out without him and not be bothered. And guess what? It worked! Different does not equal abuse, I'm sorry to say.
And as for all these pedophile remarks - I seriously hope most of you read more into those cases than skimming headlines because everything I've ever read has led me to be *extremely* skeptical about those accusations. And I am one of those "if they're gonna use it as a weapon cut it off" kind of people.
He was weird, and he had his issues, but seriously, get a grip.
@missnicolec: I couldn't have said it better myself. I think the court of public opinion has really done this man a disservice. I have no IDEA if he EVER molested a child, NONE OF US DO. Accusations do not always equal truth. And when you read even a little bit of info about the families of the two children it was alleged he did this to, it becomes even less clear who the bad guy is/was.
It would be great if people could honor his musical legacy just for a day and pay respect to his loved ones...
@Cunning_Linguist: I know!! It's disgusting! And to be honest, he is NOT that great of a dancer, and bitch please he CANNOT sing. It's fucking ludicrous.
@ElleL: I didn't think they were comparing him to MJ. I think they were pointing out that he WORSHIPPED MJ. It's not uncommon, but Chris Brown was the only one they had ready footage of doing MJ's moves to Billie Jean.
And, you gotta admit, the boy studied his MJ videos.
While I way missed the era that saw the impact of his music/dance and only really knew of him in the sad stage of the later years of his life, I am truly sorry for his children and family.
I have mixed emotions about this. I grew up listening to Michael Jackson (can anyone say Thriller?). I mean this is my shit but the shadow of his pedophilia charges, and weird kid-centric lifestyle, makes me wary of him as a person.
I'm not HTML-savvy, so I hope this works. Given the tacky wedding post and now the sad news of Michael Jackson's death, this video immediately came to mind:
06/26/09
06/26/09
06/26/09
Death is a sad, sad thing. If you only have negative comments, then maybe this is the time to keep them to yourself. Seriously.
He died less than 24 hours ago and the vultures are already circling. How disrespectful.
06/26/09
06/25/09
Thank you.
RIP MJ
06/25/09
I think this video was the peak of his plastic surgery excursion. No snark. He is hot in this vid.
06/25/09
Yes, he was definitely HOT in Thriller. I watched it again, and again and AGAIN. ;)
06/26/09
06/25/09
A lot of kids who are molested dream about the day their abusers die. Many fantasize about different ways to kill them. When those who feel it's OK to molest and rape little ones finally do die, it's sometimes a huge relief to those kids, and sometimes an even bigger burden (did I wish him dead?), but always a reminder of what happened to them.
My prayers go only to those kids and their families. because tonight will be so much harder for them than anyone is recognizing.
MJ's own children will likely be spared the tragic life trajectory they were strapped into.
06/25/09
Christ.
06/25/09
06/26/09
It doesn't make any sense to me that someone can do something horrible, and we put blinders on and make excuses because they also did something that we like.
That's like the first few years of my marriage, but I figured out that some wrongs have more weight than all the rights.
06/26/09
Last I checked, Michael wasn't O.J. and these cases aren't even related OR REMOTELY SIMILAR. But since lumping all Black male celebrities accused of crimes together seems to be your strong suit I'll let you just run with the dumb shit you've just spewed.
In any case, as someone who has never even purchased a Michael Jackson album, I'll just point to the facts in the allegations against Michael as I recall them, having read about this extensively.
The families of both accusers first contacted his attorneys to obtain SETTLEMENT money before going to law enforcement with their allegations. Strange that when a child has been molested, the parents would try to get a pay check from the molester instead of trying to bring him to swift, immediate justice in a court of law.
Said families also have VERY sketchy pasts. Allegedly prompting a child to shoplift, committing welfare fraud, and other things consistent with general dishonesty. The father of the first accuser was caught on tape saying " "If I go through with this, I win big-time. There's no way I lose. I will get everything I want and they will be destroyed forever...Michael's career will be over".
Lots of language about destroying his career but shockingly no outrage over his son allegedly being molested!
Weird!
The second family is allegedly now living in Atlanta and using the last name "Jackson". Taking the molester's last name? ODD!
The prosecution in the last case interviewed at least 30 kids who'd spent the night with MJ who were adamant about never being touched inappropriately.
I could go on but why bother you are certain he did it! You're the one with the blinders on here. I simply stated we do not know for sure what happened.
Allow the accusations of two individuals (out of the probably hundreds of children he hung out with) to allow you to hang on to your absolute knowledge that he is a child molester.
06/26/09
06/26/09
I stewed about the OJ thing before I posted but I could not think of another case where someone was acquitted in such a public manner when it was clear to those outside the courtroom who were privy to suppressed evidence, or jury bias. It's the most famous case we've got in the US in current history. It's coincidental that they are both African American. Well, coincidental in that the media probably hyped it a little more because of race, and that's why I can't come up with other surprise acquittal references. But it's a legitimate comparison. They were both acquitted of heinous crimes. They both have contributed greatly to their fields. If alleged crimes against children are going to be wiped away based on what is a considerable and profound body of work in the music field, than why wouldn't an alleged murder be wiped away based on a considerable and profound body of work in a different field. Wouldn't we be up in arms if SI did a huge tribute to OJ upon his death?
You guys are surely right. A man builds a giant circus/zoo at his home, invites children to stay with him overnight sans parents, that really sounds like someone who has a normal relationship with children, and totally not the typical pathology of a child molester.
And surely there were only those TWO kids, right!! That's what you're saying, only those two, and let's all question their background, upbringing, and social class, they must be making it up to get something, that's what kids do, they make those things up ALL THE TIME. Also, all children report molestation to their parents, who in turn immedietly want to put their kids through what would probably be the biggest lascivious acts case in the US. What parent wouldn't want that for their kiddo, to get swift justice and all? It would probably even be their fault if they didn't report it, and then someone else was molested. Well, I bet those little skanks were even wearing suggestive clothing!! Seriously!! How is a grown man supposed to act??
06/26/09
Your argument is astounding.
I'd suggest you do some research but it's clear you'd rather just ASSUME that him being a weird, childlike man who's only friends were children makes him guilty of sexual abuse.
This is not a person you should be comparing to any other average grown man either. MJ had an abnormal life and a ton of issues. He made seriously horrible decisions that allowed him to be accused of shit like this, but naivete, and a lack of good judgment do not by default make him a molester. Do you know of any actual proof he molested these kids or would you just like to talk about his weird lifestyle and not offer up anything more?
I love that his troubled persona, coupled with two accusations is all it takes for you to convict him of molestation. Especially when the families of these TWO children have shady pasts and were found to have engaged in seriously questionable, dishonest things in the past.
Forget that the first kid's father put him under the influence of AMYTAL and then somehow a confession about the molestation came forth (which the kid denied later on when the drug wore off). Forget that after MJ's insurance company paid them the $22 million dollars (against the wishes of MJ and his legal counsel) they would no longer cooperate with the authorities. Forget that the second kid's mother was committing welfare fraud, was reported to have coached her child to STEAL at a department store and then lied about being mishandled by security at the store to receive a big fat settlement, pushed her child onto MJ and then was allegedly coaching him on what to say regarding this molestation. Forget that they are now supposedly USING HIS LAST NAME.
Don't you think it's FUCKED UP that BOTH families would ask him for money instead of first going to the authorities? Why do you think they would do that? And please don't give me this "not wanting to put their kids though a public circus" because the identities of minors are protected in cases of this nature.
Do you have any other pitiful excuses for their immediate money seeking you'd like to bring forth? I'm desperately in need of entertainment this morning.
Why aren't YOU bringing up any FACTS? Lemme think….could it be because you don't have any?!
Do you not realize that the profile of a child molester is one that indicates they have an average of over 240 victims in their lifetime? This is a compulsive behavior, these people cannot stop themselves from molesting when there are children around. Do you not think that the fact that only TWO kids brought allegations against this man makes your assertions weak as fucking hell? MJ was 50 years old. Probably 30 of those years were spent with various children, many of whom slept over and lived at his place (many WITH their families). You are so set on believing TWO kids? Like really? Two out of possibly a hundred, or two hundred?
All I can say is, you'd be a helluva loser in Vegas with these kind of odds.
Lastly it is so pathetic that you KEEP coming here to further besmirch this poor dead man's name over nothing but of rumors, oddities, and innuendo.
You are ignorance personified. Shame the fuck on you.
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/26/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
I am profoundly sad.
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/26/09
06/26/09
06/26/09
06/26/09
06/25/09
And as for all these pedophile remarks - I seriously hope most of you read more into those cases than skimming headlines because everything I've ever read has led me to be *extremely* skeptical about those accusations. And I am one of those "if they're gonna use it as a weapon cut it off" kind of people.
He was weird, and he had his issues, but seriously, get a grip.
06/25/09
It would be great if people could honor his musical legacy just for a day and pay respect to his loved ones...
06/26/09
06/25/09
Once and for all, Chris Brown will NEVER be Michael Jackson. Chris Brown is SCUM. The comparison makes me sick.
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
And, you gotta admit, the boy studied his MJ videos.
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
06/25/09
'Remember the Time' - the song, the video is my favorite, I think.
I am pretty sad right now but so grateful to Jezebel & the commenters & that we can all share how we feel rite now.