Even in death, Michael Jackson is still considered the greatest artist of all time. Jackson was the first Black artist to fully dominate MTV and the mainstream global market, and his 1982 album “Thriller” remains one of the best-selling albums in the world. Fans cried at the very sight of him, passed out when he began to sing, and generations who weren’t even a thought when The Jackson 5 made their TV debut in 1969 adores the King of Pop.
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His impact is indisputable and he’s a barrier-breaking icon. However, his legacy comes with a healthy amount of legal and ethical blemishes — all of which are being considered in advance of the release of his highly-anticipated biopic next year. Regardless of how many of us adore all things MJ, we’re forced to consider the heinous allegations (keyword here: allegations) that dogged him in his final years…and even still 16 years after his death.
In 1993, 13-year-old Jordan Chandler and his father, Evan Chandler, accused him of willful misconduct, sexual battery and fraud in a civil lawsuit. According to “Rolling Stone,” the family failed to cooperate with authorities so criminal charges were never filed. However, the case was settled out of court for $23 million, a move Jackson and his legal team said at the time was not an admission of guilt.
Jackson was indicted in 2005 on 10 felony counts, including lewd act upon a minor child, conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment, amongst others. All charges? Dropped. Many fans screamed, “Sweet vindication!”
And after his death, Wade Robson and James Safechuck— who first testified that Jackson did not molest them but then later rescinded their statements blaming trauma and “brainwashing”– sued MJJ Productions Inc., MJJ Ventures Inc. and his estate for negligence and breach of duty. Their lawsuits claimed those companies enabled the alleged sexual abuse Jackson did to them when they were kids.
The lawsuits were largely dismissed because the statute of limitations had expired, but, a change in California law extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. Subsequently, those dismissals were overturned just two years ago, NBC News reported, and those lawsuits can move forward toward a jury trial.
Now, the question remains: how do Black folks reconcile their love for the epitome of talent and fame, while still holding space for accountability?
Some would argue that where’s there’s smoke, there’s fire. And that despite Jackson not being found guilty in a court of law for any crimes, some of things he’s been accused of concerning children could garner side eyes. You can sing his entire “Off the Wall” album in your sleep, but you probably wouldn’t want MJ showering with your kid or taking naps with them in the same bed. And for many, some questionable interactions just cannot be excused — MJ or not.
But, others would argue how Black men (especially if they are successful) have been notoriously targeted due to systemic racism and unjust prosecution. For many, Jackson wasn’t just the King of Pop, he represented how a lil’ boy from Gary, Ind. made it out and become the golden G.O.A.T.
But then there’s the sacred middle ground, where two things can be true at once.
Yes, many would argue his legacy is a fixed artifact in not just Black history, but history in general, but that fact can co-exist with a human’s shortcomings and controversies. Neutral fans– with no dog in the fight– would say the reconciliation can only truly begin when Black folks honor his contribution to the culture, while acknowledging the gravity of the civil settlements and the allegations against him at the same time.
Medium writer Jael Rucker wrote last year in a post titled, “How Come Nobody Ever Apologizes to Michael Jackson:” “Every single person within [Jackson’s] life who has either accused him or said he was guilty has either been after money, has had issues with credibility/contradictions, or all of the above.”
“Nobody wants to be the asshole that questions whether or not somebody’s abuse or trauma actually occurred,” Rucker wrote, adding that “False allegations and the resulting persecution/prosecution are something that has been happening practically since the beginning of time.”
Though that is true, Jackson’s own sister La Toya in December 1993 alleged the abuse allegations against him were true. “This is very difficult for me,” she said, NPR reported. “Michael is my brother…But I cannot, and I will not, be a silent collaborator of his crimes against small, innocent children.”
So, what’s tea?
We already reported how Black folks are expected to come out in droves to see his biopic “Michael” in April costumed-down to the socks. In a sea of red leather jackets with the black trim, black loafers with the white socks and high-water pants in sold-out theaters across America in a few months, some may argue it’s all about balance.
True reconciliation not only asks, but demands the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts simultaneously: Michael Jackson is a revolutionary figure of Black excellence and that his personal life involved multiple, legally documented claims of abuse.
Therefore, his legacy isn’t purely a monument of glory, but is just as complex as he was and should include both the good and the…wait for it… the “Bad!”
Straight From 
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