Why are we still celebrating Michael Jackson?

[Conniebygaslight]

Just that really…this man shared his bed with children but it was excused as him being ‘childlike’
I know his music is iconic but seriously, there are so many live tribute shows to celebrate him and his music is played everywhere. It feels wrong on so many levels.
Surely we can’t just pick & choose who we accept predatory behaviour from…?!

He was convicted of assault and false imprisonment after handcuffing an escort to a radiator.

Although he insists he “only” handcuffed him to the radiator, he denied the assault part.

Jimmy Saville was never found guilty of anything either.

But clearly there are a lot of people out there who aren’t convinced he did anything bad, or there wouldn’t be a demand for the tribute acts. I mean, you’ve got Gary Glitter whose songs you never hear, nor are there any tribute bands, as he was found guilty of inappropriate behaviour with underage girls, which was also on a par on a slightly lesser level with the MJ situation. But there does seem a disparity between the two as regards acceptance by their ‘fans’. Not sure why, as although Glitter was found guilty in Court, but MJ wasn’t, MJ did pay off one of his accusers which would suggest he has admitted to some wrong doing.

Yes there are a lot of bad ones out there. Hands up if you like any of the music produced by Phil Spector!

Because he was innocent and he was murdered.

I agree. I switch the radio off if his stuff comes on. Don't understand why any of them play it frankly. Odious creepy man.

I still listen to his music

To be fair, I was never interested in the noise around his personal life. I knew very little about him.
However, I grew up with his music. It brings back many memories.

Since coming on here I've come across similar posts and they have given me an uneasy feeling every time I listen to him now.

I'd agree to not cancelling his art but also not celebrating him as a person.

There’s a builder who lives down the road who loves having all the local boys sleeping over in his bed with him but there has never been a court case or any real proof beyond some accusations, so we don’t say anything, he’s a great builder so he still gets plenty of work from us all.

Ok so that’s not a true story, but as it’s not about a hugely powerful and rich celebrity it sounds awful right, well this is pretty much what Michael Jackson defenders are saying, context is just incredible, the way it can alter some peoples perceptions.

That really freaked me out until the second paragraph....you are so right.

He was never found guilty of anything and he went through a fair trial. I don't see an issue with liking him or listening to his music.

I like his music. I don’t ’celebrate’ him. It’s not that deep.

If you don't want to listen to his music then don't. No one is supporting him, or accepting anything from him - he's dead! Those of us who listen like the music.

Terrible analogy! A better one would be that the builder is dead. Would you still use the loft extension he built?

It's not a terrible analogy at all. People were buying his music and fawning over him when he was doing what he was doing, which is why his music survives as it does.

No he wasn't and no he wasn't.

I never listen to his music anymore. If it comes on the radio I switch it off.

But he's dead! Which is what the thread is about - should we still celebrate him now.

It's a terrible analogy in many other ways, not least that Jackson's work was unique and hugely valuable. Any builder can build a loft extension.

But even following your analogy, the builder was accused of pedophilia, but never convicted. People carried on using his services. He's now dead. Would you buy a house where he did the loft extension?

He was an icon and his music reflected an era that the younger generation won’t get, I can’t see the point of pretending he didn’t exist and banning the music. If his music was bad I wouldn’t mind but for many he was immensely talented.

But we know he had young boys in his bed, because he said so himself. Regardless of whether someone has been convicted of a crime, or not, that is flipping deranged - nobody can possibly think it is ok.

Posters who are ok with MJ because he was never in court over allegations ... shall I send Pete from down the road to yours this evening so he can have a same bed sleep over with your kids?
He's a very sweet guy and quite childlike ...

I agree - it's wrong, and an insult to the victims. I've no problem if people want to listen to the music individually - separating the art from the person and all that, but I don't think it should be played in public places or on the radio.

I don't know if they are? He's certainly got a hardcore devoted fan base. But everyone, even his fans, think he's a weirdo.
When I was a kid I didn't even see him as a human being. Like a totally different category of individual. He was not found guilty in the courthouse over the abuse accusations. So many cling on to the fact that he was this odd ball, harmless nonetheless. The majority definitely don't admire him, far from it as far as I can tell.

Why do people still read Alice in wonderland to their kids? Why do people still talk about Gandhi like he was some kind of saint? The world is full of art, philosophy etc that was created by not so good people. If you don't like it don't listen.