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Original poster

Michael Jackson, veto?

206 replies

InkyPinkyPonky95 · 02/01/2021 21:56

It's up to you to decide whether you think MJ is a pedo or not, everyone is entitled to come to their own conclusion... but I think he was guilty and it's kind of ruined his music for me.

I won't storm out of a restaurant if one of his songs comes on! but I won't play his music myself because I can't separate his music from how disgusted I am by him.

That being said, for those that do believe he is guilty do you now veto playing his music? Has it ruined his music for you too? Or have you found a way to compartmentalise your feelings about it?

Side note: I understand not everyone thinks he's guilty, that's fine! Completely up to you to decide what you think. Not here to judge, just to hear other people's feelings.

OP posts:
Guineapig99 · 02/01/2021 22:36

Feel the same, and don’t listen to his songs out of choice. I don’t want his estate getting a single penny from me for listening to his music.
I think he was a paedophile who’s wealth/ fame allowed him to go unpunished. I don’t care how weird his upbringing was.

shhsecretsquirrel · 02/01/2021 22:37

I was surprised to hear his music playing on radio 2 the other day, even more surprised when it was as part of a "my three inspirational artists" type playlist - very recent, within the last couple of weeks. I switched over.

TidyDancer · 02/01/2021 22:38

I'm the same as you OP. I won't seek out his music but one of his songs (Bad) is in an exercise class I do sometimes and I don't stop or fast forward through that bit.

XelaM · 02/01/2021 22:38

Love MJ!

happybabyunit · 02/01/2021 22:40

When someone is dead, I don't feel bad playing their music because they can no longer benefit financially from it.

MrsTerryPratchett · 02/01/2021 22:41

I'm astounded he gets played on the radio, along with Gary Glitter. Can't hear it without making the association so yes, I switch off or skip.

I I do still listen to arseholes though. Elvis for example.

covidaintacrime · 02/01/2021 22:41

To be fair (apologies if insensitive) he is dead and therefore no longer reaping the benefits of record sales or streams to the same extent.

I also don't think it's necessarily always to do with the severity of the crime - I think it's sometimes due to exposure. E.g. due to the extreme media response surrounding MJ's pedophilia accusations, your first association with MJ is now probably to do with his (potential) sex crimes.

Whereas, most people wouldn't boycott The Beatles due to the actions of John Lennon (wife beating, emotional abuse to his child, cheating, severely assaulting Bob Wooler etc).

ChestnutStuffing · 02/01/2021 22:42

I don't have a rule about this. In general, I don't avoid work because of the person who created it. That would cut out some pretty important artists over the centuries.

I do sometimes have qualms about supporting the lifestyle of someone who is still doing things I think of as bad, though the point someone made upthread that many other people may also be supported is worth considering.

But I think if someone makes you feel ick and not enjoy the music, than there is no point listening to it!

Backtoblack1 · 02/01/2021 22:43

It’s a difficult one because he was a musical genius (the Thriller album I think was his pinnacle). I remember buying it for £5 in Boots and it was the first LP I bought and I love the song Billie Jean. I have fond memories of playing it and dancing with my mum while we watched the video.

But, when I think of how weird and freaky he became and his obsession with children it leaves me cold.

People seem to have no trouble condemning saville, glitter etc but I think it’s different with MJ because he was such a talent. And also, it’s never been proven he was a paedophile. I think people would feel differently then.

Okbye · 02/01/2021 22:44

I’ve been a fan since I was a child and still listen to his music. I did have the moment when I thought ‘should I still listen to this?’

But I can’t not listen to him (and Jackson 5) as I love the songs so much I can’t imagine not listening to them every now and then. My 7yo son is a fan as well and will always sing and dance along with me!

PicsInRed · 02/01/2021 22:45

I change the channel, don't want to hear a child rapist sing.

OhWhyNot · 02/01/2021 22:46

Yes he was guilty

Do I still like his music absolutely

I have been to many concerts his talent was beyond anyone else I have seen

I was at a club last year (London members club) and was surprised when they played his music but it certainly got everyone up on the dance floor

PicsInRed · 02/01/2021 22:46

Same for R Kelly. Ruined - and rightly so.

HighHeelBoots · 02/01/2021 22:49

I didn't like his music. The videos put me off. He either was strutting about with a god complex or grabbing his crotch
I realise I'm in a minority Grin

dannydyerismydad · 02/01/2021 22:52

I still love the Jackson 5 stuff. But him as an adult? Nope.

alex1889 · 02/01/2021 22:56

I think his music is brilliant and he was a phenomenal performer, dancer, and artist.
But as a person? I think he's a pedo and it has definitely trashed his legacy which is incredibly sad, because his music really was ground breaking at the time.

DangerMouse17 · 02/01/2021 22:56

I dont believe he was guilty of anything. Still love and play his music.

Why does this thread always seem to come up every few months?

Hyvsvaar · 02/01/2021 22:58

Feel the same and there’s yes Gary glitter in this house either

alex1889 · 02/01/2021 22:58

I've got Blame It On The Boogie in my head now... right before trying to get to sleepHmm

Groovinpeanut · 02/01/2021 22:58

I truly don't believe there was anything sinister with regards to Michael Jackson. I feel his father made Michaels life a living hell. To the point of approaching clinical castrations in order to keep his voice high pitched to sell more songs
Being clinically castrated he would have had no urges.
I know one thing for sure if anyone, and I mean anyone sexually abused any of my kids, there would be no amount of money that would stop me from obtaining the absolute highest penalty of prosecution for the perbatrator. Would you accept money from someone who abused your kids?
I'd rip him limb from limb.
Yet his so called victims settled for money.... Would you?
Michael was an easy target, he lived his childhood through his adult life. He was no abuser, he was an easy target wide open for exploiting and he paid a heavy price for his innocence

Hyvsvaar · 02/01/2021 22:58

Bloody hell NO Gary glitter

Russellbrandshair · 02/01/2021 22:59

Of course he was a paedo! Anyone that thinks it’s normal for a 40+ year old man to invite children that aren’t related to him to share his bed and won’t allow their parents to stay in the house at the same time is an idiot.
As for that whole “he was just asexual” defence- would you also say that if your kids school janitor asked your kid to a sleepover at his house where they’d be sharing a bed? If the answer is no then why is Michael Jackson “different”.

Russellbrandshair · 02/01/2021 23:01

People can’t bear the thought that you can be immensely talented and a complete pervert at the same time. Well I’m afraid it’s very possible- just look at R Kelly.

TillysMum02 · 02/01/2021 23:04

[quote InkyPinkyPonky95]@TillysMum02 ... There are many many many many other artists ... you can't seriously be asking me to write you a list?[/quote]
nah....but who do you like?

Gilead · 02/01/2021 23:04

Then there is also art you can’t look at and books you cannot read.