AIBU to be shocked by public celebration of Michael Jackson?

[2021x]

Now the MJ film is out my social media feed is flooded with people doing the dances and talking about the movie etc. My local cinema is holding special events and screenings.

I personally have no doubt that he was a predatory paedophile. All the signs are there, especially how he talks about how he would never hurt a child and sharing a bed with them is the "most loving thing you can do in the world". He manipulated the world into thinking he had a "child-like persona" but was able to manage a music career worth millions... which someone who is naive would never be able to manage.

I also do not judge people who enjoy his music. It was very popular at the time, and would be associated with all types nostaligic memories. I listen to problematic artists all the time, but I don't pretend that they weren't abusive.

AIBU to be astounded that any business/media outlet would be seen dead even associating with him let alone celebrating such a horrifically abusive man.

Do you take that line with Jimmy Savile too? After all, he was never tried and convicted. It’s all based on victim testimony and things that came out after his death.

So would you let your kids share a bed with MJ?

If not why not?

He may have thought "all boys together" was fine/safe. He was (based purely on publicised relationships/marriage) heterosexual. Lots of relationships with women. Never linked to adult men.
Inviting female children to these "sleep overs" would of been explosive,as an apparently heterosexual man.
I'm not defending him. I don't know - none of us do, other than the alleged victims. I just think that living the bizarre life that he did, from infancy, means nothing is impossible.

Sure Jan...

shit @MysticHalfWitch my algoriythms are going to be fucked up googling who this George Terry is

it’s interesting that reports are now coming out that Michael’s daughter, Paris, is coming to the belief her Dad was guilty. The other children MJ bought, were at the premier, but not Paris. She’s been reportedly getting close to the relatives of the victims too.

As I've said above, no I wouldn't. Saying I'm not convinced he's guilty doesn't mean I'm convinced he is innocent. I'd only need a slither of doubt in someone to not leave my children alone with them. Which makes me question why anyone let their children sleepover there after the first allegation.

It seems to be no bar to airport naming, as John Lennon is now known to also have been an abusive man.

Sorry but why the fuck would he need to invite ANY child to a sleepover, male or female? For the vast majority of adults the very concept would be totally abhorrent (and while his life was unusual, the idea that it was so bizarre that it made it normal for him to have sleepovers with children is ridiculous).
Yes he did have faux romances with women, probably to quieten rumours.

Of course it’s not an excuse and abuse of any kind is unacceptable. However people who are heavily addicted and under the influence genuinely have no control as they are often unaware of their behaviour. Unless you’ve worked with addicts you really have no idea how little control they have. They need help and support to overcome their addiction.

I strongly believe in that principle too.

But a celebratory biopic is, IMO, going a bit far.

Exactly - JS was not found guilty of anything either (unlike Gary Glitter) so I agree the comparison is the same.

People love MJ's music and will overlook so much possible evidence if it is something they like. Whereas JS was a vile, odd little man and quite rightly is loathed.

To me they are in the same category - death allowed them to escape the results of their behaviour

I agree Op. It seems everyone has collectively decided that because MJ was very talented - and let’s face it, because it’s uncomfortable for people to think of him in this way, having celebrated him in life, enjoyed his music, knowing he had an abusive childhood himself- he gets a free pass.

I think fine for people to keep listening to his music but he shouldn’t be getting additional deification.

Mind you I still listen to the Oasis song “Hello” that was based on a Gary Glitter song just because I like it and it has memories.

$$$$$$ and influence to get more $$$$$

Yes there are horrific people who would sell their kids- have you read Jeanette McCurdys book?

None of their behaviour excuses the behaviour of a predatory paedophile.

Yes I think that’s the distinction

I saw MJ perform in the 80s. He was absolutely mind blowing. I wasn't a huge fan but my bf at the time was.
The allegations were shocking and I believe a lot was covered up. Why would anyone let their young son sleep with grown man? It's beyond bizarre!

I didn't know about his porn tastes? Where was that mentioned?

Two friends invited me to thus bloody film seperately. They both blamed the parents!

What makes you think that I haven't? Addicts can only get better if they instigate the recovery process. If coming to after killing 17 cats wasn't a clue that he needed help then I have no reason to think that he had any intention of changing and didn't care if he hurt others in the process.

Indeed.

Incidentally, he was never convicted of anything either. But in some cases if it looks, waddles, swims and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck.

Fucking astounding isn't it.

The what aboutery list is;

He was abused
He was childlike- despite having a genius genre changing skills
It was the parents fault for letting them stay
The industry was out to get him because he was black
He wasn't convicted- he did settle though.
The (abused) boys changed their story
They just wanted the money and were greedy.
He was misunderstood.

I’m absolutely not condoning his behaviour at all. Of course the addict has to realise that they need help which I think it took a long time (perhaps too long) for him to realise this.
As for MJ I do think he was a peadophile.

He killed 17 cats. wtf?

Yes 2021x known these people for years. I had an arguement wirh one of them a few months ago because she didnt agree with my views and wanted me to back down on tbe subject. Them asks me to this film wtaf.

Right. I think its fine to recognise that abusive people do not always grow up in a vacuum i.e. MJ was almost certainly abused as a child.

I am asking whether there is something wrong with us that we are celebrating created.