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Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was a national treasure and a legend in the world of music – until the allegations surfaced against the singer, sinking his reputation along with the decades of work he put into honing his talent. Through the veil of celebrity worship and the near-mythical status he attained, the Grammy winner then faced a reality that was a nightmare reincarnated.
![Michael Jackson performing live at Dangerous Tour in Monza, Italy in 1992 [Photo by Daniele Dalledonne, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons]](https://i2.wp.com/fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/29125847/Michael-Jackson-performing-live-at-22Dangerous-Tour22-in-Monza-Italy-in-1992-Photo-by-Daniele-Dalledonne-licensed-under-CC-BY-SA-2.0-via-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg)
As the years rolled by, the singer faded from the frontlines of popular culture, and his music was replaced by new pop icons like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and The Weeknd. However, the allegations remained the talk of the town, following him around, snapping at his heels, even after his highly controversial, tragic, and untimely death three weeks before Jackson was set to make a career comeback.
People v Jackson: The Michael Jackson Controversy
After soaring at the peak of his fame,Michael Jackson‘s descent was rapid after he was accused of sexual abuse in 1993. Regarded as one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century, his reputation took a nosedive as the allegations began to fester in the public memory and taint their perception of theBillie Jeansinger.
Moreover, alleged victims James Safechuck and Wade Robson’s graphically detailed accounts of their alleged abuse in theBBC Victoria Derbyshire Programmemade it difficult for the singer to ever move past the controversy. Taj Jackson later mourned:“His naivety was his downfall.”
![Michael Jackson with accuser James Safechuck (center) [Photo by Alan Light, licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons]](https://i2.wp.com/fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/29125851/Michael-Jackson-with-accuser-James-Safechuck-Photo-by-Alan-Light-licensed-under-CC-BY-2.0-via-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg)
In the 90s, afterHome AlonestarMacaulay Culkingrew rapidly in fame, he too became embroiled in the Michael Jackson controversy since the then 32-year-old singer struck a lasting friendship with the then 10-year-old child star. Labeled as inappropriate by many, the actor would go on to stand by Jackson, maintaining theinnocence of their relationshipwhenever asked about it.
In 2005, a federal investigation was held by the FBI during thePeople v Jacksoncriminal trial after the singer was charged with child molestation by Gavin Arvizo, who was only 13 at the time of the alleged abuse. Due to lack of sufficient evidence, the case was dismissed and Jackson was acquitted.
“Your father used to Insult you”: Michael Jackson Gets Swamped With Cruel Questions While He Gracefully Tries to Defend Himself From Plastic Surgery Allegations in This Old Interview
Speaking about the harrowing experience that the pop singer lived through, his former bodyguard, Bill Whitfield lamented:“He would never hurt a child. That wasn’t the man I knew. So I know those accusations were hurtful for him.”
From his military jackets to his moon dances, his one-glove fashion statement to his youth anthems on climate change and racial inequality, Michael Jackson’s pop legacy lives on beyond the accusations and allegations, and in public consciousness long after his death.
![Michael Jackson performing live in Italy [Photo by Danielle Dalledonne, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons]](https://i2.wp.com/fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/29125856/Michael-Jackson-performing-live-in-Italy-Photo-by-Danielle-Dalledonne-licensed-under-CC-BY-SA-2.0-via-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg)
New Facts Resurface About Michael Jackson’s Life
If popular culture and its tastes were to be defined by sensationalism, Michael Jackson would still be at the reigning top if he was still alive. Invariably crowned as the King of Pop, the musical and fashion icon never went out of style throughout his career. But as celebrated as he might have been in his heyday, his death in 2009 left behind a complicated legacy.
Now, a former bodyguard comes forward, 15 long years later to rehash some facts about the singer’s controversial death. Talking about his highly awaited comeback with the 2009This Is Itconcert tour and the preparation that went behind Michael Jackson’s return to the public eye again, his bodyguard Bill Whitfield claimed:
[The rehearsals] took its toll on star – especially after the publicly played-out trial. There were more people in his life and it became hectic. I could tell it was weighing on him. Do I think someone made a mistake? Yes. But the thought that [he died] at the hands of someone intentionally, that doesn’t weigh with me.
“You lucky we ain’t suing you”: Michael Jackson Couldn’t Stop Laughing as Chris Tucker Gets into an Ugly Argument With a Shopkeeper in This Wholesome Video
Michael Jackson was found dead of acute propofol intoxication at his LA mansion by his physician Dr. Conrad Murray on 25th June 2009. He was found guilty 2 years later on the charges of involuntary manslaughter for supplying the singer with the drug.
Diya Majumdar
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2408
Diya Majumdar is a Senior Content Writer at FandomWire with over 2000 published articles on the website. Since 2022, she has been working as an entertainment journalist with a special focus on films and pop culture.Among the countless genres and themes of Hollywood, the ones that particularly favor Diya’s tastes include Game of Thrones, DC, and well-aged thrillers and classics.
