8 Worst RACIST Incidents Michael Jackson Experience

Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, was not only a musical genius but also a cultural icon who faced numerous challenges throughout his life, particularly in relation to racism. His journey from a young boy in Gary, Indiana, to a global superstar was marked by both extraordinary achievements and painful experiences. This story delves into the eight most significant racist incidents that Michael Jackson encountered, illustrating how he confronted prejudice and left an indelible mark on the world.

At the beginning of his career, Michael Jackson emerged as a beacon of hope for Black audiences, especially in the wake of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968. The civil rights movement was struggling, and Jackson’s youthful energy and talent provided a much-needed source of inspiration. However, despite his immense success, he faced blatant racism, particularly from the music industry.

In the early 1980s, Jackson broke racial barriers by challenging MTV’s preference for white musicians. The network, which was dominated by executives with radio backgrounds, initially refused to play videos by Black artists. This was evident when Rick James’s “Super Freak” video was rejected, and record companies hesitated to invest in videos for their Black artists, believing MTV would not air them.

Jackson’s groundbreaking “Billie Jean” video changed the narrative. Despite its production quality and Jackson’s star power, MTV delayed airing it until the song had already reached number one on the charts. Les Garland, who ran MTV at the time, claimed they loved the video, but insiders suggested otherwise. Walter Yetnikoff, head of CBS Records, threatened to pull all CBS videos from MTV if they did not play “Billie Jean.” This pressure led to the video being aired, and it quickly became a sensation, paving the way for future Black artists.

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By the mid-1980s, Michael Jackson’s eccentric behavior became fodder for tabloids, leading to the derogatory nickname “Wacko Jacko.” This term, first coined by the British tabloid The Sun in 1985, had deeper roots in racism. The name “Jacko Macaco” referred to a famous monkey used in baiting matches in the early 19th century and was often used as a derogatory term for people of color.

Jackson despised this nickname and made it clear during a 1997 interview with Barbara Walters. He asserted, “I’m not a Jacko, I’m a Jackson. I have a heart and I have feelings.” This backlash against his perceived eccentricities was not just about his behavior; it was also a reflection of the power dynamics and cultural dominance that Black artists faced in the entertainment industry.

In 1983, Michael Jackson’s endorsement manager, Jay Coleman, sought a lucrative deal with Coca-Cola, hoping to replicate the success he had with the Rolling Stones. However, Coca-Cola failed to see Jackson’s potential to appeal to a mass audience, viewing any campaign with him as a small, ethnic initiative targeting predominantly Black areas. They offered a mere one million dollars, which the Jacksons rejected.

Instead, they turned to Pepsi, securing a five million dollar deal that included sponsorship of their 1984 Victory Tour and appearances in commercials. The campaign was a massive success, boosting Pepsi’s sales significantly and allowing them to surpass Coca-Cola as the leading soft drink brand. This incident highlighted how corporate America often underestimated Black talent and the potential for crossover appeal.

Michael Jackson also faced racism from within his own community. During the Jacksons’ Victory Tour in 1984, promoter Don King expressed his disdain for Jackson’s success, stating, “There’s no way Michael Jackson should be as big as he is and treat his family the way he does.” King went on to make a racially charged comment, reducing Jackson’s achievements to his race. This incident enraged Jackson, who felt belittled by someone within his own community.

Despite the pain caused by such comments, Jackson chose to rise above the negativity. He focused on his music and continued to break barriers, proving that talent and hard work could overcome prejudice.

Michael Jackson’s experiences with racism began in childhood, particularly from his father, Joe Jackson. Jermaine Jackson recalled how their father was emotionally distant and often mocked Michael for his appearance, calling him “big nose” and telling him he was “too dark” to be his biological son. This abuse left deep emotional scars, leading Michael to become self-conscious about his looks.

As an adult, Jackson developed a nervous tic of constantly touching his nose, a behavior that stemmed from the ridicule he faced as a child. The impact of his father’s words haunted him throughout his life, contributing to his struggles with self-image and identity.

In the mid-1970s, Michael Jackson experienced personal rejection due to racism while dating child star Tatum O’Neal. Their relationship blossomed, but when Jackson invited O’Neal to the premiere of “The Wiz,” her talent agent forbade her from attending, stating, “You can’t go to a premiere with that n****r.” This rejection devastated Jackson, who felt the sting of racism even in his personal life.

Years later, O’Neal reflected on their relationship, noting that Jackson had likely written the song “She’s Out of My Life” for her. The pain of that rejection lingered, illustrating how deeply racism can affect personal relationships.

Michael Jackson’s experiences with law enforcement also highlighted the racial biases he faced. At the age of 21, after purchasing a black Rolls-Royce, he was stopped by a police officer who assumed the car was stolen. Despite Jackson’s polite explanation, he was arrested and taken to jail, where he had to be bailed out by his security officer.

This encounter left a lasting impression on Jackson, who later recounted the experience with a mix of disbelief and humor. He noted that it was an eye-opening moment, allowing him to understand the racial profiling that many Black individuals face.

Even after his passing, Michael Jackson’s legacy was marred by racial insensitivity. In 2017, a white British actor, Joseph Fiennes, was cast to portray Jackson in a TV movie. The decision sparked outrage, as many felt it was inappropriate for a white actor to play a Black icon. Fiennes’s comments about Jackson’s “pigmentation issue” further fueled the controversy.

Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, expressed her offense on social media, stating that the casting made her want to “vomit.” The backlash led to Sky Arts canceling the episode, highlighting the ongoing struggle against racial insensitivity in the entertainment industry.

Michael Jackson’s life was a testament to resilience in the face of racism and prejudice. Despite the numerous challenges he encountered, he continued to break barriers and redefine what it meant to be a Black artist in America. His music transcended racial boundaries, inspiring millions around the world.

Jackson’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting racism and advocating for equality. His journey, marked by both triumph and tragedy, continues to resonate, inspiring future generations to challenge prejudice and celebrate diversity. Through his artistry and activism, Michael Jackson remains a symbol of hope and resilience in the ongoing fight against racism.

Michael Jackson’s Children Struggle Under the Weight of Wealth

In June 2009, the world mourned as three young children—Michael Jackson’s offspring—faced a devastating loss. Their biological father, who had raised them himself, suddenly passed away from a drug overdose. Following that tragic day, the three Jackson children have rarely been seen together in public.

Recently, however, the trio made a joint appearance at the London premiere of MJ: The Musical, attracting significant attention from both the media and international public.

At the event, only the eldest son, Prince Jackson (27), appeared cheerful, smiling as he greeted the public. Meanwhile, his younger siblings—Paris (25) and Bigi (22)—maintained somber expressions throughout the entire event.

Bigi’s serious demeanor was understandable, as he is currently at the center of a legal battle involving his grandmother.

The Jackson family has long been known for internal conflicts and tensions among its members across generations. Much of this discord stems from the strong individual egos within the family and an apparent lack of willingness to compromise. To this day, clashes among family members continue.

In the most recent legal dispute, Bigi filed a lawsuit against his grandmother, Katherine Jackson (93), due to disagreements over the use of funds from the estate left behind by his father, Michael Jackson.

Bigi has formally requested that the court issue an order preventing Katherine from using money from the estate to fund ongoing legal battles she is pursuing.

This petition was submitted in an attempt to halt financial support for what Bigi sees as costly and unproductive lawsuits.

Katherine Jackson is currently contesting how certain parties are managing Michael Jackson’s musical estate. In order to push for her preferred outcomes, she has taken legal action, using estate funds to pay for legal expenses.

Bigi’s siblings, Prince and Paris, are reportedly siding with him in this legal matter. Meanwhile, Katherine—who was once the primary caregiver for her grandchildren after her son’s passing—now finds herself in court due to the actions of her 22-year-old grandson.

This situation highlights the efforts of Michael Jackson’s children to protect their father’s legacy and financial estate. They are determined not to allow the wealth he left behind to be spent on costly, ineffective litigation. In doing so, they’ve chosen to act decisively—even if it means taking legal action against a family member and relying on court proceedings to resolve internal disputes.