New Michael Jackson Movie Sparks Debate Online, Fans Say Media And Lawyers Planned His Downfall

The new film will be directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, and it'll star Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson as it details the bizarre life of Michael Jackson. Many are wondering if the film will dig into the many questions that still surround the late pop icon.

While Jackson’s eccentric persona and legal troubles fueled media sensationalism, he was never actually convicted of any sexual crime, unlike high-profile figures such as Jeffrey Epstein, or Harvey Weinstein. Nevertheless, Jackson was vilified in the press in ways that made his guilt appear inevitable in the court of public opinion. This begs the question: Why was Jackson treated this way, and what might have motivated such treatment?

The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception

Jackson’s media portrayal, especially during and after his legal battles, reveals a pattern of relentless character assassination. Although much of this attention focused on his alleged inappropriate behavior with children, some have posited that more was at play beneath the surface, suggesting Jackson's fame and wealth made him a target of specific interests.

Jackson’s eccentricities—his ever-changing appearance, reclusive lifestyle, and unconventional relationships—fed a narrative that painted him as an easy target for scandal. Yet, this does not entirely explain the sheer magnitude of the press attention that dogged him throughout his entire adult life. For some, this invites the theory that there may have been other motives for tearing Jackson down, aside from the allegations he faced.

Bobby Fischer's Theory: A Jewish Conspiracy?

One of the more controversial theories comes from chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer, who claimed that Jackson’s downfall was orchestrated by a Jewish conspiracy. Fischer's theory points to a series of events involving Jackson’s strained relationships with Jewish figures in the music industry. Specifically, Fischer suggested that Jackson’s use of the phrase “Jew me, sue me” in his 1995 song “They Don’t Care About Us” might have provoked anger in the Jewish community. Moreover, Jackson’s acquisition of the Beatles catalog in 1985, beating out Jewish businessmen Charles Koppelman and Marty Bandier, might have added fuel to the fire. Some speculate that Jackson’s immense success, combined with his challenging of established systems, have threatened certain powerful figures in the entertainment industry.

Other celebrities such as Aaron Carter and Macaulay Culkin also say Jackson was "framed."

The Beatles Catalog Controversy

Jackson’s purchase of the Beatles’ catalog, one of the most lucrative in music history, came after a convoluted series of business deals. Early in their career, the Beatles lost control of their music when their publishing rights were sold to ATV, run by Jewish businessman Lew Grade. When ATV went up for sale in the 1980s, Jackson outbid Bandier and Koppelman, two prominent Jewish music executives. This acquisition set Jackson apart as not only a musician but a shrewd businessman.

In the years following, Jackson’s ownership of the catalog became a point of contention. Some speculate that powerful figures within the music industry were angered by his control over such an iconic asset.

Jackson's Public Image and Alleged Nazi Sympathies

Adding to the complicated narrative, some sources have suggested that Jackson had an interest in Nazi memorabilia, sparking further controversy. Video dealer Norman Scherer alleged that Jackson had amassed a collection of such items, though this claim surfaced only after Jackson’s death and has not been substantiated by his estate. Jackson’s image took another hit when he was photographed in a uniform that some likened to a Nazi outfit during a meeting with President George H.W. Bush in 1990.

While these allegations are provocative, they remain unproven and largely circumstantial. Jackson’s public comments and actions regarding figures like Adolf Hitler further added to the controversy. A recorded conversation between Jackson and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, in which Jackson claimed he could have “changed” Hitler, seemed to perplex the public even more and provided additional fuel for his critics.

Legal Battles and Media Narratives

Jackson’s first major legal battle came in 1993 when Evan Chandler (born Evan Robert Charmatz) accused him of sexual abuse. Chandler, a screenwriter and dentist, worked with Jewish lawyers Barry Rothman and Gloria Allred to pursue a settlement. While Jackson maintained his innocence, he eventually settled the civil case out of court. The lack of a criminal conviction did little to stop the media onslaught, as the press amplified the allegations at every turn. Despite his immense talent and contributions to the music world, the press appeared to relish in his downfall, building a narrative that often overshadowed his artistic achievements.

Concluding Thoughts

Whether or not there was a larger conspiracy against him, as Bobby Fischer speculated, is impossible to say with certainty. The truth about Jackson’s life, motivations, and struggles remains elusive. He may have been “trying to tell us that ‘they don’t really care about us,’” as he sang in one of his most pointed songs. But whether there was a specific “they” working to destroy him, or simply a confluence of circumstances and media narratives, is a question that still remains unanswered.

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