Early allegations against Michael Jackson

In 1993, Michael Jackson was first accused of sexual assault by a young fan, Jordan Chandler. Although the case ended with a financial agreement and the abandonment of civil proceedings, this was not the case for all accusations.

2005 trial and public reaction

In 2005, the trial People v. Jackson opened, with Gavin Arvizo reporting that the singer allegedly subjected him to pornography and sexual abuse. However, the evidence deemed insufficient allowed the singer to leave free from the courtroom. At that time, the public still massively supported the moonwalk king.

Reemergence of allegations in 2019

It was not until 2019 and the release of the documentary Leaving Neverland that some questioned the artist's icon status again. The MeToo movement and the Weinstein affair preceding the release of the documentary gave these accusations a new echo.

Reactions to the documentary

In France, the broadcast caused little noise. This is not the case on the other side of the Atlantic, where it caused a real shock wave. The main Canadian radio stations temporarily suspended the broadcast of the artist's songs. Even the producers of The Simpsons decided to react by deleting the episode in which the man lends his voice to one of the characters. However, the exclusion was short-lived.

Michael Jackson's enduring presence

The king of the moonwalk seems to escape censorship while many other artists are no longer featured on radio playlists due to prohibited behavior. This record longevity raises questions. The artist's status as a global icon and the public's attachment to his music seem to make it difficult for his songs to disappear from playlists.

New tributes and cultural influence

Tonight, the Star Academy dives into horror. With "Thriller," the candidate Isabella intends to pay tribute to the king of pop. And she does not seem to be the only one. Since Halloween, many calls to reproduce the famous dance from the music video are circulating on TikTok.

Continued relevance of Jackson's music

It must be said that nearly 17 years after his death, the singer's notoriety has almost not changed. From the K-pop group BTS to The Weekend, many contemporary artists recognize his influence. Not to mention athletes, such as in ice skating or rhythmic gymnastics, who continue to perform to Michael Jackson's music during major competitions.

New fans and public awareness

There are new fans, like Sarah, a 26-year-old woman, who are not aware of the allegations targeting the artist. "But I'm sure there are many people like me who still listen to him because they don't know about the allegations," she explains. "The 2019 accusations worried the media, but the general public did not follow," notes Richard Lecocq, a specialist in the pop star.

Enduring cultural impact

A myth that the public has had difficulty letting go of. "This song has never been more current for all peoples of the world," insists an internet user regarding the single "They don't care about us." Almost 30 years after its release, the song is still a cry for help against the inaction of certain governments. The humanitarian anthem is regularly performed by demonstrators around the world.

Jackson's influence on new generations

This "new generation is sensitive to Jackson's messages: whether it be the humanitarian hymns or also his trajectory as a human being," notes the author. It must be said that the pop star is one of the "few transgenerational artists capable of renewing his fan base," he adds. Proof of this is his biopic titled Michael, released this year, which manages to move crowds years after his death.

Biopic success and legacy

Earning more than a billion dollars in revenue, the film is a global success. Approved by the Jackson family, it even revives the "Jackson Mania." Especially since the artist is a monument of popular culture to which it is difficult to touch. "There is a principle of universality, for example, in Jackson's music videos. We watch his videos as we watch a Disney or a short film by Chaplin," notes the author of the biography King on Michael Jackson. A leniency that few artists have benefited from.