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Michael Jackson being persecuted
By Joseph Perkins, 31 agosto 1993
I first met Michael jackson five years ago. I came away with one impression of the man whom the celebrity mags, Vanity Fair and People declared the most famous entertainer in the world: He truly was the nicest human being I had ever met.
The Pop Star was not simply striking a pose, pretending to be gentle and guileless before his adoring public while running roughshod over his hired hands away from the public eye. I have seen him in close quarters several times since our first meeting and he has only confirmed my initial impression.
Which is why it pains me to read the recent spate of sensational stories about Jackson quoting anonymous sources (naturally), who offer unsubstantiated second - third - or even fourth - hand dope alleging that the pop star fondled and had sexual relations with somebody's child.
These are verifiable facts that have emerged in the case: The child in question is a 13 year old boy, is at the center of a bitter custody battle between his estranged parents. His mother says she was not aware of any abuse of her son. Jacksons representatives say he received an extortion demand of $20 million, which he refused.
That a man who so loves children, who has donated millions of dollars to various children's charities, who has graciously opened up his home to terminally ill children, who sets aside thousands of free concert tickets at his tour stops for disadvantaged children, would have his good name so besmirched is an injustice.
I am reminded of the observation by Claire Booth Luce, that no good deed goes unpunished.
The irony of this whole sordid affair is that among the ranks of celebrity sports figures, Matinee Dolls, TV personalities and pop music stars, few have led such an exemplary a life as Michael Jackson (who it should be remembered, has had to contend with his celebrity status since he was the 8-year old lead singer of the Jackson 5).
He has never had to check into the Betty Ford Center for Alcohol abuse. (Elizabeth Taylor). He's never been arrested for Drug Possession, (Paul McCartney, Steve Howe). He's never been investigated for rape, (Rob Lowe, Mike Tyson). He's never beaten up a girlfriend or spouse, (Jackson Browne). He's never been booked for publicly exposing himself, (Pee Wee Herman). He's never been stopped for carrying an unregistered firearm, (Harry Connick Jr).
What he has done is endow more than 100 scholarships through the United Negro College Fund. He has helped build a special burn treatment center at the Brotman Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles. He has opened his purse to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a place for children with cancer. And lest it be forgotten, he helped raise millions for starving Ethiopians by co - writting and performing the now famous anthem "We Are The World".
Michael Jackson has done all of this, while soaring to the dizzying heights of pop stardom that only such legends as Elvis Presley and the Beatles have approached.
He has recorded four top selling solo albums including "Thriller," the biggest seller of all time, with more than 42 million copies. On the strength of that landmark LP he won an unprecedented 8 Grammy Awards, (the recording industry's highest honor) in one evening.
The pop star released more than 7 number one singles during the 80's, more than any other artist according to Bilboard Magazine. He also grossed more than $125 million in ticket sales during his last world concert tour. the biggest box office of any tour in history.
All of Jacksons remarkable creative and artistic achievements, all of his admirable humanitarian and charitable works, have been brushed to the side in the wake of the scurrilous assault on his character. The scandalmongers in the media, delight in nothing so much as cutting down to size a larger than life figure who enjoys an unblemished reputation.
I have no doubt that Michael Jackson will eventually be cleared of any accusations that have been made against him. Anyone who knows him for the decent and understanding person that he is, knows that he could not possibly do injury to any child.
My only real fear is that the negative publicity that has attended this sordid matter will discourage the already reserved and sensative Michael Jackson from having any future contact with his young fans.
Joseph Perkins is a columnist for The San Diego Union-Tribute
Transcription by Remembering the Times: www.facebook.com/MJRTT/photos/a.11...5392816/?type=1 -- http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1696...=2861%2C6764740
Edited by MJGoldWorld - 24/8/2014, 22:43
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Michael Jackson è perseguitatoby Joseph Perkins, 31 agosto 1993 |
