What are your opinions of Michael Jackson?

[CottonBolus]

I think he was a very talented man who was placed around the worst people possible. His father, who only used him, his relatives who didn't care about him, and the people who he did business with, who only wanted to suck him dry. I've always thought he was a very talented pioneer who led a very sad life but still accomplished a lot. What are your opinions of him?

[xbuzzerx]

A very talented guy who fully represents the pitfalls of child stardom in all of their extremes.

[palbert]

He's dead.

Weird Al Jankovich lives.

[loveguys72]

Never a fan myself, but it is sad how growing up in a bad situation combined with the pressures of fame can conspire to destroy a person.

[G-Lexington]

He had a lot of talent, but I do think he needed others to bring that talent to fruition. He definitely worked best with certain songwriters and producers, who I think helped bring about his strengths while glossing over his weaknesses. His work up until Off the Wall was pleasant and enjoyable, but rarely transcendent. Off the Wall had Quincy Jones tap into and channel his boundless joy and energy, and it's still his most "fun" album. Thriller had him tapping something deeper, and it resonated on more levels, which is why so many people bought it and enjoyed it. From there on out, his obsessions (fame, belonging, his image, etc) started taking over. Bad had some good stuff on it, but the songs seemed shallower - they were more performance than full-wrought pieces. And from then on out, his obsessions confined him rather than powered him. The joy of his early work was entirely absent. Songs, videos and albums kept getting longer even when there was no need for it, and they all seemed to exist mainly to "prove" something rather than to be enjoyed. And the most prevalent message wasn't even "you done me wrong" or "save the children" but "I'm still relevant". Off the Wall and Thriller sounded like albums by someone so bursting with music and musical ideas that he couldn't not record them. Invincible sounded like an album put out to "show the world that he was still the King of Pop". It was as studied and deliberate and heavy-handed as the other two were fun and enjoyable. Even the whole "This Is It" concerts concept never sounded like a guy who missed live performing and wanted to get out there and do a great show. It sounded like he was, again, proving something to the world. Which is why, I think, he ended up pushing himself until he hit the wall.

I don't want to suggest that everything after Bad is terrible - it isn't. He was always at the very least an expert craftsman, and sometimes the craft overpowered the obsessions. But it certainly was never a joy again.

Lex

[jensu846]

closeted gay guy that preyed on boys. But he was one hell of a dancer.

[hylas]

artistically speaking, "off the wall" and "thriller" are untouchable. end of discussion.

as a person, he was fucked up in many ways, of course...
personally, id like to know if he was gay. im just curious.
i dont want to know if he was a pedophile. especially now that hes dead. i dont need to know lalalalalalaicanthearyou.

[The Fly]

Dead child molester......no great loss.

[refujiunderground]

that dude's problems destoryed him. he was a genius when it came to his art BUT you know what they say about geniuses. it's a shame how he ruined himself.

[Rubber Rat]

I never cared for his music. Not a fan of pop.

[MisterMajestic]

Unfortunately Mike was so addicted to getting doped up on a regular basis he placed his Life in the hands of a Man that had a shady record. He was so careless with his own life. He knew there was a possibility that he might not wake up one day and that his babies would be left alone....

He protected them from public Life all of their young lives but his addiction is what took him away from them....I don't judge him on his career failures and all the publicity stunts he did...I was disappointed in Mike for putting his own life in danger and knowing his own Children would be thrown to the wolves if he ever died....That was all on him and he failed those kids..He Loved them but he still failed them in the end...

[cgymike]

He had talent but was a weak person. His attachment to California was his undoing. He should have moved to Australia or South Africa. That place brought him nothing but trouble.

[eastofeden]

I was fortunate enough to have spent approx 15 minutes alone...one on one...with Michael. His entourage was not with him and even his bodyguard wandered off a bit (and DAMN his bodyguard was sexy)...

I was setting up my booth in San Mateo on Friday night and as usual I am one of the last ones out. I was busy and I didn't realize anyone was behind me or even anywhere near me as the building was almost empty and I almost knocked Michael to the floor. I steadied him...he didn't flinch or get weird. He wanted to see a picture I had hanging up in the back corner so I got it down for him...he asked me alot of questions about it...then he proceeded to look around and inquire about other things....I never let him know I knew who he was...he was dressed like a sheik (LOL...BAD DISGUISE because it looked like MJ dressed like a sheik)..it is tacky and disrespectful to address him as MJ IMO since he was a shopper who HAPPENED to be Michael Jackson VERSUS Michael Jackson shopping....and since I am not intimidated by famous people and I talk to them like I would anyone else they dont' run away or freak out with me....

Anyway...that is the background for my opinion....

I thought he was extremely sweet and kind and childlike....If I closed my eyes it would be as if I was in the presence of an innocent and curious child and that is NOT a criticism. I felt immediately protective of him as I do anyone who has that innocent childlike quality. He had a very nice presence....

I am not certain of his guilt or innocence BUT I would vote NO if you asked me if I think he did it just going by my gut....and because when he was asked on 60 minutes if he thought he did anything wrong I saw the child in him and I believed his answer when he said NO.

America wants it's child molesters to look like Michael Jackson or the nasty bald convict...and sometimes they do...but far too often they look like the fucking Catholic Priests and the "perfect guy" who is a father of five. America is dreadfully addicted to images. UGH. I think Michael had to pay for that.

The next day at the show...he was there with maybe 8-10 lookalikes who walked ahead of him and 2-3 bodyguards. When he walked by the first time he nodded and smiled quietly and I nodded and smiled back...I felt sorry for him..I felt as though he was trapped....

I really liked the guy and I consider him a genius....and that is my opinion

PS...I almost forgot the best thing about him...he loved Diana Ross as much as I do...maybe even more

[PreTTy PeTe]

a loser popstar who didn't even make it into the 27 club.

but i actually liked the guy and his early music.

[Scealle]

I think he's a very talented dancer. Not into his music though.

[BreakTheIce]

I must be the only person who feels as if Janet dances better than him. I do like some of Michael's songs though. Not a fan of everything. And a great dancer.

[BENDERBOY]

Great music, shame about the kiddie fiddling.

[JustMe5]

Vastly overrated. Great entertainer but terrible singer. Had several memorable songs (and videos). The fact that he had close friendships with young boys was very bizarre.

[blackbeltninja]

He was practically untouchable as a live act, a true showman - I was fortunate enough to catch the History tour here in .za back in '97. I thought he wrote songs well, too. I didn't enjoy his later stuff as much as I did the earlier material, but he was someone who deserved the epithet "icon."

-d-

[CupidBoy]

I like his music, but I prefer Janet.

[loki81]

sad.

I don't think he was a child molester, but I don't think he was playing with a full deck of cards in his brain either.

[Adrock-JD]

I enjoyed some of his music.

Much like I enjoyed some of Mel Gibson's films, until he went completely creepy and disgusting in later life.

Maybe they were creepy and disgusting all along but we just didn't know it. Hollywood knew it. They kept it quiet while these two were making millions for them.

[EuroSoccer]

A twat
.
.

[loosingyourmind]

he became more famous after his death, definitely.

[figjam]

I think he was a very talented man who was placed around the worst people possible. His father, who only used him, his relatives who didn't care about him, and the people who he did business with, who only wanted to suck him dry. I've always thought he was a very talented pioneer who led a very sad life but still accomplished a lot. What are your opinions of him?

Very talented, definately before "his time", etc etc. If ("if" I said) he did what he did to those boys, there is still no excuse.....

[loki81]

he became more famous after his death, definitely.

you think so?

in his prime, he was probably the most famous person on the planet after Jesus and Santa Claus.

[hylas]

he became more famous after his death, definitely.

just how young are you, man?

[BreakTheIce]

he became more famous after his death, definitely.

"Either you're playing dumb, or it's not an act"
- Judge Judy

- - - Updated - - -

I like his music, but I prefer Janet.

this is why I like you

*squeeze*

[johaninsc]

he was big like Wal-Mart


...and like Wal-Mart, he had boys jeans half off

[birddog7]

Psycho......

[Georgiadude]

I think he was very talented but also a FREAK. He was addicted to different drugs and was a doctor shopper. He found doctors that would give him what he wanted. If they didn't, he found someone that would. Money and fame talk. Unfortunately for him, it cost him his life. It was only a matter of time before his disease killed him. I think he was addicted to plastic surgery. God only knows how many nose jobs he had. His chin looked odd and I don't believe he had Vitiligo. He bleached his skin.

I really believe he molested those boys. Why did he pay millions to the first boy if he was innocent? He paid the hush money and moved onto the next victim.

I think his family sucked him dry. They're still trying to milk his legacy for every dime. It's pathetic. I feel sorry for his children. They didn't ask to be born into this mess. I hope they are able to live as normal a life as they can.

Steven.

[JustMe5]

One thing I noticed is that there was a pronounced difference in the way people outside the USA viewed Michael versus the way Americans viewed him. As an example, the day he died, people in London were dancing in the streets to his music and singing along. Whereas here in the USA people were like: "Oh good, one less child molester in the world!!!"

It's rather ironic that lots of people in his home country thought he was a weird sad man, but in other parts of the world he was seen as some kind of music god.

[JustMe5]

I feel sorry for his children.

I think we can all agree that those kids are simply not his biological children.

[MisterMajestic]

Back in the mid 80's I still remember wearing my First Michael Jackson outfit in the 1st Grade...Everyone wanted their very own MJ-outfit and my Parents hooked me up...LOL.....It was a Black Leather Jacket with Silver-Zippers all over it, a ton of Silver glitter on the chest and shoulder of the jacket and Black leather pants....The only thing missing from my outfit was a Jerry-Curl...

I remember standing at the School Bus stop feeling too cool to speak to anybody Because I had on my MJ-clothes....Those were the days...So I can say thanks to Mike for giving a lot of us childhood memories..He deff made his stamp...

[CupidBoy]

this is why I like you

*squeeze*

[gsdx]

I felt sorry for him..I felt as though he was trapped....

That was the impression I had of him as well. He couldn't live without his music, but he couldn't seem to live with the fame it brought him.

[Georgiadude]

I think we can all agree that those kids are simply not his biological children.

Whether they are his biologically or not he still brought them into his mess of a life. Now they're left in the care of his family. Like his parents are capable of raising them. ugh so sad. then again he probably wasn't the best role model.

Steven.

[eastofeden]

Whether they are his biologically or not he still brought them into his mess of a life. Now they're left in the care of his family. Like his parents are capable of raising them. ugh so sad. then again he probably wasn't the best role model.
Steven.

Not a good role model? Let's see...the guy wrote performed and coordinated an effort that fed millions of starving people in Africa....

There are alot of types of people who aren't so good role models....that have a "mess of a life"....I think judgmental people aren't so good at being role models....just look at Fred Phelps and what his judgemental ass did to his children.

[JP.]

I love MJ

Rock wit u..all night..rock with u...

[Levi1982]

I am indifferent he was just another person destroyed by his fame.

[counterspade]

he was big like Wal-Mart


...and like Wal-Mart, he had boys jeans half off

I laughed so damn hard at this.

I believe he was incredibly talented, but put a lot of emphasis on fashion and glamor. While I laughed at that statement, I don't believe he was a child molester. I think it was a publicity scandal to destroy him.

[Georgiadude]

Not a good role model? Let's see...the guy wrote performed and coordinated an effort that fed millions of starving people in Africa....

There are alot of types of people who aren't so good role models....that have a "mess of a life"....I think judgmental people aren't so good at being role models....just look at Fred Phelps and what his judgemental ass did to his children.

His life was a mess. He owed people a lot of money. he was addicted to several different medications, morphed his body, sexually assaulted children, held his infant child over a railing, it goes on and on. kudos to him for raising money for charity. It doesn't change the fact he died of a drug overdose leaving his children behind. I know it was the doctor that gave the drug but Michael was a doctor shopper. He used his money, fame and influence to get the drugs he needed. When doctors cut him off he found another that would give him what he wanted.

Im a recovering addict. When I was using I wasn't a good role model for my children. I'm not any better than any other addict but I'd have more respect for him had he gotten off drugs. Had he done so he'd still be able to be a parent to his children and raise money for charity.

Steven.

[blackbeltninja]

I really believe he molested those boys. Why did he pay millions to the first boy if he was innocent? He paid the hush money and moved onto the next victim.

If I recall correctly, he DIDN'T pay the first boy. The parents came to MJ and suggested he support the boy's father by funding a fully-paid dental practice for him. When MJ said "no thanks" they ran to the cops with allegations of child molestation.

-d-

[eastofeden]

His life was a mess. He owed people a lot of money. he was addicted to several different medications, morphed his body, sexually assaulted children, held his infant child over a railing, it goes on and on. kudos to him for raising money for charity. It doesn't change the fact he died of a drug overdose leaving his children behind. I know it was the doctor that gave the drug but Michael was a doctor shopper. He used his money, fame and influence to get the drugs he needed. When doctors cut him off he found another that would give him what he wanted.

Im a recovering addict. When I was using I wasn't a good role model for my children. I'm not any better than any other addict but I'd have more respect for him had he gotten off drugs. Had he done so he'd still be able to be a parent to his children and raise money for charity.

Steven.

A few things...you may "know" he sexually assaulted children..I don't.

I have been a recovering addict for 25+ years...clean and sober...and part of my recovery is not taking other addicts inventory. I instead choose to have compassion and empathy for them...there but for the grace of god go I.

It isn't just charity....his effort potentially saved millions of lives of people who were starving to death. Saving other people's lives is a GREAT ROLE MODEL every single time.

Time will tell what kind of influence he had on his children.

[RaKroma]

Jackson was a very troubled musical prodigy. He was like so many other gifted artists who could not find meaning and peace with their lives even when they achieved so much. I was always in awe of his exceptionally lavish lifestyle. Only Saudi Royal family tops the list.

[mrbeebs]

I think some of those kids were fucking lying on him for dough.

[hotb0d]

his songs....I can listen to them without getting bored.

man in the mirror...I aspire to live like that one day.

true respect for his performances and music.

[Nishin]

Big fan of his music, the MJ South Park episode killed him for me though, I don't think I ever laughed that loud to a tv show, it was so mean

[BreakTheIce]

Let's go on one

[Just_Believe18]

I respect the talent that was his music. You can criticize him all you want, but his music is legendary, and your one opinion that you thought it sucked isn't relevant to the reality of its acclaim.

As for the man, he was deeply flawed. He was a drug addict, terrible with his money, manipulated, and coddled. His relationships with young boys was inappropriate, regardless if you think sexual abuse happened or not. He was a grown ass man, and being an apologist to his regressive "childlike" state is of no benefit to him. He's dead; it was an orchestration following a series of unfortunate events that were self-inflicted.