"How on Earth Can You Listen to Michael Jackson?"

I hold a profound aversion to sex offenders who traumatize children with their twisted behavior. However, I firmly adhere to the principle that the accused must be presumed innocent until proven guilty. As a socially responsible person, I also see the primary role of justice in delivering a specific punishment that forces the law-breakers to realize their crimes, while simultaneously ensuring the protection of society from further harm.

2005 trial: Michael Jackson with his lawyer Thomas Mesereau

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Allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors first surfaced against superstar Michael Jackson in 1993, concerning then 13-year-old Jordan Chandler. Following the artist's passing in 2009, further allegations emerged, most notably in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, which focused on Wade Robson and James Safechuck. More recently, reports such as the one from 60 Minutes Australia broadcast featuring the Cascio siblings have kept the discourse alive. It is important to remember, however, that with everyone named (except for Jordan Chandler, who refused to participate) and many others present, including Michael Jackson himself, a trial was held in 2005. There, these matters were thoroughly examined following the broadcast of a different TV program called Living with Michael Jackson. Although this proceeding represented the ultimate legal venue to achieve full justice, those who have reversed their position today, describe themselves as victims and pursue civil lawsuits against the Michael Jackson Estate seeking millions were adults in their own right at the time and provided sworn testimony so favorable to Jackson that the jury had little choice but to acquit him on all counts.

A few days ago, we commemorated the 17th anniversary of Jackson's death. The individuals named who previously defended him and now denounce him ask the public to understand that they could not have acted differently back in 2005. While it is difficult to overlook Jackson’s various eccentricities and the sheer volume and disturbing nature of these allegations, I ask for a similar understanding: as an uninvolved observer, I choose to rely on the official verdict of the jury and have doubts about the accusers given their past and obvious motivation to gain personal benefit. This does not mean I hold a grudge against them, because in the end, only they know the real truth.

"As an uninvolved observer, I choose to rely on the official verdict of the jury and have doubts about the accusers given their past and motivations."

Regardless of which side of the dispute you are on, every recording of a song is the culmination of a collective effort. Michael Jackson's discography would not have achieved its iconic status without the contributions of figures such as Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, and Teddy Riley. At the same time, his recordings represent a crucial chapter in music history. That is why I am convinced that the gallery curated by me containing restored arts of his albums and singles will always have a legitimate place. I make no secret that I am even an admirer of Michael Jackson's entire artistic legacy – an integral part of which are the music videos and live performances shaped by the brilliant choreography of Vincent Paterson, Jeffrey Daniel, and Travis Payne.

As a fan of the art released under Michael Jackson’s name, I certainly cannot rule out the possibility that the man himself had a darker side.