A Michael Jackson Fan’s Open Letter to Oprah Winfrey
A Michael Jackson fan has published an open letter addressed to Oprah Winfrey on the website of this TV host. The main focus of the letter, dated October 16, is criticizing Oprah Winfrey’s behavior toward Michael Jackson. The author especially refers to her recent interview with Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, and his children. He writes:
“Oprah owes Michael Jackson an apology for her bias and slander.”
Read the text of the letter below...
[eMJey’s description: In her interviews with Michael Jackson’s former wife, Lisa Marie Presley, Oprah questions their marriage and turns it into jokes and mockery. During Michael Jackson’s 2005 trial, Oprah Winfrey also joined the group of those condemning Michael. She had forgotten the slogan “innocent until proven guilty,” like everyone else, and did not want to use her influence among the public and in the media in favor of an innocent human being who was herself the victim... Even after Michael was acquitted of his charges in a fair court, she had said: “We don’t know the truth.”
But Michael didn’t want anyone to rise in his defense. He only respectfully asked the media not to issue a conviction for him, and to allow the facts to be said and heard in court. He only wanted “his day in court”!
This is while Oprah Winfrey—and every other Black American, including President Barack Obama—owes Michael Jackson. Michael was the first Black idol for every person aged 8 to 80 in the world. (as quoted by Quincy Jones, producer of the “Trailer” album)—and Michael’s success and popularity among white Americans proved to colored citizens that borders can be broken. Also, Oprah Winfrey’s most successful TV program during her career was that famous interview with Michael Jackson in 1993 at Neverland, Michael’s home. That show received the highest ratings.]
[Text kept with the same meaning, slightly shortened.]
Dear Oprah,
My heartfelt wish is that you see this letter and read it with your heart.
[...] All innocent children are born into the world. It is painful to see children suffer. Criminals must be tried; we do not ignore the abuse of children. We believe you have been completely wrong about Michael Jackson.
During Michael’s trial (2005), you slandered Michael. You didn’t criticize Roman Polanski, who had admitted to assaulting a 13-year-old girl. So when will it be time for you to stop harassing a man who said he was innocent?
[...] To prove guilt against Michael, prosecutor Tom Sneddon (the prosecutor of the 2005 court) resorted to documentation. He spent a fortune. He poured fabricated and entirely negative quotes about Michael into the media.
Despite the prosecutor’s masterful plans, which were alive with the goal of putting Michael in prison, he was acquitted of all charges by the jury. If the fact that the 2005 trial didn’t kill part of Michael’s soul, we would have thanked Tom Sneddon for proving Michael’s innocence without any doubt, even if unintentionally.
You apologized for the small slander about Robin Givens. But you still owe Michael Jackson an apology.
After his death, prominent figures offered their condolences. He was a pioneer of Black art and entertainment in America. But it was disappointing that you, as a powerful figure in the Black community, failed to express sympathy. We bombarded you with emails, and only after that did you announce that you would air a memorial program for him—like a slap in our faces.
(This program aired on September 16, more than two months after Michael’s death.)
His behavior was always kind and respectful to everyone, including media employees. Instead of praising him for his noble character and perfection, the media lashes him—because they ignored the prejudice and ignorance of the media in portraying themselves, and instead opened only his heart to everyone.
You claimed to fight for freedom and wage war against prejudice and the violation of others’ rights. Michael Jackson’s supporters expected at least you to understand Michael. But unfortunately you have been unable to set aside your own prejudice. For some time now, you have been cleverly attacking Michael, and we are tired of your insults.
Your purpose in interviewing Lisa Marie Presley and Katherine Jackson was to raise your TV ratings. If you are not “a woman” enough to do a TV apology, then why do you use his name to increase the value of your own work?
Did you delay airing the interview with Lisa Marie so that it would be broadcast immediately after two programs about sexual abuse?
You accused an innocent man. Now that he is dead, you keep accusing him. Correct your mistake. With respect, we ask you to apologize to Michael Jackson, his family, and his fans for condemning an innocent man before his trial ended. Worse still, you did the same after his acquittal.
[...] In addition, we have heard that Michael’s children may also be part of your program. Michael Jackson was, above all, a father. He was “the best dad in the world.” (as quoted by Paris, his daughter, at his memorial in July 2009)—and he kept his children away from camera flashes, and in his interviews he said he wanted privacy for his children.
It would be very inappropriate if you use images of them in your program. Please respect Michael’s wishes for his children.
Katherine and Joe are 80 years old, and perhaps by agreeing to do this interview, they showed a weakness in judgment. But this is still your program. You will have the final say in how it is shown. We ask the person inside you—not that businesswoman—for honesty and integrity, and not to air Katherine Jackson’s interview.
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Related remarks:
Marlon Jackson, Michael’s brother, July 2009. Michael Jackson memorial:“Maybe now, Michael, they can finally let you rest.”
Randy Jackson, Michael’s brother:“I just realized that Oprah has been in our house. My stomach hurt. I know what kind of thoughts Oprah has about my brother and my family. And I also know this wasn’t something she wanted. Oprah is the last person on earth that Michael wanted to be around his children.”
In 2005, Oprah had a program about condemning sexual abuse of children. Randy believes this wasn’t an accident.
Karen Faye, longtime friend and Michael’s personal makeup artist:“Probably now she’s looking down, shaking her head, and thinking to herself how her mother allowed Oprah to enter the Jackson house.”
A Michael Jackson fan:“The thought of Oprah being in Michael’s house terrifies me... What disrespect!”
Source: eMJey / Oprah.com