One decade on from the passing of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop’s estate has issued a statement about the effect his death had on the world.
It’s hard to believe that Tuesday, June 25th marked ten whole years since the passing of Michael Jackson. While many have since gone on to treat his death as one of those events which you will forever remember where you were when you heard of it, the controversies that followed have overshadowed his legacy of late.
While Jackson had announced his This Is It tour just three months earlier – breaking ticket records in the process – the circumstances of his death raised questions around the world, with physician Conrad Murray eventually being given a four-year sentence following a conviction of involuntary manslaughter in regards to Jackson’s passing.
Similarly, the last few months have featured widespread controversy thanks to the divisive Leaving Neverland documentary, which focuses around claims of child sex abuse made against Jackson, giving particular attention to the allegations made by Jimmy Safechuck and Brisbane-born Wade Robson.
While Jackson’s estate has called it nothing but a “tabloid character assassination”, it seems as though the allegations made have carried some weight, with radio stations around the world dropping Jackson’s music in response, and even his iconic episode of The Simpsons being pulled from streaming services.
Now, the estate of Michael Jackson have issued a statement on the tenth anniversary of the musician’s passing, singling out his achievements and the legacy he has left behind.
“Ten years ago today, the world lost a gifted artist and extraordinary humanitarian,” the statement began. “The entire global community joined in grieving during a powerful and emotional memorial service witnessed by more people than had ever viewed a live event before.
“United in grief, the world wept not only at the loss of an artistic genius but at the void left by the loss of a father, son and brother.”
Check out the trailer for Leaving Neverland:
As the statement continues, Jackson’s estate make no reference to his controversies, instead focusing on his philanthropic efforts, and mentioning how important his music is to the world of pop culture.
“In a world where numbers are the measure of a man, Michael Jackson is a resounding success, whether by his 16 No. 1 singles and eight No. 1 albums in the U.S or the fact that his album Thriller is owned by more people on the planet than any album ever made and Thriller the short film is the only music video to have been inducted into the National Film Registry.
“And when mastery of a craft is the measure, Michael Jackson’s divine abilities remain the yardstick by which others are measured and against which today’s masters still measure themselves.
“But we best remember Michael by paying tribute to his legacy of philanthropic work and ask music fans everywhere to make a difference in their community — whether it’s planting a tree, volunteering at a shelter, cleaning up a public space or helping someone who is lost find their way.”
In recent news, Janet Jackson opened up about the legacy of her brother, noting that “it will continue” despite the controversy stirred up by the Leaving Neverland documentary.
“I love it when I see kids emulating him, when adults still listen to his music,” she explained. “It just lets you know the impact that my family has had on the world.
“I hope I’m not sounding arrogant in any way – I’m just stating what it is. It’s really all God’s doing, and I’m just thankful for that.”
Check out ‘Thriller’ by Michael Jackson:
