Jackson's Reply

I realize this is old news by now, but Michael Jackson has fired back at Martin Bashir, the man who interviewed him for the BBC (and ABC). However, most telling, is a quote from the story:

"...I am bewildered at the length to which people will go to portray me so negatively.... I will say again that I have never, and would never, harm a child. It sickens me that people have written things that portray me as a child abuser."

Michael, Michael, my friend, listen to me. Come here, sit down - this is going to be painful but you need to hear it.

I believe you have the best interests of children at heart. You had a bad childhood (who didn't?) and you want to make sure that it never happens to your children. Well, friend, the life you have given - are giving - your children is a form of child abuse. You don't realize it, it's not malicious, but it comes from your own immaturity and arrogance to believe a child can raise a child. It can't happen, and can only result in pain for everyone involved.

People are portraying you negatively not because of any strange resentment to you personally - your behaviour towards yourself, your children, and others around you is intolerable in main-stream society. We want to protect our children and help them grown into mature, reasonable sensible adults. It is very clear that in your attempts to raise your kids, you are going to literally love them to death. Masking their faces, concealing their heritage - is that what you would've wanted all those years traveling with the Jackson 5 and trying to please your father? What lengths will you force them to go to to please you when they're older? If they don't display some musical or other real creative talent, will you attempt to force them into that role? Or worse, will you completely shelter them from the world so they get no true life experiences?

Michael, if you love children, and you love your own children, give them their lives back. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find your own again.