Challenges Faced by Michael Jackson: Obstacles and Turning Points
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Michael Jackson's life and career.
Michael Joseph Jackson, the "King of Pop," was a highly influential American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. His four-decade career broke racial barriers and made him a global icon. He popularized dance moves like the moonwalk, the robot, and the anti-gravity lean, significantly impacting visual performance in popular music. Guinness World Records recognizes him as the most successful entertainer of all time.
1964: Joined the Jackson Brothers
In 1964, Michael Jackson, along with his brother Marlon, joined the Jackson Brothers as backup musicians, playing congas and tambourine.
1983: Vitiligo Observation
In 1983, Michael Jackson's dermatologist observed that he had vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by a loss of pigment in patches.
January 27, 1984: Pepsi Commercial Accident
On January 27, 1984, while filming a Pepsi commercial, pyrotechnics accidentally set Michael Jackson's hair on fire, causing second-degree burns to his scalp.
1986: Vitiligo Diagnosis
In 1986, Michael Jackson was officially diagnosed with vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment.
August 1993: Child Sexual Abuse Allegations
In August 1993, Michael Jackson was accused of child sexual abuse by a 13-year-old boy, Jordan Chandler, and his father, Evan Chandler.
November 12, 1993: Cancellation of Dangerous World Tour
On November 12, 1993, Michael Jackson canceled the remainder of the Dangerous World Tour due to health problems, stress from the allegations, and painkiller addiction.
1993: Child Sexual Abuse Accusation
In 1993, Michael Jackson was accused of sexually abusing the child of a family friend, marking the beginning of controversy in his public image.
1993: Reaction to Child Molestation Accusations Reflected in Music Video
In 1993, Michael Jackson's song and video for "Scream" reflected his response to child molestation accusations, earning a record 11 MTV Video Music Award Nominations and winning several awards.
January 1994: Settlement with Chandlers
In January 1994, Michael Jackson settled out of court with the Chandlers for a reported total sum of $23 million regarding child sexual abuse allegations.
September 22, 1994: Investigation Closed
On September 22, 1994, citing a lack of evidence without Jordan's testimony, the state closed its investigation into the child sexual abuse allegations against Michael Jackson.
1995: Controversy over "They Don't Care About Us" lyrics
In 1995, The Anti-Defamation League complained about possible anti-semitism of the original lyrics in Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us". Jackson released a revised version of the song.
2000: Release of HIStory Album
In 2000, tracks on Michael Jackson's HIStory album conveyed an atmosphere of paranoia and retaliated against perceived injustice, isolation, and media criticism.
December 18, 2003: Child Molestation Charges
On December 18, 2003, Santa Barbara authorities charged Michael Jackson with multiple counts of child molestation and intoxicating a minor, which he denied.
January 31, 2005: Start of The People v. Jackson Trial
On January 31, 2005, The People v. Jackson trial began in Santa Maria, California, involving charges of child molestation.
2005: Acquittal of Child Sexual Abuse Allegations
In 2005, Michael Jackson was tried and acquitted of child sexual abuse allegations and all other charges.
April 2006: ATV Catalog Stake as Collateral
In April 2006, Michael Jackson agreed to use a piece of his ATV catalog stake as collateral against his loans from Bank of America.
February 8, 2010: Murray Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter
On February 8, 2010, law enforcement officials charged Conrad Murray with involuntary manslaughter in connection to Michael Jackson's death.
2011: Murray Found Guilty
In late 2011, Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson and was held without bail while awaiting sentencing.
2013: Wade Robson Files Lawsuit
In 2013, Wade Robson filed a lawsuit alleging that Michael Jackson had sexually abused him for seven years, beginning when he was seven years old.
2013: Estate Tax Dispute
In 2013, the executors of Michael Jackson's estate filed a petition in the United States Tax Court due to a dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over estate taxes.
February 2014: IRS Report on Estate Taxes
In February 2014, the IRS reported that Michael Jackson's estate owed $702 million; $505 million in taxes, and $197 million in penalties.
2014: James Safechuck Files Lawsuit
In 2014, James Safechuck filed a case alleging similar sexual abuse over a four-year period starting when Safechuck was ten.
2015: Dismissal of Robson's Case
In 2015, Wade Robson's case against Michael Jackson's estate was dismissed as it had been filed too late.
2017: Ruling on Accountability of Jackson's Corporations
In 2017, it was initially ruled that Michael Jackson's corporations could not be held accountable for his alleged past actions.
February 21, 2019: Jackson Estate Sues HBO
On February 21, 2019, the Jackson estate sued HBO for breaching a non-disparagement clause from a 1992 contract related to the documentary Leaving Neverland.
March 2019: Release of "Leaving Neverland" Documentary
In March 2019, the documentary film "Leaving Neverland", detailing allegations by Robson and Safechuck, was released, causing controversy and backlash.
September 2019: Motion to Dismiss Denied
In September 2019, Judge George H. Wu denied HBO's motion to dismiss the case, allowing the Jackson estate to arbitrate.
October 2020: Court Rules on MJJ Productions Inc.
In October 2020, the Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled that MJJ Productions Inc. employees were not legally obligated to protect Robson and Safechuck from Jackson.
October 20, 2020: Safechuck's Lawsuit Dismissed Again
On October 20, 2020, James Safechuck's lawsuit against Michael Jackson's corporations was again dismissed.
December 2020: Appeals Court Affirms Ruling
In December 2020, the appeals court affirmed Judge Wu's ruling, continuing the legal battle between the Jackson estate and HBO.
April 2021: Court Rules on MJJ Ventures Inc.
In April 2021, the Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled that MJJ Ventures Inc. employees were not legally obligated to protect Robson and Safechuck from Jackson.
April 26, 2021: Robson's Case Dismissed
On April 26, 2021, Wade Robson's case was dismissed due to a lack of supporting evidence that the defendants exercised control over Jackson.
August 2023: Ruling Overturned
In August 2023, California's Second District Court of Appeal overturned the ruling that MJJ Productions Inc. and MJJ Ventures Inc. employees were not legally obligated to protect the two men from Jackson, and the case was approved to move forward to trial court.
