Major Controversies Surrounding Michael Jackson: A Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Michael Jackson.
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.
1978: Underwent Rhinoplasty
In 1978, Michael Jackson, feeling unsatisfied with his nose, decided to have a rhinoplasty, marking the beginning of changes to his physical appearance.
September 1986: "Wacko Jacko" Nickname
In September 1986, the British tabloid The Sun branded Michael Jackson "Wacko Jacko", a name Jackson came to despise.
1986: Hyperbaric Chamber Rumors
In 1986, reports surfaced that Michael Jackson slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to slow aging, which he initially denied.
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.
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.
1993: Michael Jackson Grabs His Crotch on Stage
In a 1993 interview, Michael Jackson explained to Winfrey that his crotch-grabbing gestures were spontaneous reactions compelled by the music, particularly during the "Bad" video performances.
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.
1996: Brit Awards Performance
At the 1996 Brit Awards, Michael Jackson's performance of "Earth Song" was disrupted by Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker, who was protesting what Cocker saw as Jackson's "Christ-like" persona.
May 2002: Filming of "Living with Michael Jackson" Begins
Starting in May 2002, a documentary film crew led by Martin Bashir began following Michael Jackson, which would later result in the controversial documentary "Living with Michael Jackson."
July 2002: Accusations Against Tommy Mottola
In July 2002, Michael Jackson accused Sony Music chairman Tommy Mottola of racism and exploiting black artists at Al Sharpton's National Action Network in Harlem.
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.
June 13, 2005: Acquittal on All Charges
On June 13, 2005, Michael Jackson was acquitted on all counts of child molestation in the People v. Jackson trial.
2005: Acquittal of Child Sexual Abuse Allegations
In 2005, Michael Jackson was tried and acquitted of child sexual abuse allegations and all other charges.
August 2009: Jackson's Death Ruled a Homicide
In August 2009, the Los Angeles County Coroner officially ruled that Michael Jackson's death was a homicide.
2009: Death Due to Propofol Overdose
In 2009, Michael Jackson died from an overdose of propofol administered by his personal physician, Conrad Murray.
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: Conrad Murray's Conviction
In 2011, Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's personal physician, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with 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.
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: Removal of Statue
Following renewed sexual assault allegations, the statue was removed from display in March 2019.
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.
2019: Countering Claims and Increased Album Sales
In 2019, after the release of "Leaving Neverland", documentaries presented information countering the claims, and Michael Jackson's album sales increased.
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.
