Michael Jackson was an American pop singer, dancer and songwriter. He is also the founder of ‘moon walk’ which had a global reach. He is considered to be one of the greatest entertainers in the history of music. Despite a successful professional singing career, his personal life has remained a subject of controversy for a long time.
The Child abuse allegation
In August 1993, Michael Jackson was accused of a Child sexual abuse. The accusers were a 13 year old boy named Jordan Chandler and his father Evan Chandler. The father of the young boy accused Michael Jackson stating that he had seduced and indulged in sexual acts with his son.
Following this, the Police of Los Angeles who were investigating the case raided two of Michael Jackson’s houses. The police also investigated the boy and other youngsters who visited Jackson’s Neverland ranch in Santa Barbara. Michael Jackson, who was in Thailand when accused, issued a statement via his lawyer stating “I am confident the police department will conduct a fair and thorough investigation and that the result will demonstrate that there was no wrong doing on my part”. The cops were said to have seized two books from the closet that contained pictures of young boys with little or no dress. However, Michael Jackson settled this case out-of-court by offering 25 million dollar to the accused family. The court too dropped the case due to the lack of cooperation from the accusers. But, this allegation left Michael Jackson an permanent scar in his public image.
Michael Jackson marry Lisa Marie Presley
In the following year after this incident, Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley. The marriage took place outside of the USA in La Vega, Dominican Republic in May 1994. It was a first marriage for Michael Jackson whereas it was a second marriage for Lisa Marie Presley. The marriage was kept secret from the public, however when information began leaking through the media, the couple, on Aug. 1, issued a statement through Jackson’s MJJ Productions. In the statement Mrs Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson said that ”my marriage to Michael Jackson took place in a private ceremony outside the United States…weeks ago.” She added, ”We both look forward to raising a family and living a happy, healthy life together.”
Marriage a diversion – Media and Cynics
The Cynics and the tabloid media debated that the marriage was an attempt to veer the public from allegations of child abuse against Michael Jackson. While Mrs Jackson who was then a rising singer was criticized to have exploited the opportunity to enhance her career.
But both Mr and Mrs Jackson refused these rumours when they appeared on ABC’s Primetime Live show. During the show they were questioned about rumors that their marriage was a publicity stunt designed to give Jackson legitimacy. “Like we’re faking this?” Jackson said. His wife replied, “How can you fake this 24 hours a day — sleeping with somebody, waking up with somebody? I’m not going to marry somebody for any reason other than the fact that I fall in love with them.”
Divorce
The marriage didn’t even last for a couple of years as they got divorced after 20 months of their marriage life. Lisa Marie Presley’s publicist said that the separation was due to ‘irreconcilable differences’. And Jackson’s publicist, Lee Solters, said only that the pair “have mutually agreed to go their separate ways. However, they remain good friends.” Though this incident led many people to conclude that this marriage was just a publicity stunt.
Sources
1.http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/24/newsid_2512000/2512077.stm
2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson
Eduindex News 