How Did Oprah Betray Michael Jackson
In 1993, Oprah Winfrey interviewed Michael Jackson at his Neverland Ranch in what became the most-watched interview in television history. The interview was supposed to improve Jackson’s public image, as he denied many tabloid rumors and opened up about his personal life. However, some fans felt that Oprah betrayed Jackson by asking him intrusive questions and challenging his answers. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Oprah asked Jackson about his changing appearance and whether he had undergone cosmetic surgery. Jackson admitted to having a nose job, but claimed that he had not altered his face in any other way. He also revealed that he had vitiligo, a condition that causes skin depigmentation. Oprah seemed skeptical of his explanations and pressed him for more details.
- Oprah asked Jackson about his relationship with his father, Joe Jackson, who had been accused of abusing him as a child. Jackson confirmed that his father had beaten him and called him ugly, but also said that he loved him and did not want to make him angry. Oprah questioned Jackson’s loyalty to his father and suggested that he needed therapy to heal from his trauma.
- Oprah asked Jackson about his romantic life and whether he was a virgin. Jackson said that he was dating actress Brooke Shields, but refused to answer the question about his virginity. He said that it was a personal matter and that he was old-fashioned. Oprah implied that he was lying or hiding something and tried to make him feel uncomfortable.
- Oprah asked Jackson about his friendships with children and why he liked to spend time with them. Jackson said that he enjoyed being around children because they were innocent and pure, and that he missed out on a normal childhood because of his fame. He also said that he invited children to his ranch to give them joy and happiness. Oprah insinuated that there was something inappropriate or unnatural about his behavior and asked him if he ever slept with children in his bed.
These questions angered many of Jackson’s fans, who felt that Oprah was disrespectful, insensitive and biased. They accused her of exploiting Jackson’s vulnerability and trying to tarnish his reputation. They also blamed her for paving the way for the allegations of sexual abuse that emerged later in the decade. Some fans even boycotted her show and called for her to apologize to Jackson.
