Taj Jackson Slams Chris Rock for Comparing Michael Jackson to R. Kelly in Netflix Special
Michael Jackson
Chris Rock’s Michael Jackson Pedophile Joke Slammed By King Of Pop’s Nephew
After enduring the embarrassment that came with last year’s “Slapgate,” Chris Rock had an undeniably huge opportunity to tell his side of the story this month. The comedian teamed up with Netflix for his latest comedy special, which spanned two and a half hours, and has already earned the Rush Hour actor significant backlash. Most of the criticism is coming from those accusing him of “punching down on Black women” for making disparaging comments about Meghan Markle and calling Jada Pinkett Smith a “bitch” on more than one occasion.
Elsewhere in the standup set, Rock made comments about the late Michael Jackson that aren’t sitting well with many viewers. “I’m all for social justice, I’m all for marginalized people getting they rights,” he says in the circulating clip. “The thing I have a problem with is… the selective outrage. Selective outrage! You know what I’m talking about! One person does something and gets cancelled, and somebody else does the exact same thing… Nothing!”
Chris Rock’s Controversial Comments
The 57-year-old continues, “You know what I’m talking about. You know, like the kind of people that play Michael Jackson songs, but won’t play R. Kelly.” At this point, a rumble of laughter is heard moving through the crowd, causing Rock to smile wide. “Same crime! One of ’em just got better songs. I play ‘Startin’ Something’ and it’s a party, but I play ‘Bump and Grind’ and you an activist,” he adds as the audience laughs on.
While Rock obviously got the laugh he was looking for on stage, online the response has been far less kind. In fact, the King of Pop’s nephew, Taj Jackson, loudly called the comedian out on Monday (March 6) before thanking the Gemini Man actor for slapping him. “Chris Rock has used my family as punching bags for his entire career,” the 49-year-old alleged in a tweet.
Taj Jackson Claps Back
“Yet I am supposed to feel bad for him getting slapped and humiliated [at] the Oscars. After seeing a new clip of him attacking my dead uncle in the first minutes of his ‘retaliation – I’m still relevant’ special, I have three things to say,” Jackson’s rant went on. “1. What did my family ever do to you to warrant these decades of harassment and your constant bullying [disguised] as jokes?”
For his second point, the former 3T member reminded Rock that, just because he experienced bullying as a child doesn’t give him the right to tear down others now. Jackson ended with, “3. Thank you, Will Smith,” seemingly praising the embattled actor for slapping the comedian nearly a year ago. Do you think that Chris’ comments about MJ were out of line? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news.
[Via]
Ciara Sports MSCHF Big Red Boots & A Michael Jackson Graphic Tee
We’ve seen some undoubtedly questionable fashion trends throughout the years. The latest craze to have everyone talking is MSCHF’s Big Red Boots. All month long, various celebrities have been stepping out in the undeniably obnoxious footwear, either earning praise for taking a style risk or being totally trashed by trolls. Fivio Foreign mostly received the latter, while Coi Leray conversely seems to be influencing people with her look.
On Thursday (February 16), Ciara revealed that she too is finally buying into the trend. The southern-born songstress posted a video on several social platforms that finds her singing her upcoming “DaGirls” track. For her outfit of the day, the mother of three donned sunglasses, layered chains, and an oversized Michael Jackson graphic tee.
The red elements on her shirt obviously match MSCHF’s boots, making for what some would argue is a very cute outfit. Of course, not everyone is a fan – and the haters certainly haven’t been quiet about speaking their opinion. “It’s giving Olive Oyl!!” one person joked, markedly comparing CiCi to Popeye’s animated wife.
Still haven’t seen anyone walk in them boots, yet. Thanks for the vocals tho. If you did a dance routine in those boots, you’d be the first
— Mr.Marcus
(@akaMrMarcus) February 17, 2023
I love you deep so I’m not going to speak on your feet
@ciara https://t.co/C6Np0SKhEO
—
P
It’s giving Olive Oyl!!
https://t.co/7oHpnwnblV pic.twitter.com/0WTc5BxgVy
— ꪮꪶꪗꪑρíꪖ (@O_BabyNC) February 17, 2023
“We need to start calling the cops on anyone wearing these boots. Stop trying to make fetch happen,” another user declared, expertly quoting Gretchen Weiners from Mean Girls. Thankfully, it hasn’t all been hate in the 37-year-old’s replies. “Only [you] could pull this off, beautiful queen,” a fan praised her on Twitter.
Other celebrities to step out in the MSCHF Big Red Boots lately include Iggy Azalea and Pardison Fontaine. The former paired hers with a red thong. She chiefly put her curves on display while the latter shared a photo in his amid rumours that he and Megan Thee Stallion have split. They officially went on sale earlier this week, though they’ve since sold out and are going for upwards of $1,000 on StockX.
Ciara’s Instagram feed has been lighting up with stylish content since 2023 began. In fact, at the top of the year, followers began speculating that the “1, 2 Step” hitmaker is with child again after she appeared to hide her stomach in a post. The rumours have since seemingly been put to bed, but you can still read all about them here.
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Michael Jackson’s Catalog Close To Being Sold + How He Helped Other Black Artists
Music icon Michael Jackson’s catalog is close to being sold for at least $800 million to the highest bidder. In his successful career, Michael was also impactful with music catalogs to help Black artists. Michael Jackson’s Catalog For Sale According to a Variety report, the Michael Jackson Estate is selling half of its interests in […]
The post Michael Jackson’s Catalog Close To Being Sold + How He Helped Other Black Artists appeared first on SOHH.com.
Michael Jackson Estate Close To Finalizing Nearly Billion Dollar Deal For The King Of Pop’s Music Catalog
There has been a recent surge in artists selling their music catalogs for hundreds of millions of dollars. Soon, we might be able to add Michael Jackson to that list.
According to Variety, Michael Jackson’s estate is finalizing a deal worth between $800-$900 million dollars for the late artist’s music catalog. While there are not very many details on the deal, Sony and another possible financial partner are looking to buy 50% of the estate’s interest in Jackson’s publishing, music revenues, the “MJ: The Musical” Broadway show and the upcoming “Michael” biopic “Michael, and maybe even more.
Sources close to MJ’s estate told TMZ that they would never sell 100% of the catalog. They said that the only way that even a 50/50 deal would work was if they still retained 100% management and control of the catalog.
Michael Jackson’s estate reportedly close to finalizing $800M-$900M deal for 50% of singer’s catalog
pic.twitter.com/oNlviU5mo4
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) February 8, 2023
If this deal goes through, it would become the biggest music catalog purchase in history. It would surpass Bruce Springsteen who sold his catalog for $500 million to Sony.
News of this comes just a week after MJ’s nephew Jaafar Jackson was announced as the lead in the Antoine Fuqua-directed Michael Jackson biopic Michael. “I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon,” he wrote on Twitter following the announcement.
The post Michael Jackson Estate Close To Finalizing Nearly Billion Dollar Deal For The King Of Pop’s Music Catalog appeared first on The Source.
Michael Jackson’s Estate Is Reportedly Close To Selling Just Half Of Its Catalog For Nearly A Billion Dollars
The year 2019 was the 10th anniversary of Michael Jackson‘s death, and his estate shared a thoughtful statement about his impact: “A decade later, Michael Jackson is still with us, his influence embedded in dance, fashion, art and music of the moment. He is more important than ever.” Now, it looks like they’re selling part of his catalog in a massive deal.
Three sources told Variety that the estate is selling 50% of its interests in Jackson’s catalog for somewhere between $800 million and $900 million to Sony and a possible financial partner. The deal involves “Jackson’s publishing, recorded-music revenues, the MJ: The Musical Broadway show and the upcoming biopic Michael, and possibly more assets,” the publication clarified.
The estate also recently made a statement about the tragic death of Lisa Marie Presley. “We are saddened by the sudden tragic loss of Michael’s former wife, Lisa Marie Presley,” they said. “Michael cherished the special bond they enjoyed as apparent in the official video for ‘You Are Not Alone’, and was comforted by Lisa Marie’s generous love, concern and care during their times together.”
They continued, “Bringing these two special people together was a memorable moment resulting in a union full of genuine affection and care for each other. Our deepest sympathies remain with Lisa’s family. Our hearts are with Lisa Marie’s children, Riley, Harper and Finley, and her mother, Priscilla, in this difficult time.”
Michael Jackson Estate Close To Finalizing $800M-$900M Deal For Singer’s Catalog: Report
If there’s one catalog in the music industry that’s worth a billion, it’s Michael Jackson’s. Apparently, the late singer’s estate is working out a deal that would amount to at least $800M. Per Variety, Michael Jackson’s estate is in the middle of selling half of the interest in the singer’s catalog for $800M-$900.
The details surrounding the sale aren’t clear, including the possible financial partner working with Sony Music on the acquisition. However, it’ll undoubtedly pay off big time. The sale possibly includes 50% of MJ’s publishing, revenue from recorded music, MJ: The Musical broadway show, and the upcoming biopic. However, others suggest other assets are involved in the sale. Still, Primary Wave Music reportedly owns Jackson’s stake in his publishing catalog.
You could imagine that Michael Jackson’s catalog would be well worth the price tag attached to it, even for 50%. However, sources close to MJ’s estate told TMZ that they would never sell the catalog outright. The only way a 50/50 deal would work is if his estate retained 100% management and control. Still, working alongside Sony Music on the deal only makes sense. After all, that was Michael’s long-time label throughout his solo career.
Michael Jackson’s catalog is evidently in high demand to this day. 1982’s Thriller, for example, is one of the biggest-selling albums of all time and continues to do massive numbers to this day. That project alone is 30x platinum.
The news comes on the heels of Lionsgate confirming a Michael Jackson biopic is in the works. With Jackson’s estate heavily involved, and his nephew Jaafar Jackson taking on the role of the pop star, the Antoine Fuqua-produced biopic will definitely rely on his biggest hits to convey the story accurately.
At a time when many artists are selling their catalogs for millions of dollars, Michael Jackson’s catalog would undoubtedly top the list. We’ve witnessed legacy acts like Bruce Springsteen agree to the sale of their catalog for half a billion. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber sold his catalog for roughly $200M. Even Lil Wayne sold the Young Money catalog – Drake and Nicki Minaj’s recordings included – to Universal Music Group for $100M.
Michael Jackson Biopic “Will Glorify A Man Who Raped Children,” “Leaving Neverland” Director Says
A biopic on Michael Jackson is officially on the way. However, it appears that a film surrounding the life and times of the King Of Pop is already facing backlash. Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed published an op-ed in The Guardian where he slammed Lionsgate for moving forward with the film. The title of his op-ed reads, “This new Michael Jackson biopic will glorify a man who abused children.”
Reed’s op-ed not only criticized Lionsgate but also, the press for the “gentle raising of eyebrows” surrounding the film. The comment was made in response to The Hollywood Reporter which reported that the film will “address all aspects of Jackson’s life, though it is unclear how the film will address the many controversies involving” the singer. “No one is talking about ‘cancelling’ this movie, which will glorify a man who raped children,” he wrote. From there, he directed a question to the filmmakers involved, including director Antoine Fuqua.
“How will you represent the moment when Jackson, a grown man in his 30s, takes a child by the hand and leads him into that bedroom? How will you depict what happens next? By sidestepping the question of Jackson’s predilection for sleeping with young boys, you are broadcasting a message to millions of survivors of child sexual abuse. That message is: if a pedophile is rich and popular enough, society will forgive him.”
At this point, there aren’t many details surrounding the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. However, Lionsgate confirmed it was in the works. Shortly after, Fuqua confirmed Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, would take on the role of the late pop star.
Reed left people devastated when Leaving Neverland debuted in 2019. The four-hour documentary explored the stories of Wade Robson and James Safechuck and their relationship with Jackson. Though Robson previously testified on Jackson’s behalf, leading to his 2008 acquittal, he later said that he lied to protect his mentor and abuser.
Leaving Neverland ultimately went on to win a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. The documentary marked the first time when Jackson’s accusers spoke publicly about the alleged abuse they experienced. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates surrounding the biopic.
Michael Jackson’s Nephew Jaafar Cast as Singer in Upcoming Biopic, Director Antoine Fuqua Announces
A Michael Jackson Biopic Has Found Its Star In The Controversial Singer’s Nephew, Jafar Jackson
An upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has found its star in the controversial singer’s nephew, Jafar Jackson, according to Deadline. The film is to be directed by Antoine Fuqua, who most recently directed the Will Smith movie Emancipation and posted the confirmation on Instagram.
Michael is being produced by the Jackson estate and Graham King, who also produced the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. That film grossed over $900 million worldwide and was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Star Rami Malek won the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.
Jafar Jackson is the son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine and is a singer and songwriter in his own right.
The bio has a tricky narrative needle to thread. Obviously, the estate’s involvement offers a layer of authenticity, especially as the estate controls the rights to Jackson’s catalog. However, the estate is also notoriously protective of the late star’s image; this leads to questions of how his more controversial aspects may be depicted.
If the producers decide to delve deeply into the child sexual abuse accusations against Jackson, they might have to do so without the family’s approval — and thus, without the singer’s music. However, judging from the reception of past biopics (they are all the rage right now, aren’t they?), if those thorny topics are avoided, the film could face greater scrutiny and criticism.
Hopefully, Fuqua will be up to the task. For now, he’s focusing on The Equalizer 3 with Denzel Washington.