Ever since the 1980s, Michael Jackson used his music to revolutionize the industry and transcend genres. With innovative melodies, intricate dance moves, and elaborate music videos, the late star captivated audiences worldwide and was even dubbed the King of Pop. However, throughout his career, the singer faced his fair share of controversy.
Jackson’s songs like Billie Jean and Black or White tackled issues such as fame, identity, and race, and even sparked debate about their deeper meanings. But there was one song that caused a lot of backlash. After all, the iconic track shed light on police brutality and systemic racism. However, the artist ended up being deeply hurt by the backlash it received.
Michael Jackson reveals the misunderstood intentions of one of his hit songs
In 1995, Michael Jackson released the iconic song, They Don’t Care About Us. The track was a part of his album, HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I, and quickly became a powerful anthem that addressed themes of social injustice, police brutality, and systemic oppression.
Although it might be looked back on as one of his many hits, when it was released, the track faced a lot of backlash for some of its lyrics. In an interview with The New York Times, the singer addressed the backlash and true meaning of the song.
The idea that these lyrics could be deemed objectionable is extremely hurtful to me, and misleading. The song, in fact, is about the pain of prejudice and hate and is a way to draw attention to social and political problems. I am the voice of the accused and the attacked. I am the voice of everyone. I am the skinhead, I am the Jew, I am the Black man, I am the white man. I am not the one who was attacking.
Jackson may have hated having been so misunderstood. However, he still chose to set the record straight. The icon continued, “I am angry and outraged that I could be so misinterpreted.”
Although the 13-time Grammy winner defended his track, he soon changed his tune when things got worse. In fact, he even ended up apologizing for his choice of words.
Michael Jackson issued an apology for They Don’t Care About Us lyrics
In today’s social climate, Michael Jackson’s They Don’t Care About Us might be hailed for its bravery in tackling a sensitive subject like police brutality. However, when the song was released in 1995, it caused a stir like never before.
With the singer facing accusations of anti-Semitism and concerns regarding the song’s portrayal of social issues, he eventually decided to issue an apology for his lyrics. In a letter to the dean and associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles via The New York Times, Jackson expressed his regret.
Unfortunately, my choice of words may have unintentionally hurt the very people I wanted to stand in solidarity with. I just want you all to know how strongly I am committed to tolerance, peace and love, and I apologize to anyone who might have been hurt.
Although Jackson was trying to spread awareness, it ended up backfiring on him in the worst way possible. However, that did not stop the icon from speaking out about various other social injustices. The late pop star not only apologized for his lyrics but also changed them so that the later versions would not contain the slurs.
They Don’t Care About Us may have been controversial, but it was still a hit. In fact, after it was released, the track reached No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, and stayed on the chart for 13 weeks.
