Michael Jackson, the undisputed King of Pop, was one of the most influential artists in history. Despite his immense talent and global recognition, he faced racism throughout his life and career. From childhood to superstardom, Michael encountered discrimination in various forms, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by Black artists in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Family Struggles Michael grew up in a tough household, where his father, Joseph Jackson, was known for his strict and abusive behavior. This harsh upbringing was partly influenced by the belief that Black children needed to be prepared for a world filled with racial discrimination. The humiliation Michael faced at home extended beyond his family, shaping his early experiences with prejudice.

Terrifying Encounter in an Antique Store In 1978, Michael experienced a horrifying act of racism when he was attacked and tied up in the back room of an antique store owned by a Ku Klux Klan supporter. Fortunately, his bodyguard, Bill Bray, intervened before any harm was done. This traumatic event left a lasting impact on Michael, which he later addressed in his music, particularly in the song Black or White.

The Music Industry’s Bias Despite the massive success of his 1979 album Off the Wall, Michael was largely ignored at the 1980 Grammy Awards, receiving only two nominations in the “Urban” category. Frustrated by the industry’s racial bias, he vowed to create an album that could not be ignored—Thriller. His prediction came true in 1984 when he won eight Grammys, solidifying his status as a legend.

Struggles with Media Representation Michael faced additional barriers in securing mainstream media coverage. When he sought a cover story in Rolling Stone, he was told that Black artists did not sell magazines. Outraged, he declared that one day the media would beg for his interviews, and he would decide whether to grant them. His success eventually forced these outlets to recognize his greatness.

Breaking Barriers on MTV Before Michael, MTV rarely featured Black artists. When he insisted that Billie Jean be aired, the network initially refused. His record label had to threaten to pull all their artists from MTV before they relented. Michael’s breakthrough on the platform paved the way for future Black musicians like Prince, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson.

The Grammy Snub and Skin Color Controversy In 1988, despite the massive success of his Bad album, Michael was once again overlooked at the Grammys. The media fueled false narratives about his changing appearance, with racist tabloids calling him “Wacko Jacko,” a name with derogatory undertones. Michael later confirmed that his lighter skin was due to vitiligo, a medical condition, yet he continued to face relentless scrutiny.

Racism in Business Deals Michael and his brothers initially sought an endorsement deal with Coca-Cola, but the company hesitated to associate with Black musicians. Instead, Pepsi embraced the Jacksons, leading to one of the most successful marketing campaigns of all time. Ironically, Coca-Cola later lost market share to Pepsi, proving the power of Michael’s influence.

The Don King Incident Even within the Black community, Michael faced racism. Promoter Don King, after failing to convince Michael to continue performing with his brothers, made a racial slur against him. Although Michael considered taking legal action, he was advised against it to avoid media exploitation.

A Legacy That Overcame Racism As Michael shattered records set by white artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles, the media intensified their attacks against him. He was labeled a “freak” and falsely accused of heinous crimes, all in an effort to diminish his legacy. Yet, through it all, Michael remained proud of his identity. He once said, “I look in the mirror, and I know I’m Black. I am proud to be a Black American.”

Michael Jackson’s life was a testament to resilience in the face of racism. His contributions to music and culture remain unparalleled, and his impact continues to inspire generations of artists worldwide.