Living with Michael Jackson is a documentary that aired in 2003, which was produced and presented by the British journalist Martin Bashir. The documentary provides an intimate look into the life of the pop superstar Michael Jackson.
Summary[]
The documentary was notable for the access it granted to Michael Jackson's private life, giving viewers a glimpse into his Neverland Ranch and his personal relationships. It also featured interviews with Michael Jackson himself, where he discussed various aspects of his life and career.
One of the most significant moments in the documentary was when Michael Jackson admitted to sharing his bed with children, including young boys, but he emphasized that it was entirely innocent and non-sexual. This revelation caused a significant amount of controversy and contributed to the ongoing speculation and accusations surrounding Jackson's interactions with children.
"Living with Michael Jackson" received widespread attention and was a subject of controversy and debate. Some viewers found it to be a sympathetic portrayal of Jackson, while others raised concerns about the appropriateness of his relationships with children. The documentary played a role in further fueling the legal battles and controversies that surrounded Michael Jackson throughout his life.
The documentary was made during a period when Jackson's career and personal life were highly scrutinized, and it had a significant impact on his public image. Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, and his legacy continues to be a topic of discussion and debate in the years following his death.
Criticism[]
The documentary received several criticisms and controversies, including:
- Exploitation of Michael Jackson: Critics argued that Martin Bashir exploited Michael Jackson for the sake of sensationalism and ratings. Some felt that Bashir took advantage of Jackson's eccentricities and vulnerabilities to create a provocative and controversial documentary. Jackson felt betrayed by Martin Bashir and complained that the film gives a distorted picture of his behavior and conduct as a father. He said that in the final version of his interview, Bashir used only material that supported the negative view Bashir was portrayed as holding towards Jackson. In response, Jackson and his personal cameraman released a rebuttal interview, which showed Bashir complimenting Jackson on his abilities as a father and his grace under pressure.
- Lack of Objectivity: Many viewers and media outlets accused Martin Bashir of lacking objectivity and balance in his portrayal of Michael Jackson. They argued that the documentary appeared one-sided and focused more on sensational aspects rather than providing a fair and comprehensive view of Jackson's life.
- Ethical Concerns: The documentary raised ethical questions about Bashir's methods as a journalist. Some believed that he breached the trust of his subject, Michael Jackson, by secretly recording private conversations and moments without Jackson's knowledge.
- Impact on Michael Jackson's Reputation: The most significant criticism revolved around the impact of the documentary on Michael Jackson's reputation. Jackson's admission that he shared his bed with children, though he maintained it was innocent, was highly controversial and led to renewed scrutiny of his relationships with children. This contributed to ongoing legal battles and negatively affected his public image.
- Legal Consequences: The documentary and the controversies surrounding it had legal consequences. It played a role in the subsequent child molestation trial that Michael Jackson faced in 2005, where he was acquitted of all charges.
- Ethical Concerns in Journalism: "Living with Michael Jackson" sparked discussions about the ethics of investigative journalism, particularly in cases involving sensitive subjects. Some questioned whether Bashir's methods and intentions were appropriate in his pursuit of a story.
- Impact on Jackson's Personal Life: The documentary's release had personal consequences for Michael Jackson, as it exacerbated his legal and public relations problems. It also contributed to his decision to relocate to the Middle East for a period after the documentary's release.
Rebuttal Interview[]
After the Bashir interview failed to present Jackson in a positive light and brought about nothing but controversy, Jackson himself would released a second interview, The Michael Jackson Interview: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See. The documentary would broadcast on Fox in the United States to Fox Network in the UK where it aired on Sky On. This was presented by Maury Povich and contains material which Bashir omitted. It also features new interviews with people close to Jackson, such as his former wife Debbie Rowe, parents Joseph and Katherine, brother Jermaine and close friend Elizabeth Taylor.