The King of Pop: A Public Relations Perspective
There is something about famous people that fascinates the public. Although they are ordinary people who must eat and breathe as the next person, famous people are seen as very intriguing to most. Why was everyone so interested in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal, or the birth of Madonna's baby? Everyday, people are accused of murder, cheating on their wives, or giving birth to a baby. What makes the lives of these people more appealing than those of everyday people? It is the abundance of mass-media outlets today and their intense competition for audiences that has vastly stimulated the natural instinct of humans to know about each other’s lives (Ault 345). Because there is this natural public interest in a person’s success or status, publicists use this to their advantage for commercial gain. Some public relations professionals specialize in image enhancement for high profile entertainment entities by offering services such as producing pres!s kits, press releases, and publicity for their clients. Michael Jackson is a prime example of an entertainer who is constantly in the public eye for his music, his humanitarianism, his love life, and his alleged illegal actions. From a public rela . . .
It was not until January 1995 that the molestation charges were dropped as a result of a $20 million settlement. In June 1995, more controversy erupted, only this time it concerned his song, "They Don't Care About Us". Heal the Kids is an initiative of the Heal the World Foundation. Jackson was being criticized for seeming to deny his ethnic background by lightening his dark skin to a more “white” complexion. Michael Jackson's publicists should be commended, because regardless of his reputation in the media, he continues to attract audiences and impart inspiring messages through his music. Jewish leaders went public with their concerns about racial slurs on Jackson’s song “They Don’t Care About Us”. Jackson's high profile has sustained longer than all other performers in Hollyweird's! freakscape not only because of the public's curiosity, but because of the ceaseless efforts of the greater media (Bidini J1). So, how were these rumors and allegations handled by his publicists? One form of retaliation against the media was through the video for Michael's song "Leave Me Alone". Over the years, Michael has made monetar! y contributions to over 36 charity organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Exploitive tabloid magazines and their equally tactless television kin make today's society feel that private lives of stars should be completely open to anyone (Morphing Through Media. Jackson had reportedly sold the photographic rights of the first pictures of the child, himself, and Debbie to OK! Magazine for a disclosed amount of money - most of which had gone to a children's charity (Holden). The video was a parody on all of the controversy surrounding him from the rumors of the oxygen tent to the Elephant Man bones.
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