A new controversy regarding Michael Jackson arose following the release of the British version of a popular magazine. Their cover features the ‘As It Was,’ singer, Harry Styles. The former One Direction member is serving a new fresh look on the cover. He is adorned in a huge white fur coat, revealing some of his tattooed chest. The fur coat is paired with pink sequined boxers. The look is completed with Harry posing with a cake in his hands.
The magazine published a detailed interview with the pop singer. The cover was also teased with a printed subhead under the 28-year-old’s name: “How the new King of Pop set the music world flame.” The title ‘King Of Pop’ has been widely used for Michael Jackson. It was this title that made his nephew, Taj Jackson, express his disagreement and he slammed the magazine for using it for Styles.
Taj Jackson Says “There Is No New King Of Pop”
In response to Rolling Stone UK’s tweet about the cover, Taj Jackson wrote, “There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it, my uncle did. Decades of dedication and sacrifice. The title has been retired. No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega talented. Give him his own unique title.”
There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it, my uncle did. Decades of dedication and sacrifice. The title has been retired. No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega talented. Give him his own unique title. https://t.co/td6SSSVkfX
— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) August 22, 2022
Taj wasn’t undermining Harry’s talents but simply asking the magazine outlet to pick a new headline, one which would not disrespect his uncle Michael Jackson who ruled the music industry in the 1980s. His performance, which included both his vocals and dancing, took the world by storm.
While Harry didn’t respond to the controversy, many fans and netizens alike shared their own opinions.
Michael Jackson And Harry Styles Fans Voice Their Opinions
Many Twitter users agreed with Taj and his opinions. MJ fans tweeted and explained how the singer revolutionized the music industry with his singing and dancing. There remains no debate that MJ was a very talented artist, and his performances, to this date, remain legendary. His album and stadium sales were proof of that.
Taj Jackson said don’t you dare disrespect his uncle! #KingofPopMichaelJackson https://t.co/Dpv0DJBoJi
— Kevin Adjei-Darko (@MrKevinAD) August 23, 2022
Another user tweeted, “PEOPLE take the “king of pop” title so lightly nowadays that they just throw it to about anybody. i don’t even think people fully grasp the meaning of the title. Michael Jackson is the King of Pop! putting that title to anyone makes it nugatory; meaningless.”
PEOPLE take the "king of pop" title so lightly nowadays that they just throw it to about anybody. i don't even think people fully grasp the meaning of the title. Michael Jackson is the King of Pop! putting that title to anyone makes it nugatory; meaningless.
— jenny ★ (@ThrillerGlitter) August 22, 2022
Meanwhile, some users also pointed out how racism plays a role in this as white men and their privilege easily earn them titles, whereas other people from marginalized sections have to chase it really hard.
This shit is racist. They are always trying to replace Michael with mediocre white people. @RollingStone is a joke, always has been trash. https://t.co/JUV07pJFJg
— KendallX (@MsKendallX) August 22, 2022
How many white men are you going to give this title @RollingStone ??? https://t.co/BD1dIBRHYU pic.twitter.com/n93YmjKQE1
— ⟭⟬⁷Mapler Koko (slow) (@Kokocorns) August 23, 2022
This title belongs to the black man who worked his ass off since the age of 5, who was a veteran by the age of 15, broke racial barriers and revolutionized the music industry. Michael Jackson is THEE King of Pop of EVERY generation. https://t.co/3jxtYWCHOa
— 𝓥𝓮𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓪💫 | fan account (@iamveronica777) August 22, 2022
no white man is taking michael jackson's king of pop title ever 🙅🏾♀️
— ً (@celiasblunt) August 22, 2022
A user also reminded everyone that Michael Jackson still remains the highest-selling album artist. His 1982 studio album, ‘Thriller,‘ has sold 70 million copies worldwide, something no artist has yet surpassed.
People should break Michael Jackson’s Thriller album sales figures first pic.twitter.com/4UivEqyOYw
— Ashley T (@PharmacyBrownie) August 22, 2022
Harry Styles’ fans also got into the trail and defended him. A user tweeted, “harry has ZERO interest in the names people give him. “genderless fashion icon” “king of pop” he doesn’t want any of it and yet he gets TORN DOWN for “claiming” it when all he wants to do is just sing his pretty songs and wear his pretty clothes.”
harry has ZERO interest in the names people give him. “genderless fashion icon” “king of pop” he doesn’t want any of it and yet he gets TORN DOWN for “claiming” it when all he wants to do is just sing his pretty songs and wear his pretty clothes
— clara🌻 (@daylighthonerry) August 22, 2022
I feel bad for harry sometimes cause all they do is set him up while he just minds his business😭 https://t.co/FCqzSOUjXN
— 🌙 (@aslutforrare) August 22, 2022
