American pop star, known as the "King of Pop". Born in Gary, Indiana; his father, Joseph, drilled him and his brothers into shape as the Jackson 5 from 1966. Jackson released "I Want You Back" aged 11. In 1983 he debuted his moonwalk to "Billie Jean". His androgynous looks, high-pitched voice and spindly frame made his spiky dance moves unthreatening; as an artist he sublimated pain and peril into joy.
Jackson died in 2009. Since 1993 he has been accused of abusing numerous boys—charges he denied, as does his estate, which remains involved in litigation. He was acquitted at his only criminal trial; another case was settled out of court.
"Michael", a biopic released in April 2026, charts his rise from Gary, Indiana to solo superstardom, closing in 1988—before the abuse allegations. Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson plays the adult Michael; Colman Domingo plays Joseph. The film was reportedly meant to dramatise the earliest accusations but had to be revised when a prohibitive detail in a legal agreement came to light.
When smashing monuments, save the pedestals -- they always come in handy.