How Michael Jackson’s tarnished image is being cannily rehabilitated

A new biopic has contributed to an atmosphere that casts the late singer as a profoundly damaged figure who is more victim than victimiser

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The release of Michael has triggered what can only be described as mass hysteria in some quarters. I looked on in bewilderment as the reception to the film seemed to entirely erase child abuse allegations against the artist, as well as launder almost every aspect of his life beyond that.

This week, I look into what seems like a new generation’s discovery of Jackson, and his rehabilitation through a strange online obsession.