Mister D: I’ll be honest and say I’m flummoxed as to what to say here. I could never say something about the dead like this. I have never had anything that made me hate someone even if they did something heinous to me. I always think somebody raised them and taught them that these bad behaviors were somehow some strength. And I must say that I have been in some unspeakable positions where I just wanted to die, but I never could hate. But I’m more of the exception to the rule. So I feel I’m the odd man out. Now with Bette, compared to the familiar public, she probably knew more about the situation and what went on. She traveled somewhat in the same circles as Michael and Janet, and of course, with Quincy Jones. I don’t know if most people know this, but Bette was one, if not the first one, to be called about the We Are The World project (why no solo spot, Quincy?) plus he helped out with getting the sound right for her Vegas gig. She mentioned Quincy in her tweet, so that tells me they know more than what the general public knows. Does that make her right or wrong for calling it out? I think it’s a personal choice. She seemed to want to make a statement, and she very well did, and it looks like she’s not backing down. And I’ve always admired that quality in people. Well, some people. I think I’m more of a case by case kind of guy. And yes, I have taken the side of a Republican or two. I’m fair.
Atlanta Black Star
Fans React After Bette Midler Rejoices Over Death of Joe Jackson
By Kiersten Willis -July 2, 2018,
Singer Bette Midler tweet in celebration of Joe Jackson’s death is drawing different reactions among Twitter users.
The “Wind Beneath My Wings” singer tweeted Saturday, June 30 that the Jackson family patriarch was “a monster who ate his own children.”
“#JoeJackson is d-e-a-d- and Hallelujah!! A monster who ate his own children; like in an old Grecian myth. I hated every minute he lived. All times are strange but this is really beyond the pale. Would Quincy Jones like to weigh in?? Always interested!!!”
Bette Midler
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@BetteMidler
#JoeJackson is d-e-a-d- and Hallelujah!! A monster who ate his own children; like in an old Grecian myth. I hated every minute he lived. All times are strange but this is really beyond the pale. Would Quincy Jones like to weigh in?? Always interested!!!11:17 PM – Jun 29, 2018
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Fans were both supportive of and disgusted by Midler’s comment.
“Thank you! FINALLY! I will never understand glorifying a child abuser who created the dysfunction and possibly the pedophilia of Michael Jackson. That whole family was demonized by Joe Jackson and they are finally free I celebrate nothing but his end.”
“Joe Jackson was a monster who beat his children, and his abuse made his son the strange bird he was, making Michael open fodder for lawsuits, con artists, and quacks — including his murderer. F*&k Joe.
“It’s so clear from watching interviews etc. that Jackson [senior] was a narcissist who only wanted fame and fortune for himself. Beating his children paid off as it produced talent and money. I hope his other kids are ok. So tragic to have lost Michael so soon.”
“Rejoicing in Joe Jackson’s death is tacky Bette. Despite his flaws, he still has a family who will mourn him, and out of respect for his wife and children who knew him a lot better than we did, we should be classy and always respect their privacy. #formerlyafan.”
“You have no class whatever your opinions are. Your arrogance, foolery and bigotry are all on display. BTW, what are your contributions to the world? Lady, I don’t personally know Joe Jackson except for the media tabloids, get a life! #RIP JOE JACKSON.”
“I have loved you and your work for years, including your outspoken nature; however this is beyond being outspoken. You may not have liked Joe Jackson, but if you have any empathy for his family, please take this down.”
Midler has not responded to the criticism.
Ahead of Jackson’s death from cancer at age 89 last week, reports emerged that the father of 11 had initially barred his family from seeing him before ultimately letting a few family members visit. When he died, his family — including children Janet, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito Jackson — released a statement.
“We mourn the loss of our father and celebrate the life of a man who sacrificed so much to give us the life and success we have today,” it read.
Bette only said what millions were thinking. So now I’m going to say it too. Joe was a nasty mean sob even his son Michael said that. Stop trashing Bette !!!
That is true!
While I’m not a strict follower of the “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all,” I do think there are times it’s better to just hold your tongue. This strikes me as one of those times — one of those times where Bette would have benefited from some restraint. Maybe she needs to have a timer that delays things from posting for a couple of hours and then only posts them once you’ve clicked a “Yes, I’m sure I still want to post this” type of button. I agree it appears Bette knows a whole lot more about the situation than the average person and a whole lot more than she’s telling here. Being plain-spoken is one thing, but I believe she crossed the line over to tacky this time. And not the tacky she’s made a career of; this time it was just truly and unnecessarily tacky. All of which doesn’t mean she hasn’t made me very, very curious about what she (and Q) know.
Why does an evil person suddenly become a saint when they die? Give me a break. Joe Jackson was an evil man, dying doesn’t change that. Thank you Bette for having backbone to speak the truth.
Yeah Larry, I kind of agree with you, but I’ll let people make their own decisions. Personally, I just couldn’t talk about a just deceased person like that, especially if I knew them and their family. But maybe Bette knows something horrible. I mean I always heard he was a monster, so theres nothing new there
I don’t know Barb. I was wondering that myself. I think it just comes from old traditions where you never speak Ill of a deceased person. Maybe theyvthought it would bring you bad luck lol I wouldn’t doubt it if that were the case.