EPISODE · Apr 22, 2026 · 51 MIN
Episode 100 - The Fans Killed Michael Jackson (Sorta): A 100th Episode Special
from Sorta Sophisticated · host Pete + Amanda
In today's episode, we're going to make an argument that is going to make some of you uncomfortable. The argument is this: Michael Jackson - the most famous entertainer who ever lived - did not die because of a corrupt doctor, or a broken family, or his own demons, although all of those things were real. He died because of us. Because of what fame does when millions of people decide that a human being belongs to them. Because of what happens when the world builds a person into an icon and then cannot forgive them for being a person. We are going to talk about the music, which was genuinely extraordinary. We are going to talk about the allegations, which were genuinely complicated. We are going to talk about the $155 million film that exists at least partly, because we feel guilty. And we are going to talk about what all of it says about us - the audience - and what we actually owe the people we turn into gods. Chapters (00:00:00) - Michael Jackson: The Story in "Michael"(00:01:09) - Sort of Sophisticated: 100 Episodes(00:02:38) - The 100th Episode: The Fans Killed Michael Jackson(00:03:53) - WORD OF THE WEEK: Accoutrements(00:04:53) - Michael Jackson: From Childhood To Death(00:05:44) - Nine Kids In A Gary, Indiana Home(00:06:58) - Joe Jackson Was An Abusive Dad(00:08:55) - Michael Jackson's Sexual Abuse Allegations(00:12:33) - Adam Levine on Child Star Sexual Abuse(00:13:45) - "It's Michael Jackson's Music,"(00:14:00) - Michael Jackson: From Jackson 5 to Epic(00:15:21) - Michael Jackson On His Thriller Album(00:17:46) - Michael Jackson: Genius, Obsessed, Perfectionist(00:20:58) - Michael Jackson's Linguistic Easter Eggs(00:24:30) - Michael Jackson on the Leads of the Neverland Case(00:27:57) - Michael Jackson on His 2009 Trial(00:31:16) - Michael Jackson: "Don't Subscribe to the System"(00:35:25) - Michael Jackson in 'The Michael Jackson Story'(00:36:31) - Jafar Jackson Playing Michael Jackson in(00:37:42) - Michael Jackson in 'The Thrill of It'(00:41:28) - Michael Jackson In The Elevator(00:41:41) - 5 Fun Facts About Michael Jackson(00:43:34) - Michael Jackson Holds The Guinness Book of World Record for Most Char(00:46:25) - Michael Jackson: What To Do About The Allegations
What this episode covers
In today's episode, we're going to make an argument that is going to make some of you uncomfortable. The argument is this: Michael Jackson - the most famous entertainer who ever lived - did not die because of a corrupt doctor, or a broken family, or his own demons, although all of those things were real. He died because of us. Because of what fame does when millions of people decide that a human being belongs to them. Because of what happens when the world builds a person into an icon and then cannot forgive them for being a person. We are going to talk about the music, which was genuinely extraordinary. We are going to talk about the allegations, which were genuinely complicated. We are going to talk about the $155 million film that exists at least partly, because we feel guilty. And we are going to talk about what all of it says about us - the audience - and what we actually owe the people we turn into gods.
NOW PLAYING
Episode 100 - The Fans Killed Michael Jackson (Sorta): A 100th Episode Special
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Jul 9, 2026 ·56m
Jul 8, 2026 ·91m
Jul 6, 2026 ·169m
Jul 3, 2026 ·181m
Jul 1, 2026 ·113m
Jun 29, 2026 ·130m