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
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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.
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Episode 100 - The Fans Killed Michael Jackson (Sorta): A 100th Episode Special
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