Michael Jackson Conspiracy Theories

    Michael Jackson was filled with ambition and determination, his relentless drive is shown through his work on his hit single “Thriller”. "He was determined, unwaveringly focused on the idea that he would create not just something to equal or even surpass Off the Wall, but an album on which every one of the songs would be a hit single"(Thriller: How Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones Made the Bestselling Album of All Time). His determination paid off as “Thriller” reached number one in February 1983 and set new standards and expectations for the Pop Industry. Jackson’s strive for perfection showcases his commitment and his deep desire to achieve greatness. 

    Despite Jackson's success he was left unsatisfied with himself. He had been struggling with self confidence and his appearance. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey Jackson admitted to being displeased with his looks, stating, "I try not to look in the mirror, I'm never happy with what I see" (The Michael Jackson Interview: Oprah Reflects). This insecurity ultimately drove him to undergo countless cosmetic surgeries in hopes to improve his looks, yet he was never satisfied with the result. Jackson’s ability to share something vulnerable highlights his struggle with self-image and his strong feelings of shame and embarrassment about his overall appearance. 

    Due to Michael Jackson’s tragic and unexpected death, many conspiracies as to how he died began to circulate. The first theory proposes that Jackson’s personal doctor Conrad Murray had been involved with his death. The second and most interesting theory suggests that Jackson knew he would be murdered for financial gain. 

    Few went so far as to accuse Michael Jackson’s personal doctor of causing his patient’s untimely death by administering too much medicine:  “To treat Jackson's insomnia, Murray gave the King of Pop a nightly drip of propofol, an unpredictable and potentially fatal anesthetic” (Michael Jackson's Doctor Conrad Murray Opens Medical Institute 12 Years After Involuntary Manslaughter Conviction). At the time Jackson was suffering from insomnia and Murray would often give him anesthetics and propofol. This theory is supported by the fact that the autopsy report listed propofol intoxication as the primary cause of death; resulting in the coroner ruling Jackson’s death a homicide. In November 2011, Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison, making it a crucial piece of evidence in understanding how Jackson's death occurred. 

    The second conspiracy suggests that Jackson was aware he would be murdered for financial reasons. Jackson would repeatedly tell his sister LaToya Jackson  “I’m going to be murdered for my music publishing catalog and my estate” (Michael Jackson 'alive': five conspiracy theories about his death). Weeks before his passing, he allegedly left a note reading: “They are trying to murder me”  (1). This note appears to support the theory that Michael Jackson expressed concerns about being murdered for his music publishing catalog and estate, which align with the competitive nature of the music industry. Jackson's statement suggests that he was aware of the potential threats and dangers surrounding the ownership of music rights. His music catalog included the rights to songs by The Beatles and others, and was a high asset worth millions of dollars. Jackson's fear of being targeted for his assets raise questions about potential motives and individuals who might have had an interest in gaining control of his valuable music publishing catalog and estate. 

    The theories surrounding Michael Jackson's death involve a dangerous medical administration of propofol and anesthetics by Dr. Conrad Murray, or the potential motives related to his music publishing catalog and estate that highlight his tragic passing. Both theories address the pressures and risks Jackson faced from medical mismanagement or the high-stakes world of music rights.

    After Michael Jackson, the King of Pop’s, sudden death on June 25th of 2009, many fans were left heartbroken and baffled with two main conspiracy theories: 

 

1. Was Jackson’s personal doctor Conrad Murray involved with his death?

2. Was Michael Jackson murdered for financial gain?

 

Even today, fifteen years later, the King of Pop’s death continues to captivate the public's imagination, fueled by his enigmatic personality  and the numerous controversies that marked his life and career. Ultimately, the fascination with Michael Jackson's life and the mysteries that surround it reflect his lasting impact on the music industry and the legacy he left behind. 

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                                                      Works Cited
 

Avalia, Daniela. "Michael Jackson's Doctor Conrad Murray Opens Medical Institute 12 Years After Involuntary Manslaughter Conviction." People.com, 28 June 2023, people.com/michael-jackson-doctor-conrad-murray-opens-medical-institute-7554294. Accessed 2Dec. 2024.

'Thriller': How Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones Made the Bestselling Album of All Time. Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2009, www.rollingstone.com/feature/thriller-how-michael-jackson-and-quincy-jones-made-the-bestselling-album-of-all-time-199391/. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

La Toya Jackson Reveals What Michael Jackson's Kids Saw, Heard in His Final Days. ABC News, 21 June 2011, abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/la-toya-jackson-reveals-michael-jacksons-kids-heard/story?id=13896058. Accessed 2Dec. 2024.

Michael Jackson 'alive': five conspiracy theories about his death. The Week, 29 Aug. 2018, theweek.com/96125/michael-jackson-alive-five-conspiracy-theories-about-his-death. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.