Balanced and well-researched

I've been following Leon Neyfakh's work since Slow Burn so was interested to see how he'd tackle a subject as contentious as this one. This is another well-researched podcast on one of the most tragic and divisive celebrity stories of our day. It walks through Michael Jackson's life and career, the abuse he said he faced at the hands of his father, and the damaging effects of early childhood fame. It features interviews with a range of people who interacted with Jackson during different phases of his life - clearly a lot of research has gone into creating each of the ten episodes. I was hooked throughout and listened to the whole thing within a few days.

The podcast does not shy away from covering the more disturbing areas of Michael Jackson's career, namely the abuse allegations and the bizarre cultural amnesia which has occurred since the release of Leaving Neverland. Unfortunately there seems to be a campaign led by people with vested interests, both financially and psychologically, in protecting Jackson's legacy and doing whatever they can to deny the testimony of the numerous alleged victims who have come forward to accuse Michael Jackson of sexual abuse. People may label this podcast as biased because it largely supports the claims of the victims but the only agenda I could see here was a journalistic one from two fans of Jackson's music trying to get to the bottom of what most likely occurred here.

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Very balanced

Great well researched podcast. Very balanced and unbiased. Thought provoking and challenging. A great listen. I binged it all in one sitting.

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Pretty disappointing

This podcast has a good premise, but ultimately it felt quite aimless and apologetic. I feel like there was excessive time dedicated to his cultural history and small tangents about his impact on the industry, which is interesting, but ultimately not really of any substance.

There wasn’t enough time dedicated to the actual accusations put against him, and overall the tone is very light considering what he did. You couldn’t get away with doing a podcast like this about R Kelly or Chris Brown, so I don’t know why MJ is special. Pretty weak, Leon

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Very enjoyable

I really enjoyed this, very interesting and level opinions, lots of information that's not widely documented

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Great balanced coverage until the end

I thought this was a really well balanced podcast. So interesting. As someone who has researched so much about mj I learned so much in the podcast. It was so well balanced too not assuming anything but listing the facts. That was until the last episode. When they covered leaving neverland they only featured people who believe the documentary. They didn’t seem to cover the arguments that simply what they said couldn’t be true at least for the timelines they discussed. There’s so much evidence out there that the timelines and some of their statements in leaving neverland simply couldn’t be true, such as the train station not being built when the boys visited etc. it would’ve been nice if they’d covered that too. Instead they made fans sound like they’re nuts with blind faith, it’s not true we did our research.

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Great investigative journalism

the first couple of episodes are exceptional investigative journalism into the life of MJ

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An interesting portrait

This is actually a very well balanced and interesting portrait of a controversial figure that can really divide a room. I think it's highlights the affection people have for his music without ignoring the clear controversy in his story. Most people have a view that you have to either love him or hate him. I think this podcast does a good job of highlighting the highs and lows without shying away from the glaring issues. It's a pragmatic look at his legacy.

It's a shame people have chosen to review bomb this without listening to it all, it does touch on all aspects. As someone who enjoys investigative journalism and true story podcasts, I found it interesting from that point of view.

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Hugely interesting but not especially impartial

I have been studying, thinking about and writing about Michael Jackson since 2006. I have to admit there were some things in this podcast that I didn't know. It was presented in an engaging and compelling way.

However, I wouldn't say that it was impartial. There was a lot of information left out when discussing the various allegations - particularly with reference to the (1993) Chandler family and the (2005) Arvizos. I felt that the podcasters sided with them.
Now, even if you believe that Jackson was guilty of abuse I STILL wanted to see a fuller picture presented. There was definitely a lot left out.

One thing that wasn't mentioned was the emotional abuse that MJ may have (unintentionally) subjected these children to due to the damage done to him. In my opinion it is easier to see that potential emotional damage was done rather than the sexual abuse, which may or may have not taken place. I don't know; I wasn't there.

I also felt the ending of the podcast was very rushed.

However, it was a good listen and I found it hard to switch off.

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Good if you already know details !

Starts off well with new perspective of MJ and his legacy . Thinking that this would give new information or insights throughout the series, regrettably falls in to the producers discussing over several episodes the allegations against MJ that have been done everywhere else. Would have been great if had continued to focus on the business side which is a rarely explored area of MJ

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I gave up after Episode 2

I gave the podcast a chance but Episode 2 is where it ends for me. The clear bias and poor research is just too much.

The sources used are dire. For example:

Diane Dimond is an avid Jackson detractor. She has told numerous lies about the man over the years. Ironically, Dimond said she was no longer interested in the Jackson case at one time. However, inevitably, she returned to the only subject she has any relevancy in the world on.

Shana Mangatal, a woman who worked for Jackson's manager and created her own fairytale about Jackson, are not reliable. Even a modicum of research would have shown Mangatal is a fantasist.

They say this podcast isn't about trying to convince people of Jackson's guilt or innocence, yet it's clear they're trying to do the former.

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