Many of us had long wondered about Jacko's sexual proclivities, and for many others there was no doubt that he had a special fascination with boys. My own suspicions were raised two or three decades ago when I read a quote from Jackson in which he said, 'Children are magical for me. I just feel that I can be myself when I am around them.' (I'm paraphrasing.)
That 1988 Pepsi commercial was just gravy. Cute, blond, 12-year-old Jimmy Safechuck finds himself wandering alone around Jackson's dressing room, trying on various items of Michael's wardrobe the moment when Michael shows up, leans against the doorway, and seductively says, 'Looking for me?' While that was a little too close for comfort, I didn't see how others could fail to see it, too. (Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e6iwbHr6gA)
Even though I knew the truth about Michael Jackson in my heart of hearts, I could not condemn, as such a loving man could not possibly do anything to damage a single one of the hundreds, thousands, or millions of children around the world he has helped (depending on your definition of “help”).
Father of Sexology John Money coined the term, 'pedophilic genius,' giving as examples the authors of Peter Pan (J.M. Barrie) and Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll). Had Money been asked before he died, it is likely he would have placed MJ in that category as well.
Michael Jackson's Dangerous Liaisons: Arvizo, Barnes, Bhatti, Chandler, Culkin...The A-Z of all the King's Boys is the answer for anyone who has any doubts whatsoever about Jackson's sexuality. This encyclopedic tome (624pp!) leaves no stone unturned as it meticulously documents just about every boy with whom Jackson had any kind of personal relationship of which any mention was ever made. Toms spent EIGHT YEARS researching the book and would have published it in Jackson’s lifetime were it not for his untimely death. There is a whole host of references to document just about everything Toms contends in this book, his having made extensive use of the 2005 trial transcript (in which the author expresses confidence that Jackson was rightfully acquitted), official documents from the 1993 case, numerous texts and news reports (including some tabloid sources which the author was able to verify), as well as going into detail about some of the latest research into pedophilia.
The book details exactly what went on not only during the 2005 trial, but also during the entire Jordie Chandler episode. I had many questions about those events, and the book more than answered them. Many will be surprised to learn that the Chandler case, settled for $22 million, did not begin as a mere extortion attempt, but because Evan Chandler was afraid of losing his son’s affections to Michael (and indeed he was). Once that irrevocable step was taken, which involved coercing Jordie into condemning Michael, the only question left was the amount of the settlement.
While Michael and Jordie may have been intensely romantically involved, the Arvizo trial is shown for the farce it was. One has to think that Tom Sneddon, prosecutor in both cases, carried with him a personal vendetta against Michael, evidenced also by his role in changing the law as a result of the Chandler case forcing minors to testify even in the event of a settlement like that in Jackson’s case.
There is so much more in this packed tome, e.g. his numerous other boys, his marriages, and other aspects of this all-time humanitarian and artistic talent. This book is a sympathetic, realistic look at a lonely, troubled genius.
I give this book my highest recommendation. John Money has coined the term “pedophilic genius” to describe phenomenal talent inspired by one’s love of children, placing in that category Lewis Carroll (author of Alice in Wonderland) and J.M Barrie (appropriately here, Peter Pan, a favorite of Michael’s). Some contend that Michael Jackson belongs in the category as well. The book supports that notion.
This book can be read by anyone, from serious researchers to the average fan. It is extensively sourced to satisfy the academics, all five of whom have given it their hearty recommendation. At the same time, it is written in language accessible to the casual reader.
Opinions on Jackson range from rabid fans for whom he could do no wrong to those utterly disgusted by him and his lifestyle. Regardless of where one falls on that spectrum, you will certainly come away with a more human picture of this troubled genius.