“It’s a complete lie, why do people buy these papers? It’s not the truth I’m here to say. You know, don’t judge a person, do not pass judgement, unless you have talked to them one on one. I don’t care what the story is, do not judge them because it is a lie.”
- August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009
- American
- Singer, Dancer, Songwriter, “King of Pop”
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Quote
“It’s a complete lie, why do people buy these papers? It’s not the truth I’m here to say. You know, don’t judge a person, do not pass judgement, unless you have talked to them one on one. I don’t care what the story is, do not judge them because it is a lie.”
Explanation
This quote is a fierce denunciation of tabloid culture and public judgment, expressing Michael Jackson’s deep frustration with how rumors and false narratives were accepted as fact. The repeated phrase “do not judge” underscores a moral appeal for fairness and empathy, while the emphasis on “talked to them one on one” reminds us of the human complexity that is often lost in sensationalized media portrayals.
Jackson spent much of his life under a media microscope, subjected to invasive stories that shaped public opinion—often without evidence or context. By stating “It’s a complete lie” and questioning “why do people buy these papers?”, he calls out the public’s complicity in fueling gossip and defamation, asking listeners to reconsider the reliability and ethics of the sources they trust. His statement is not just a defense of himself, but a broader commentary on how quickly society rushes to judgment.
In the modern digital age, where misinformation spreads even faster, this quote takes on renewed significance. It serves as a warning against trial by media and social media mob mentality, urging people to seek truth through personal understanding rather than headlines. Jackson’s words call for a return to basic principles of justice, compassion, and direct human connection—values often eclipsed in a culture driven by spectacle and scandal.
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