“Yeah, Wacko Jacko, where did that come from? Some English tabloid. I have a heart and I have feelings. I feel that when you do that to me. It’s not nice.”
- August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009
- American
- Singer, Dancer, Songwriter, “King of Pop”
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Quote
“Yeah, Wacko Jacko, where did that come from? Some English tabloid. I have a heart and I have feelings. I feel that when you do that to me. It’s not nice.”
Explanation
This quote is a direct and heartfelt response to media dehumanization, especially the nickname “Wacko Jacko,” which Michael Jackson found deeply offensive. By questioning its origin—“Some English tabloid”—he points to the role of the press in perpetuating harmful labels. His insistence that “I have a heart and I have feelings” is a plea for recognition of his humanity, pushing back against the tendency to treat celebrities as spectacles rather than people.
The nickname “Wacko Jacko” became a symbol of media mockery, reducing Jackson’s complex identity to a caricature. While intended to entertain or provoke, it had a profound impact on Jackson’s emotional well-being. His statement “I feel that when you do that to me” reflects the real hurt behind the headline, showing that even the most famous individuals are not immune to painful judgment and emotional damage.
Today, the quote serves as a cautionary reflection on the ethics of media and public discourse. It reminds us that behind every sensational story is a person with dignity, emotions, and a right to be treated with respect. Jackson’s words challenge us to reconsider how we talk about public figures—and to replace ridicule with empathy, especially when the cost of entertainment is someone else’s suffering.
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