talunzeitoun
Michael and me in 1995 photographed by Jonathan Exley in between takes on the set of the “SCREAM” music video. One year later, this photograph became a full-page centerfold in the HIStory World Tour book (swipe left). It ended up being a treasured photograph of his, framed on his grand piano in Neverland Ranch, even beyond his passing. As to whether it’s still there or not, I’m not quite sure. For those of you asking “how?”, he considered himself my “older and protective brother” (in writing) as my mother @janetzeitoun was his hairstylist and dear friend since before I was even born. Beyond our personal affiliation with him, we share with the rest of the world the impact his music had on us; in many ways, he was a spiritual teacher through music. While I don’t like to dwell on the negative, I have to get one thing off my chest: I think it’s important to note that he was torn apart by greed, brutally false allegations, and a collective unwillingness to appreciate the beautiful differences in humanity; all cruel weapons used to this day, and more disturbingly within those of higher political power. And the very people who brought him down now live sick to their hearts forever in regret, wishing he were still with us today. It’s a shame that now, 9 years gone, Michael has yet to have a proper museum and memorial for the world to experience his life (his garments, for instance, have been wrongfully sold off for profit and Neverland has been left to ruins). His life is just a vivid memory in my head, my mother’s, his family’s, his children’s, and those else who were dear to him; the stage and what was seen on TV for the rest. Alright, on to a more positive note, thankfully his music and legacy as the greatest musician of all time has transcended it all and will last for eternity. Happy Birthday #MichaelJackson. Miss you dearly.
