Spike Lee On Michael Jackson

Only On The Web: Katie Couric speaks with acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee about the recent death of pop superstar Michael Jackson. Lee and Jackson were friends who worked together on a music video.

[@lamentate07]

From a global perspective, M.J was the biggest artist. He was bigger than Elvis and The Beatles. He was huge everywhere.

[@carolynhowell9768]

dios bananos So True!

[@deepalihukpachongbang8684]

Exactly

[@martheresa7550]

FACTS. It’s crazy that even the poorest people in countries we haven’t even heard of loved MJ.

[@AC-mp7cx]

yes, even in the US he beats Elvis everywhere except very white midwest areas. In the UK he goes toe to toe with the beatles. Everywhere else, it isn't close

[@Snyper1405]

@AC very true but it's a shame he's not bigger than the Beatles Lol

[@barnesfam]

Katie Couric still avoiding the fact that he had Vitiligo and still drying to bring up the "weirdness", which is unimportant and didn't matter. She's very uninformed about Michael Jackson. As a reporter, she should know the facts!

[@OriginalPuro]

"There was nothing weird about your daddy, it was weird what your daddy had to deal with", - Al Sharpton at Michael Jackson's memorial.

[@kylesaunders5979]

I don't really intend to defend her because she's a piece of shit, but Spike did sort of bring it up first by joking about the "transformation" thing and seeing as how they sort of discussed MJ's career sequentially from the beginning.. I think it's fair to sort of bring up him having this eccentric image that was often seen as off-putting, be that correct or incorrect. He was pretty much the biggest superstar of all time and considering that's what he was.. his public image is worth discussing. I get that she was under educated on what she was talking about and didn't bring it up in a very tasteful way though. In fact, I think that *maybe*, aside from recent controversies, a lot of people have either forgotten that MJ was seen in a negative light by the public at large for a long period of time or they are too young to know about that. It may be a positive thing in a lot of ways that that has been forgotten, but also it's a part of cultural history and needs to be known for education purposes.

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

@@OriginalPuro YES! I loved hearing Al Sharpton speak that utterly profound truth!

[@bonniemoore3461]

THANK YOU SO MUCH ! YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH !!

[@diezeldiamond1041]

VITILIGO!!!!! MICHEAL JACKSON HAD A SKIN CONDITION CALLED VITILIGO KATY KURIC!!!!!!!!!!!

[@angelicavega2463]

MJ was spacial to me there will be no other artist that touch my heart like him. He was not just an artist he was and is a part of me. I love MJ

[@sandyaz5595]

I don’t think Katie understand half of the issues Spike tried to explain to her.

[@sammbabazi2849]

😂😂🤣 she's a poor interviewer.....she got lost many times!

[@geralinelim72]

Yes, we will forever remember MJ's legacy.

[@dian_2650]

Michael Jackson king of music

[@fybwo-9144]

Katie knows he didn't bleach his skin. As a reporter she really should not do things like that.

[@AC-mp7cx]

why tf did she say that and why didn't spike correct her

[@MrsDomino]

He didn't bleach his dayum skin ! He had vitiligo! I LOVE YOU MJ!!!

[@barnesfam]

+Coolie Gee - Are you serious? Quincy didn't have a clue what the hell he was talking about. It's a documented fact that Michael had Vitiligo. End of story.

[@barnesfam]

***** Yes, I know this. Unfortunately, this concept is very difficult for some people to understand. Some ignorant folks think we're just making excuses for him.

[@mcdonaldh56yahooca]

I love him dearly too .. A angel walked this earth and sang for us and loved us all ... Black OR white ...

[@JeremyForest]

An awesome interview from Spike Lee. I just love the way he chose his words carefully, when talking about the King Of Pop. I am so happy that Spike had great memories working with Michael. Now, Michael is now at peace.

[@catherinegabbert4181]

Michael Jackson is the world best star to ever live and he will always be a star and a genius and his legends live 4 ever Michael Jackson is unstoppable and untouchable and they will never be replaced

[@loristewart4680]

He didn't bleach his skin. Ow do you not research your subject matter.

[@jacobjorgenson9285]

And he didn't have plastic surgery, suuuuure

[@alvinkamsa7978]

Michael Jackson is a greatest entertainer beyond his talent . He was a genius artist a very humble and good person. We still miss him and no one. Can't beat the king of music long live the king. We love u forever and always

[@terryzt1164]

Michael Jackson's last hit was One More Chance peaked at #9 or #10? They put him onto so much litigation but he couldn't really record music like he wanted to. His remake/update of the hits from Thriller. This Is It sold out 50 times in minutes. The newer generation, the young people bought those tickets. Man, what a power and talented black man Michael Jackson was.

[@deepalihukpachongbang8684]

Terryz T true!!

[@neilgibbons2532]

@@deepalihukpachongbang8684 he had vertigo vision versus

[@pinkhare4344]

There will never EVER be another Michael Jackson! They will be plenty try,,, but NEVER will come close!

[@AC-mp7cx]

@@neilgibbons2532 vitiligo

[@amberm5998]

Michael Jackson was an amazing artist and human being! It makes me angry to see that he was terribly taken advantage of by lying, money hungry people! I went to his Neverland Ranch with my daughter and enjoyed such hospitality and kindness! MJ had a truly kind & good soul! RIP, dear Michael!

[@mwilson11100]

Spike's right. Michael was supposed to be here, and I am greatful I grew up with him, and his brothers. I am greatful I knew this wonderful family. We are the lucky ones.

[@elizabethsestina7828]

Michael is unstoppable, he is genius, the greatest entertainer on the planet. No body can replace his legacy. He has a pure heart, great humanitarian, caring, God fearing. That's the reason why millions of people love Michael so much. I miss him, his music and his sexiness. Rest in peace my idol.

[@kikka7391]

Yes agree totally with you.

[@KoTM25681]

The man wasn't weird he was just misunderstood. Don't forget that the man did have a skin disease that altered his appearance. He was a humanitarian.

[@carolynhowell9768]

KingOvThaMidway I know people do not know what they are talking about Michael Jackson was so much more.

[@genestacoleman2754]

Thank you thank you spike Lee for everything that you do for MJ and Jackson family you are so sweet and beautiful you are good man thanks 🌷🌷🙏💙💚💛💜💝👌🙏😍😗

[@eb-xe8zw]

I love you Spike

[@MISSCOOKIE41]

KAITE COURIC: "YOU" NOR YOUR COLLEAGUES, WILL "EVER" TAINT, MICHAEL' OR HIS LEGACY, NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY.

[@elizabethquilty9623]

Wonderful interview with Spike Lee just marvellous hes just gorgeous

[@Gigiroo]

Spike’s laugh tho 😂

[@gwengoosas8305]

No one could be bigger than him not before him not after him he was the only only one that could make the whole world cry

[@vivatherasmus]

MJ is innocent !!! He's so pure , he's an angel , he brought us awesome music !! Plz show respect to this greatest artist in this dark world !!!

[@kjennings5]

Spike thank you! Michael was and will always be phenominal. I grew up in that era and love everything the Jackson Five put out. MJl had a talent that no one will every understand but with all his music coming out now maybe they will appreciate the man and entertainer he was and always will be. Appearance means nothing we love his music why should anything else matter. All he wanted was to entertain why does his personal life have to come into play. I love you MJ. RIP Its All About the love

[@amobiuzukwu7949]

Bad is my all time favorite Era.

[@tonowari]

Terrible Interviewer

[@ChillaxingZone]

I agree Love2The9s. She sucks big time! I never understood the fascination with this lady.

[@annavonn6464]

Little unknown fact , MJ said on Shmuly’ s tapes, that he was very into Katy Curic! He even tried to call her up or her ppl n see if she d go on a date with her, he thought she was great for him! She said it too at some talkshow! But ofcoarse she thought she is much better than MJ, haha, and she I think was married at the time too! But either way u can tell she d never have gone out with him! She is quite bad at her job n very unpleasant interview just like Fake ass teenage hoe Oprah! I don’t get why all those ppl get so popular, for what! I think there is a cult or smth once they reach certain level of success, they become ignorant n arrogant n also so unprepared always, unprofecional! I d rather a fan intervie him or unknown student journalist! I bet they would prepare better n be more respectful! She is an ahole!

[@cbell3408]

Yes I used to like Katie.. She is horrible so disattached from this interview

[@buggeazy102]

one of the greatest interviews by spike good work.he didnt let the media potray MJ as a crazy person witch he was not just lonely inside he was only human

[@AC-mp7cx]

he didnt defend michael good enough

[@sexygirl88ize]

she said bleached his skin? he had VITILIGO!

[@tiffanyjohnson103]

AnimePrincess1 no he didn’t he bleached his skin listen spike lee is in the industry they are in the same circle don’t you think spike would know the Truth

[@longlivingdude]

LOL! You think Vitiligo gradually lightens the skin ALL OVER his body? Get a grip! Jackson did in fact bleach his skin to get rid of the darker blotches of skin, he just went way too far. He used the cream Porcelana for this.

[@alprince1999]

@@tiffanyjohnson103 Look, I'm a huge fan and even I questioned if he bleached his skin or not. Not that I'd care or judge him anyway. But, his autopsy report states that he had vitiligo. Sad that we are still questioning it

[@spookyencounters9392]

@@longlivingdude Google vitiligo and look at the people who have it. It does indeed cover their bodies sbd they go complete white. White as white can be. Because all the pigment has gone over time. Yes he did use the cream to even our the remaining brown patches. But how can he go too far when he had vitiligo? That made no sense, u ding bat. Lol He can only go as white as the white anyone goes with vitiligo. I know 2 people with the disease and they have loads of white blotches on them. Just like mj. So no, he did not turn white as a ghost out of choice. Stupid

[@David-ji5fi]

I am a huge fan and I think he bleached his skin.

[@bigvinamac]

michael's music was deep and touched everyone. if you care for prince go on his videos and talk about him but this is about michael and what he has done for culture and music period.

[@AHLIYON]

XACTLY!!!!!

[@alvinkamsa7978]

A genius artist he was the most famous artists and he loves his fans.

[@rwilliams2290]

many will never understand. michael showed that all things can be accomplished materially and spiritually if one understands what this life really is.

[@mammiferepensant]

Very good interview, Mr. Spike Lee. Thanks for you honesty and your respect for the artist.

[@TheNatedagreat4]

Love ya Spike. Thank you for your words of Mike :)

[@LeahsWALKABOUT]

Spike Lee is the best American Filmmaker ever and can tell a dame good story even personlly ! Great, funny,natural speaker ! I enjoyed listen to this.

[@geralinelim72]

He knew what was the real Michael Jackson ♥️

[@donnaozmun7290]

The movie the wiz is one of my favorite movies. Did anybody else see it.

[@seanlewis1148]

Donna Ozmun when I was 6, back in '78.

[@supremeasiaticallah2303]

yes I did....my grammar school even did their own production when I was in the 2nd grade

[@carolynhowell9768]

Yes! Of course!!!!

[@abdulhouser]

I loved it!!

[@ozymandiaspbs]

I watched it TWICE in 1 week!

[@alisapolsky5643]

I am so thankful to have been alive when Michael was alive love his music so much his music is an important part of my life miss him so much rest in peace Micheal love you so much ❤

[@bigolebot]

You didn't live through his era. Only difference

[@QuesoGr7]

You should see his tribute video. It shows where he came from all the way up to him becoming a legend in like 6 minutes. Its quite beautiful. :)

[@catherinegabbert4181]

Michael Jackson is the king of pop and always will be his music will live 4 ever he is a genius and inspiration to us all and Michael Jackson is a year older than me and I grew up listen to the jackson 5 and I love Michael and he was talents and gifted and genius and the best entertainer and artist and musiscan and I will always love and respect and listen to Michael Jackson music and I also love Michael dance move cause he could really dance he was beautiful in everyway and I also love prince music to and it sad we loss both Michael Jackson and prince way to early

[@loridenham1808]

Jackson family rocks for life.Tito was my favorite and Micheal for sure.

[@issallido]

The "white" part came from Vitiligo, and the treatment for it. (would it be better if he'd looked like a spotted cow??) The "woman" part...where do I start? He never dressed in drag, or wore high heels like Prince. What about glam rock? Just look at the Poison album "Look What the Cat Dragged In" and tell me you can pick out Bret Michaels. Many male rock stars wear makeup!

[@squarebearderry]

no it would be better if he accepted blackness wore more makeup than bleach himself white, think clearly please

[@BrownieCaikes]

@@squarebearderry he had a skin disease tho tell me how else he could've have controlled it?

[@squarebearderry]

@@BrownieCaikes he had blotches which caused him to bleach his skin, his choice very early on was to go white rather than replace theblack blotches with make up, ive studied the man from being a fan to realising he was disturbed, he is classic narcissist portaying victimhood constantly, sad thing is most of his fans cant see through the glitter and his genius at propaganda, which is a shame

[@BrownieCaikes]

@@squarebearderry no the blotches increased all over his skin. In the beginning he used black makeup to cover up the white blotches but then later on the white blotches began to surpass the blackness on his skin causing his skin to be covered up in more white than black he even told his mum how he felt that he looked like a cow, his makeup artist Karen Faye even talked about how they had to change his makeup to a lighter whiter shade over the years because his vitiligo became so severe. Michael jacksons grandfather had vitiligo and it ended up being passed on down to him.

[@squarebearderry]

@@BrownieCaikes like i said his fans believe his victimhood propaganda, its ashame

[@PaulRizzo]

It's such a shame that everybody "forgives" everything AFTER Michael dies. He needed to know how loved and appreciated he was when he was ALIVE!! While I respect Spike Lee, he said it several times - "that's all forgotten now". "That" stuff should have never even been an issue. Those who weren't vocal when he was alive SHOULD HAVE BEEN. After he dies it's too late to express how much you loved him. RIP MJ.

[@satisfaction5258]

I felt the same way as spike about the Osmond's.lol my friends and I thought that they were copy-cats.

[@daisylicious101]

michael was in a league of his own i don't know of any other artist that out sold "thriller" he was the biggest entertainer ever a true legend. R.I.P MICHAEL

[@CommandanteMarco]

Thank you Spike Lee for those beautiful words.

[@jordanedmond1957]

Awesome documentary Thank you for keeping the memory of Michael real and alive!

[@vinceniederman3235]

Yup And Spike Lee Has Great Memories Of Michael Jackson!

[@alaza61]

Spike is absolutely right about the talented superstars. People don't speak negative about Elvis (who actually had a 14 year old girl living with him as his gilfriend !)And other celebs who have problems. I mean just because he wasn't a perfect human being( which no one is) doesn't mean he was a freak. These racist white people are just going to have to accept his greatness and stop hatin !

[@duanewong]

This is the best Spike Lee remembrance of MJ that I've seen so far... bravo.

[@thediamondlife]

Katy Couric actually said when was Michael's last hit, 25 years ago? No, he had a hit with "You Rock My World" as recently as 2001

[@louisbadillo2734]

Mr. Michael Jackson was a soul brother from A to Z , still to this day we as people miss him he was born with a gift from God . If only Elisabeth Taylor were alive she would tell us what Michael Jackson was all about she loved him dearly .

[@damodavies9273]

Jackson had Vitiligo

[@mj1michey]

very nice video. thanks 4 posting!

[@alexandria62753]

Oh my heart! God bless you Spike Lee for giving us an insight of the real MICHAEL JACKSON! The interviewer has no idea at all....Michael did not bleach his skin...he suffered from Vitaligo....nad as an Artist he should have a perfect aura on stage! Black he was and very Honored of his Race!!! Yesterday, September 2 THE BAD ALBUM< was launched in the World!!!! Viva El Rey MICHAEL!!! the Global Artist with a heart of Gold!!!

[@leelasaraswat4662]

I appreciate the way Mr Lee skirted the issue when Katie used the word " weird. " It would've been a much different mood had she steered Mr Lee the wrong way.

[@juliecote7479]

I agree. .Michael gave so much joy and love...His music and talent were just magical period..He changed so much in music, dance, culture..One of a kind. .RIP MICHAEL ♡♡♡

[@roseuj]

I like this interview... it's touching so many of my own views on michael! Like Spike I LOVE, LOVE MICHAEL but I never bought any of his records! I hear his music all the time on the radio that it's like i know I'm never gonna miss hearing him, for his music is always played. My father bought the jackson 5 christmas album and that's it.

[@dianamitchell8165]

I cannot believe Spike didn't talk about Michael's Vitiligo, absolutely disgusted. Did he not know? I'm not surprised what katie said, typical of the media.

[@issallido]

He was not a pervert. I thought everyone had accepted the truth by now. The media fooled you too, I guess. I however read the court transcripts and more credible sources that proves he was not a criminal.

[@jacobjorgenson9285]

Nah, he just ran around and slept in bed with prepubescent boys as men all do

[@michelesimms-burton208]

I did not know that Spike shot the video for "They don't really care about us."

[@louisbadillo2734]

I am sick and tired of reporters who don’t speak the truth about m j . He gave of himself did help people no matter there skin color . I am a 70 yr old fan of the Jackson family of music also other artists as well . Please leave m j alone let this artist R I P . He will for ever never be forgotten .

[@TheMjgirl1]

@mrsnet I agree with you on quincy. he never supported mj and trashed him in the latter years. he did have a grudge and was jealous and mad that mj moved on and maintained his success without him.

[@kooliecurlz93]

i love spike man he just remembering the good times with mike. i wont even start of this woman kmt spike just ignoring her aswell. the way he laughs makes me laugh :) spike is the kind of people mike should have hong out with more

[@JasonMackayVancouver]

good interview!

[@oldschoolmama1959]

I can see people just don't get it mj was a icon in his time he out did every arist out at that time he was the best at what he did as a performer he set the stage i came along the time in 59 these kids today are to young to remember him on tv he was the best then and today he will remain in these time as the best performer that i have ever seen in person i feel blessed to have seen him in perform.

[@eternalvigor1190]

Elvis and all that garbage was nothing compared to the talent of king mj

[@issallido]

I agree, the trolls get to me a little, but they are just entertaining themselves in whatever lame way trips their trigger. (Sad world, eh...where hurting people is fun!) However, it is the regular Joes that genuinely believed whatever the media said about him that I try to enlighten. Problem is, if they either don't like his music or think he was a bad guy, what is going to make them look into the truth? I think only mainstream media can right the wrongs they did!

[@satisfaction5258]

issallido yes, we're in 2018, some of the media still trying to dull Mike's light. But they will never, ever put THAT man's light out!!!

[@DanYeLL2003]

AMEN, yes they do!

[@albertawheat6832]

@@satisfaction5258 Another 3 yrs and....business as usual, It will never end.

[@robindore9582]

Thankyou Spike Lee for giving me insight on Mjj as a real human being.

[@danielolson5323]

God bless spike lee. God bless mj. They can try to ruin his legacy but it will never happen!

[@stevenchaves9362]

MJ your heart was to big for this WORLD .The truth is coming out and we know you gave more then what was given to you GOD bless you in your new home.Love.....a fan

[@ElijahsTarot]

I HOPE TO BE HALF AS GOOD AS MICHAEL JACKSON!!! I DANCE ALL THE TIME BECAUSE OF THIS MAN MICHAEL JACKSON@@@

[@YoungSter433]

lots of respect for Spike

[@vinceniederman3235]

I Had No Idea That Spike Lee Was a Michael Jackson Fan Before They Became Good Friends BTW I'm Not a Michael Jackson Fan But I have Respect For His Legacy And His Career!

[@amobiuzukwu7949]

Can't believe Michael is gone 😢 💔 looks like I watched this yesterday.

[@Elena-er7zp]

I love listening to Spike reminiscing

[@mantaishere]

"The FACT that he bleached his skin..." YAWN. Lazy, lazy journalism.

[@jacobjorgenson9285]

You believed a lie

[@XQNZTM]

nice Interview Spike lee of michael jackson & the jackson five

[@derion3i]

Thank you Spike

[@chunnakkara]

bleached ???? ???? ???

[@neilgibbons2532]

He had vertigo vision versus victory and bleaching

[@Beccasupercutelife]

i was just thinking about the jackson five cartoon lol i remeber me and my sisters sitting around the tv and waiting for it to come on we where so excited...

[@de1dezire]

wow well said spike. love you mj long live the king!

[@gnicevids]

it is great to see this

[@sydnee11]

criticized, taunted, and tortured in life, loved in death. Shame on people for doing what they did to my hero. Shame on them for only loving him when it was convenient for them. Shame on the paparazzi and hollywood, and all the people that never said anything about how great his heart was till he died. I love you MJ....peace be with you forever

[@trn17]

Some people just think they know everything.

[@NimlotArt]

Spike Lee....a good man. Thoughtful with a lot of style and class.

[@Nina513]

You are so right... I hate the fact that they did that to his album.... And you know how MJ was, he wanted that album to sell more than it did and it couldve but they didnt promote it purposely...And he knew that! It makes me feel bad for him, but his real fans appreciate it and that's all that matters..

[@pagalley1]

Michael Jackson was to the music world what Laurence Olivier was to the film world, masterful, magnificent and mind-blowing...Michael was bigger than Elvis and The Beatles, combined!...David Cassidy was a huge teen idol, and, perhaps, came the closest to the kind of fan hysteria that Michael created, but, unlike Michael, David lacked lastability and the kind of monumental commercial success, throughout the decades, that, Michael had..The world is better off from Michael Jackson having been here.

[@allamark3]

Amen

[@apepiz9]

Spike Lee is hilarious!!! His laugh is EPIC

[@ngh1]

I agree with some of your comments, Michael is rooted firmly in the African American tradition, there is an interestng quote from Smokey Robinson in the Rolling Stone comemorative edition, "In his heart, he carried other lifetimes. It was more than having a soul; it was a soul that wentdeep into the soil of a whole people's history."

[@BlushGush]

Wow I would have picked Stranger in Moscow too, Spike! Would have liked to seen you do it!

[@liverpuddin22]

It was very nice of Spike to talk about MJ's life and legacy in a positive way. He also made a great tribute video. Katie on the other hand...?? Did she ask how long has it been since MJ had a hit?? That's like asking how long has it been since Aretha Franklin had a hit? How about James Brown or Elvis before they died, were they in the top 10? IT DOESN'T MATTER!! Michael has had enough hits that will last generations from now. He is a legend, period. Long live the KING OF POP!~

[@bluerachael1979]

@Tippotipo I agree with you. When I first watch I thought Spike you should have shut her up when she said MJ bleached his skin.But when I went back & listen again I realize Spike just didn't want to talk about it. He in a way just said all of that is forgotten. Who cares anymore. I also love how he talk about MJ & the way the media has treated him. One of my favorite thing he said is just because other MJ albums didn't sell as much as thriller doesn't mean they were not great albums. I love that

[@gwenvaughn7394]

Michael Jackson there will never be another not in our life time. Greatest entertainer that has ever live! This interview is wack! Bleach his skin. Is it any different from burning your skin. #NEVERMINDMESTOPTHISNONSENSE!

[@DiaryofaBasicBW]

Not only did he have vitiligo, he also had lupus. His dermatologist confirmed these two facts.

[@marciabrown2271]

Totally agree 100 💯 spike in what you say you a great guy 🎶❤️

[@ElijahsTarot]

HE REMINDS ME OF QUINCY JONES LOVE THIS INTERVIEW HES A REAL DUDE THANKS SPIKE!!

[@ngh1]

Not specifically but in following Michael all my life you pick up bits and pieces here and there. Taraborelli talks about it in his book and how it led to vitiligo (it's a great book). Most recently I read the Rolling Stone commemorative edition and there is a snippet from an interview with Landis.