Janelle Monáe recently faced backlash after posting a video on Instagram that depicted her recreating a controversial moment involving Michael Jackson and his youngest son, Bigi Jackson (formerly known as Blanket). In the video, Monáe, dressed as the late King of Pop, was seen dangling a robotic dog over the balcony of her hotel. The post received mixed reactions from fans, with some finding it humorous while others deemed it disrespectful to Michael Jackson, who passed away in 2009.
Many social media users expressed their disapproval of Monáe's actions, criticizing her for mocking a sensitive moment in Michael Jackson's life. Some fans called her behavior 'pathetic' and 'sick,' urging her to show more respect for the deceased music icon. The incident in question refers to a past event in 2002 when Michael Jackson held his then-9-month-old son, Blanket, over a balcony in Berlin, which sparked controversy at the time.
Michael Jackson later apologized for the incident, explaining that he had acted impulsively and never intended to endanger his children. The singer, who was also a father to Prince Jackson and Paris Jackson, welcomed Bigi Jackson in 2002 via surrogate. Despite the passage of time, the memory of the balcony incident remains a sensitive topic for many fans, leading to strong reactions to Janelle Monáe's video.
Representatives for both Janelle Monáe and the Jackson estate have been contacted for comments on the matter, but responses have not been received at the time of reporting. The controversy surrounding the video serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of Michael Jackson's legacy and the importance of handling sensitive subjects with care and respect.
