Much controversy over "They don't care about us"-2 video's made.

Dont know if this information has been posted before, sorry if it has but I didn't find it.


Michael Jacksons single 'They Don't Care About Us', recorded in 1995 and released in 1996 was the subject of substantial controversy.



Firstly the song itself, made references to terms such as 'Jew me, Sue me' and was blasted for its anti-semitic lyrics. Jackson vigorously defended this allegation stating that many of his best friends were in fact Jewish and that the lyrics had been taken out of context. Stephen Spielberg told Jackson that the lyrics were unnecessary and only served to reintroduce terms which were on the decline. Jackson then proceeded to issue re-recordings of the song, with key words blurred out with noises.



Furthermore there were two Music videos filmed, primarily in Rio De Janeiro. Directed by renowned anti racist, Hollywood director Spike Lee, the videos themselves fuelled further controversy.



One video was quickly banned by MTV and other networks around the world, depicted Jackson in prison with black inmates. Videos of human rights atrocities were displayed on the walls in the background and the video implied black oppression.



The second video which was aired across the world, featured Jackson singing and performing in the streets of Rio De Janerio. It was widely rumoured that the government did not want the video filmed there Jackson was alleged to have paid a fee to enable its filming on location.



The single debuted in the top ten across most of the world and further boosted sales of the History album, the best selling double album of all time.

yes I knew the two versions.... the prison version is pretty cool, you can see that on youtube.

I LOVE THE PRISON VERSION.
MJ LOOKS GOOD IN BLUE

MJGIRL18 wrote:I LOVE THE PRISON VERSION.
MJ LOOKS GOOD IN BLUE

Indeed, love the jeans

his most handsome era......

ahh...onw of my favorite songs!!

I love the prison version. I think is the best of both. He looks so damn hot there....with that haircut...God...
The song is amazing and the lyrics were fine!!! But I guess they always have something to say about him, It doesn't matter what, they always have to criticize him and twist his words