Despite his legendary status, global fame, and immense success, Michael Jackson was not immune to racism. From childhood trauma to corporate rejection and cultural mockery, Jackson’s journey through fame was marred by moments of racial prejudice. Here are eight instances in which the King of Pop confronted racism head-on.

1. Breaking Racial Barriers on MTV

In the early 1980s, MTV was known for its rock-oriented, predominantly white programming. Despite Jackson’s “Billie Jean” video being a visual and musical masterpiece, MTV initially refused to play it. Executives claimed there weren’t enough quality videos by Black artists. It wasn’t until CBS Records head Walter Yetnikoff threatened to pull all CBS content that MTV aired the video. Jackson’s success on MTV ultimately opened the doors for other Black artists.

2. The ‘Wacko Jacko’ Nickname

The British press, particularly The Sun, coined the term “Wacko Jacko,” a phrase Jackson loathed. The term has racist roots, with “Jacko” historically used as a derogatory slang for monkeys, especially when referencing people of color. Jackson made a public stand against it during a 1997 Barbara Walters interview, firmly stating, “I’m not a Jacko. I’m Jackson.”

3. Rejected by Coca-Cola

In 1983, Coca-Cola refused to offer Michael Jackson a significant endorsement deal, believing he wouldn’t appeal to a wide American audience. They only offered $1 million, viewing him as suitable only for a small, ethnic campaign. In contrast, Pepsi offered $5 million and reaped the rewards. The Jackson-Pepsi partnership helped Pepsi surpass Coca-Cola in sales, leading Coke to panic-launch the infamous “New Coke.”

4. Racial Slurs from Don King

Shockingly, racism also came from within Jackson’s own circle. Promoter Don King, upset after the Jacksons’ 1984 Victory Tour ended without overseas dates, berated Michael. He used racial slurs to demean the superstar, saying, “He’s still going to be a n*****r megastar.” Though Jackson wanted to sue, his legal team convinced him to move on.

5. Colorism from His Father

Michael Jackson’s own father, Joe Jackson, reportedly insulted his son over his appearance, calling him “big nose” and saying he was “too dark” to be his biological son. These comments led to deep insecurities in Michael’s adult life. He became self-conscious about his looks and developed a nervous tic, constantly touching his nose. Producer Quincy Jones even nicknamed him “Smelly” as a result.

6. Love Lost Due to Racism

As a teen, Jackson fell in love with actress Tatum O’Neal. Their budding romance ended after she declined his invitation to The Wiz premiere, reportedly due to pressure from her agent, who refused to let her attend the event with a Black man. Jackson was heartbroken and reportedly wrote “She’s Out of My Life” about her.

7. Racial Profiling by Police

At age 21, Jackson was arrested in Van Nuys after being stopped in his Rolls-Royce. The officer assumed the car was stolen. Jackson, who had no disguise on, explained politely, but was still taken to jail due to an unpaid ticket. His mother, Katherine, later remarked on the likely racial motivation, noting how suspicious it looked to the officer to see a young Black man in a luxury car.

8. Whitewashed After Death

In 2017, British actor Joseph Fiennes was controversially cast to portray Michael Jackson in a Sky Arts TV movie. The casting of a white man to play the Black icon sparked outrage, especially from Jackson’s daughter Paris, who tweeted that it made her “want to vomit.” The backlash led Sky Arts to cancel the episode, acknowledging that they never intended to offend.