More than a decade after his passing, the legacy of Michael Jackson continues to stir powerful emotions—and difficult questions. Despite being vindicated on multiple fronts, the King of Pop has yet to receive the public apologies he deserves. For years, Jackson was the subject of relentless accusations, media bullying, and societal judgment. But as the truth has gradually surfaced, one question looms larger than ever: why has no one apologized to Michael Jackson?

Throughout his life, Michael Jackson was more than a global icon. He was a visionary artist and humanitarian, but he was also a man who suffered in silence under the weight of public ridicule. Even when the facts were on his side, the silence from critics, journalists, and peers was deafening.

Take, for example, his struggle with vitiligo, a skin condition he revealed in a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey. At the time, the media mocked him, accusing him of bleaching his skin to deny his Black identity. The tabloids branded him a liar. But after his death in 2009, the autopsy confirmed his vitiligo diagnosis. The proof was undeniable—yet the apologies never came.

Another example is the relentless media bullying he endured. From being labeled “Wacko Jacko”—a term now recognized as deeply offensive—to having his every move scrutinized and distorted, Jackson became a target of sensationalism. While today’s celebrities often receive swift defense from media bullying, Michael was left to weather the storm alone, even in death.

The 2019 release of Leaving Neverland added fuel to an already toxic fire. Though the documentary was riddled with factual inaccuracies—including a central claim that was physically impossible due to timeline inconsistencies—it was embraced by the public before facts could catch up. Even when the accusations fell apart under scrutiny, very few publicly retracted their support for the film. The damage, once again, was done.

Then there’s the infamous baby dangling incident in Berlin. Michael briefly held his son over a balcony railing to show him to fans—an impulsive and unwise moment, but not one made with ill intent. Still, he was vilified as an unfit parent. Other celebrities have made worse parenting mistakes, but Jackson alone was subjected to harsh judgment without proportion or empathy.

Perhaps most heartbreaking were the allegations of child abuse. The 1993 accusation, which ended in a settlement, created a false perception of guilt. Years later, Jordan Chandler—the accuser—admitted his father coerced him to lie. Still, the media never took responsibility for the narrative they perpetuated.

Similarly, the 2005 trial should have been a turning point. Jackson was acquitted on all charges. Jurors cited the weakness of the evidence. Yet the media’s headlines barely mentioned the verdict, buried beneath months of damning coverage. The press that eagerly painted him as guilty had little interest in clearing his name.

The Pepsi commercial incident in 1984, where Jackson was severely burned on set, marked the beginning of his long-term health struggles. His subsequent use of painkillers, rather than being met with understanding, became fodder for claims that he was a troubled addict. Pepsi never publicly apologized for the life-altering accident, and the media sensationalized his suffering rather than showed compassion.

These examples paint a sobering picture. Michael Jackson was repeatedly wronged, not only by opportunists but by a society eager to believe the worst without waiting for the truth. And when that truth did come out, the same people who had vilified him moved on quietly, never acknowledging the role they played in destroying a man’s peace and reputation.

So, why hasn’t anyone apologized? The answer lies in pride, fear, and refusal to accept responsibility. To admit they were wrong would mean acknowledging they contributed to the pain of someone who dedicated his life to bringing joy and unity.

An apology won’t undo the harm, but it’s a necessary step toward justice. It’s a way to say: we failed you, and we know it. Michael Jackson deserves more than silence. He deserves the truth, he deserves respect—and yes, he deserves an apology.

Because it’s never too late to do the right thing.