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Singer Bette Midler tweet in celebration of Joe Jackson’s death is drawing different reactions among Twitter users.
The “Wind Beneath My Wings” singer tweeted Saturday, June 30 that the Jackson family patriarch was “a monster who ate his own children.”
“#JoeJackson is d-e-a-d- and Hallelujah!! A monster who ate his own children; like in an old Grecian myth. I hated every minute he lived. All times are strange but this is really beyond the pale. Would Quincy Jones like to weigh in?? Always interested!!!”
#JoeJackson is d-e-a-d- and Hallelujah!! A monster who ate his own children; like in an old Grecian myth. I hated every minute he lived. All times are strange but this is really beyond the pale. Would Quincy Jones like to weigh in?? Always interested!!!
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) June 30, 2018
Fans were both supportive of and disgusted by Midler’s comment.
“Thank you! FINALLY! I will never understand glorifying a child abuser who created the dysfunction and possibly the pedophilia of Michael Jackson. That whole family was demonized by Joe Jackson and they are finally free I celebrate nothing but his end.”
“Joe Jackson was a monster who beat his children, and his abuse made his son the strange bird he was, making Michael open fodder for lawsuits, con artists, and quacks — including his murderer. F*&k Joe.
“It’s so clear from watching interviews etc that Jackson [senior] was a narcissist who only wanted fame and fortune for himself. Beating his children paid off as it produced talent and money. I hope his other kids are ok. So tragic to have lost Michael so soon💔.”
“Rejoicing in Joe Jackson’s death is tacky Bette. Despite his flaws, he still has a family who will mourn him and out of respect for his wife and children who knew him a lot better than we did, we should be classy and always respect their privacy. #formerlyafan.”
“You have no class whatever your opinions are. Your arrogance, foolery and bigotry are all on display. BTW, what are your contributions to the world? Lady, I don’t personally know Joe Jackson except for the media tabloids, get a life! #RIP JOE JACKSON.”
“I have loved you and your work for years, including your outspoken nature; however this is beyond being outspoken. You may not have liked Joe Jackson, but if you have any empathy for his family, please take this down.”
Midler has not responded to the criticism.
Ahead of Jackson’s death from cancer at age 89 last week, reports emerged that the father of 11 had initially barred his family from seeing him before ultimately letting a few family members visit. When he died, his family — including children Janet, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito Jackson — released a statement.
“We mourn the loss of our father and celebrate the life of a man who sacrificed so much to give us the life and success we have today,” it read.
