Fans of Michael Jackson and the Jacksons are voicing outrage after Marlon and Jackie Jackson performed at the Reform Party conference in the UK, a far-right political group widely criticised for spreading division and intolerance.
Social media has been flooded with disappointment and disbelief, with many questioning why members of one of music’s most legendary families chose to lend their voices to such a controversial event. The performance left many fans wondering whether the Jacksons have lost sight of the values that their music, and Michael’s legacy in particular, has always stood for.
The irony of the setlist was not lost on the fans. “Can You Feel It,” co-written by Michael and Jackie Jackson, is a timeless anthem of unity and peace, declaring:
“When hate won’t do / Cause we’re all the same / Yes the blood inside me is inside of you.”
For decades, the song has stood as a symbol of hope and equality. Its use in this setting, however, felt painfully out of place. To see it performed at an event aligned with exclusion and hate is something many believe Michael himself would have been deeply saddened by.
Behind the stage, a large screen played video clips of the Jackson 5, including the opening thirty seconds of their classic “I Want You Back.” The set continued with hits like “Blame It on the Boogie” and “I’ll Be There,” the latter prompting the crowd to sway their arms in unison, in the same room where protesters were reportedly dragged out by security earlier.
This begs the question: was it all about the cheque? Fans are left to wonder whether the brothers’ decision reflects a troubling disregard for the moral principles that have always been at the heart of their family’s music, especially Michael’s.
For many, this performance will be remembered not as a celebration of the Jacksons’ timeless legacy, but as a moment of profound misalignment with the very values their songs once represented.
This made me asking few questions about the Jacksons and their views, and I am sure some of you also have those questions in mind.
Should the Jacksons show their political colours?
My opinion: Absolutely not!
The Jacksons should never use their platform to signal political support, especially when that support goes against people’s rights and wellbeing. Their music has always been about spreading peace, unity, and kindness. That’s what drew fans to them in the first place.
Think about the songs:
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“Can You Feel It” – a call for unity.
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“I’ll Be There” – about unconditional support and love.
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“Never Can Say Goodbye” – about connection and emotion.
And then, of course, Michael Jackson, the biggest and most influential of them all, who gave us timeless anthems about love, healing, and global unity:
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“Heal the World”
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“Earth Song”
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“Cry”
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“Man in the Mirror”
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“Black or White”
These songs aren’t just pop tracks. They’re messages. They’re values. They’re reminders that music should bring people together, not divide them. To see members of the family perform for a movement that does the opposite is heartbreaking.
Should the Jacksons take any gig, regardless of the message behind the event?
My opinion: No!
They shouldn’t take any gig just for the money. They should be selective and thoughtful about the events they attach their name to. If a show, a conference, or a concert goes against the very spirit of their music and legacy, then they should walk away. It’s that simple.
I get it, none of us really know what their financial situation is. Maybe money was a factor, maybe it wasn’t. But honestly? Even if millions are offered, it’s not worth it. Some stages are better left empty than filled with a performance that compromises decades of music and legacy.
As a fan (and a foreigner in the UK), I don’t expect perfection. But I do expect respect — respect for the songs, respect for the fans, and respect for Michael’s message. This performance was the opposite of that. And it hurts.
Sebastian for MJVibe
Dear Sebastian,
I understand you very well, and I share your outrage!
I want to tell you: Marlon and Jackie Jackson are NOT Michael, and they have NOTHING to do with Michael’s legacy. They are merely relatives sailing along a little in his shadow , they were never anything else. (You can’t choose your relatives…)
Who knows what their financial situation is like. The electricity bills for the pool have to be paid, the numerous children still want to inherit something, everything is getting more and more expensive in California. They have to see that there is still some money flowing in. I’m quite sure they weren’t offered millions for their appearance with the right-wing populists; they really aren’t that big an act… maybe a few thousand…
However, like you, I think this action is disgusting.
But, as I said, you must never forget that they are NOT Michael and never have been. They have nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with him. Now even less than ever before.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment — I completely understand where you’re coming from. Of course, Marlon and Jackie are not Michael, and I agree that they never carried the same weight or impact that Michael did. But I also believe that they do carry responsibility, because when they step on stage and perform songs like Can You Feel It or I’ll Be There, they are performing the Jacksons’ legacy — which inevitably connects them to Michael’s message of unity and peace.
That’s why this feels so wrong to me. It’s not just about who they are as individuals, but about the music they represent every time they sing it. They can’t distance themselves from Michael when it suits them, and then cash in on his songs in contexts that go directly against everything he stood for.
Financial struggles or not, I believe some stages should never be taken — especially when those stages promote division and hate. For me, that’s where accountability has to come in.
I feel exactly the same way! It’s shameful and crosses every line, and when I say they can’t hold a candle to Michael and will never tarnish his Legacy because they never had his class, that’s still only a small consolation, if any.
I now regret going to one of their concerts. They’ll never get a penny from me again
I would agree with you on the basis of the politics being represented at the event, which certainly seems to contradict what the Jacksons represent to so many people. However, in terms of appearing to support any political ideology, party, or individual politician, Michael did that a number of times for Bill Clinton and gave his last live stage performance at a Democratic Party fundraiser, although I suspect he was apolitical himself, but rather it was the individual and/or issues he believed were important that he was supporting. (But I’m only guessing). Being raised a Jehovah’s Witness in a country where voting still isn’t compulsory, I suspect he didn’t actually cast any votes himself, as JW are supposed to remain politically neutral.