‘They Don’t Care About Us’ Landmark Faces Uncertain Future

One of Brazil’s most iconic Michael Jackson landmarks is entering a new chapter. The famous building in Pelourinho, Salvador, where Michael Jackson filmed scenes for the 1996 short film “They Don’t Care About Us,” may soon no longer be accessible to visitors as fans have known it for nearly two decades.

However, it is important to clarify what is actually happening.

The historic building itself is not being demolished, sold, or closed. Instead, the shopkeeper who has occupied the property for the past 17 years has been ordered by a Brazilian court to vacate the premises.

Carlos Alberto dos Santos, who has welcomed fans to the building since shortly after Michael’s passing in 2009, confirmed through his legal representatives that he has been instructed to leave the property. For years, visitors could access the famous balcony by purchasing souvenirs, turning the location into an unofficial tourist attraction affectionately known as the “Michael Jackson House.”

While many fans have fond memories of visiting the site, the souvenir shop gradually evolved beyond its original purpose. In recent years, it became filled with unofficial Michael Jackson bootleg merchandise alongside products featuring numerous other artists, making it feel less connected to the history of the location itself.

Because of the eviction, it remains unclear whether visitors will still be able to enter the building or step onto the famous balcony once Carlos leaves. At this stage, only the vendor has been ordered to vacate, the future use of the building has not been announced.

The news of the vacation order made the news on different Brazilian channels like G1:

Could Something Better Be Coming?

The uncertainty also raises an intriguing possibility.

The property’s owner, who has been identified only as a foreign national, has not publicly commented on future plans for the building. Rather than marking the end of this historic location, this transition could potentially open the door to something more permanent and authentic.

Given the worldwide interest in Michael Jackson’s legacy, fans can only hope the building may eventually become an official museum, cultural space, or licensed Michael Jackson attraction that properly celebrates the history of the iconic filming location.

For now, however, there are more questions than answers.

Visit While You Still Can

With the deadline for the current occupant to leave now approaching, fans travelling to Salvador may want to visit the site sooner rather than later.

Although the building itself will remain standing, this could be the last opportunity, for the time being, to access the balcony where Michael stood during the filming of “They Don’t Care About Us.” Whether public access will continue afterwards is currently unknown.

Fans in Brazil are taking actions

Fans in Brazil are calling on the authorities to reconsider the eviction. A petition has been launched and has already gathered more than 2,000 signatures. You can sign it HERE.

Spike Lee Returns to Brazil

Interestingly, this news comes just hours after filmmaker Spike Lee, who directed the legendary “They Don’t Care About Us” short film, shared a photo of himself alongside the bronze Michael Jackson statue at Morro Dona Marta in Rio de Janeiro, with the tagline “They Still Don’t Care About Us”.

The statue marks another historic filming location from the video, situated approximately 1,210 kilometres from Pelourinho. Spike’s visit serves as a reminder that Brazil remains home to two of the most significant landmarks connected to Michael Jackson’s career.

While the future of the Pelourinho building remains uncertain, fans around the world will undoubtedly be watching closely, hoping that this historic location is preserved and perhaps one day transformed into the official tribute it has long deserved.