Charles Teves
Michael Jackson’s nephew and fans do not agree with Rolling Stone UK’s latest profile naming One Direction’s Harry Styles as the new “King of Pop.”
Jackson, who died at the age of 50 in 2009, has held the said title for decades.
The entertainer’s nephew, Taj, joined his fans in disapproving of giving the recognition to Styles, who has had a surprising solo career in music.
“Decades of dedication and sacrifice. The title has been retired. No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega talented. Give him his own unique title,” tweeted Taj.
There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it, my uncle did. Decades of dedication and sacrifice. The title has been retired. No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega talented. Give him his own unique title. https://t.co/td6SSSVkfX
— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) August 22, 2022
One fan basically said that Styles doesn’t belong in the same breath as Jackson. “Rolling Stone (UK) calling harry styles the king of pop is a very bold move considering the most notable person to hold the king of pop title is Michael Jackson. How do you put Michael Jackson and harry styles on the same level with a straight face?” the fan said.
rolling stone (uk) calling harry styles the king of pop is a very bold move considering the most notable person to hold the king of pop title is michael jackson. how do you put michael jackson and harry styles on the same level with a straight face.
— sk (@kirkxxs) August 22, 2022
Another fan said Styles is nowhere near what Jackson accomplished.
even if you like Harry’s music, which I admit I do, how do you put them on the same level.
— sk (@kirkxxs) August 22, 2022
One user suggested that the publication could be racist against people of color, given that it also called Justin Timberlake the “King of Pop” in 2003.
It shows their racism and disrespect. They tried the same crap with Timberlake. There is no new King Of Pop! #MJKingOfPopForever pic.twitter.com/U1zi30YiiH
— Carla Martin (@ceci_dezignz06) August 22, 2022
It appears no artist today deserves the coveted title.
https://twitter.com/dirtydianakemp/status/1562069205427654656?s=20&t=o37JWifnJ9S88DQGAnLkzw
How much did Harry Styles' team pay @RollingStone? OR did they just get a 15 year old editor with no clue?That's what I want to know because there's no justification for a music magazine to do what they're doing. Global cover star? 'King of Pop'? Why? Nothing backs this up.
— ArcadeMan (@RetroArcadeMan) August 23, 2022
“That’s what I want to know because there’s no justification for a music magazine to do what they’re doing. Global cover star? ‘King of Pop’? Why? Nothing backs this up,” the tweet went on.
In the article, Styles talked about his hiatus from social media and his progressing acting career, as well as his relationship with actress Olivia Wilde.
Comments about Wilde’s ripe age of 38 don’t make him “feel good” and they hate the “toxic negativity” surrounding their relationship.
“I just wanted to sing,” he said. “I didn’t want to get into it if I was going to hurt people like that.” he added.
