Michael Jackson Fans and Nephew Furious Over Harry Styles Being Called ‘King of Pop’
Harry Styles’s “New King of Pop” Title Sparks Backlash from Michael Jackson Fans
A recent magazine cover has ignited controversy by branding Harry Styles as the “New King of Pop.” The headline appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone, with Styles posing shirtless in a white fur coat and holding a birthday cake with lit candles. The article claims that he has set the music world ablaze with his influence.
Many fans of Michael Jackson, along with Jackson’s nephew Taj Jackson, have expressed their displeasure. Taj took to social media to state, “There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title, and my uncle does,” reaffirming Jackson’s longstanding legacy. He also shared a photo of Jackson’s album cover and urged respect for his contributions.
Celebrity actress Yvette Nicole Brown supported Taj’s stance, emphasizing that the “King of Pop” title has been retired and should not be reassigned. She pointed out that such distinctions are traditionally reserved for iconic figures like Elvis Presley in other genres.
Social media users have highlighted racial dynamics in the debate. Many argue that the industry’s tendency to crown white artists as successors to Black legends like Michael Jackson is unfair and dismissive of the artist’s racial and cultural significance. Critics also note that Jackson’s influence spans generations and breaking racial barriers, qualities that are often overlooked in these rebranding efforts.
Some commenters condemned the attempt to label Styles as the “new King of Pop,” suggesting it diminishes Jackson’s unparalleled legacy. Others reflected on how Rolling Stone previously called Justin Timberlake the “new King of Pop” in 2003, illustrating ongoing industry challenges in respecting Jackson’s unique stature.
Music journalists and artists alike have called the new title “embarrassing” and a “failed attempt” to replace a legendary figure. Despite Styles’s popularity, many feel that nobody can truly inherit the cultural and racial significance associated with Michael Jackson’s influence on music and pop culture.