Miles O’Brien of CNN interviewed former *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys manager Lou Pearlman and former Michael Jackson publicist Michael Levine about the King of Pop’s current legal troubles. Read on for a transcript.
O’BRIEN: If Michael Jackson is cleared of child molestation allegations,
he will still face another battle — reviving his career. But after so
many years of declining album sales and so much bad press, how can he do
it? Joining us this evening from Los Angeles is Michael Levine. He’s a
former publicist for Jackson. I’m also joined from Orlando by Lou Pearlman.
He is the man who’s best known for managing those boy bands like *NSYNC
and the Backstreet Boys. Good evening, gentlemen, nice to see you both,
thanks for joining us.
(CROSSTALK)
O’BRIEN: I’m well, thank you. And you’re welcome. Two scenarios that
I see, either Michael Jackson — those charges prove unfounded and he’s
out of his legal problems, or the charges are proven and actually he ends
up going to prison or some kind of punishment. Michael, let’s start with
you. Either way, do you think that his career is over at this point?
MICHAEL LEVINE, PR CONSULTANT: Well, I’ve — it’s a subject I have given
a lot of thought to. And I cannot envision a scenario in which Michael
Jackson’s career is restored to anything that’s recognizable.
O’BRIEN: In your opinion, Michael, is it because there is such a stigma
when you talk about child molestation, unlike some other celebrities that
have had to go to prison for drug problems or have had to go to — had
legal problems because of shoplifting, let’s say. Child molestation to
some degree is just a completely different ball game. Is that why you think
he will not be able to recover?
LEVINE: Well, that alone would be bad enough, and of course this is
the second time — the second bite at the apple on that charge, but I think
the deeper issue, of course, is that Michael’s whole persona has moved
away from his great talent in the musical area. Over the last 10 years,
it seems that he has had a deep militancy to refuse reality at all costs.
And it’s cost him terribly in terms of perception, in my mind.
O’BRIEN: Lou, can you envision a scenario where we can see Michael Jackson’s
career be revived? And we have to keep in mind that his career even before
these allegations was flagging, so maybe it’s unfair to say back to 1982
and the release of “Thriller,” but certainly back before these allegations?
LOU PEARLMAN, RECORD PRODUCER/MANAGER: I think at this point we have
to see what is going to happen. I think right now if Michael goes through
his defense, see how it turns out. Hopefully everything works out to his
best, and it’s no problem, he’ll just move forward.
And again, like we were just talking about, is that it is something
he’s going to have to restore more, get back to the music, get less political,
out there, with people critiquing Michael Jackson personally. (CROSSTALK)
O’BRIEN: It sounds like — forgive me for interrupting — go ahead,
go ahead, Lou.
LEVINE: But Lou, can you imagine any scenario, even the most outrageous
fantasy scenario in which Michael Jackson is restored to his former heights?
Even if he’s found not guilty, don’t you think that he has been so deeply
damaged in terms of image and persona?
PEARLMAN: You know, there’s no question that he’s been tainted, but,
the fact of the matter is, what I’m saying is, ignore that personal side
of it, and he should go after the business side of it and his creative
side of it, because he’s never going to go ahead and eradicate good, bad
or indifferent what’s been happening in the media. Let’s talk about the
king of pop. Let’s talk about how he dances, great songs. That’s where
he’s got to go after he’s done. He’ll never eradicate what happened.
O’BRIEN: But do you think, Lou, that the media’s going to be willing
– and, frankly, the audience — is going to be willing to listen to talking
about creativity and the king of pop and what amazing dancing, when you’re
talking about these serious allegations, regardless if they end up being
proven or if he ends up being cleared of all charges, it’s a pretty nasty
stigma. What would you do if you took him on as a client? What would be
your first step?
PEARLMAN: I would totally say to Michael, let’s not even go there with
these allegations and personal side. Let’s talk about going out and making
a record, you know, again, like he had (UNINTELLIGIBLE) with Quincy Jones.
He did do “Thriller,” he’s a great performer. That’s where he should go
for. I think people will forgive and forget, assuming that it works out
that’s he’s innocent. Now, if it proves otherwise, that’s a problem.
LEVINE: Lou, with all respect to you and your extraordinary past, I
don’t see any way on God’s Earth that the media is going to forget about
the kind of outrageous things that he has participated in. The dangling
of the baby. I just don’t see it, Lou, and I don’t think you even believe
what you’re saying.
O’BRIEN: Michael, I’m going to give the final word, you know, we’re
running out of time and I want to give you each just a final word, which
is, Michael, would you take him on as a client again?
LEVINE: I would not. I have said publicly that I’d rather stick a hot
butter knife in my eye than go through this kind of thing. I don’t think
it’s viable. Now, that’s not to say that I believe Michael Jackson is guilty.
I don’t know any more than you do. But I am saying that he is guilty of
outrageously inappropriate remarks on international television, when he
said that he would like to — thinks sleeping with children is appropriate
behavior.
O’BRIEN: Lou, would you take him on as a client?
PEARLMAN: Absolutely, if he’s innocent. O’BRIEN: You’d have to wait
to see. Michael Levine, Lou Pearlman, thanks for joining us, you guys.
I really appreciate it. Happy Thanksgiving to both of you.
PEARLMAN: Happy Thanksgiving.
LEVINE: Thanks so much.