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Harpo Studios/Oprah and Michael
Harpo Studios is scouring the internet to find any videos of Oprah Winfrey’s exclusive 1993 interview with Michael Jackson. Harpo has made the unpopular decision to remove any signs of the ground-breaking interview which took place at Neverland Ranch. Oprah Examiner posted the interview from YouTube on Monday, and the videos have since been deleted with the accompanying statement “this video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Harpo, Inc.”
One can’t help but ask the question, “Why Harpo? Why? Say it isn’t so!” During this time of grief over losing one of the most electrifying, talented entertainers in this country’s history, is it wise to keep millions of Michael’s adoring fans from seeing this incredibly candid interview? We understand Harpo has the legal right to do whatever they wish with the video, but could this one legal decision potentially hurt Oprah’s brand and reputation? Honestly, does Oprah really need the royalties generated from this video?
It’s evident from the outpouring of sympathy that Michael Jackson was dearly loved and cherished all over the world especially by the generation who grew up with him and the Jackson 5. But Generations Y and Z may not have a positive view of the King of Pop. These generations witnessed Michael during some of his most controversial and trying times in the media and in his life. After hearing about his death, one teen responded, “Michael Jackson? Isn’t he that weird guy? Who cares.”
Without insight into Michael’s life and being, it may be difficult to understand his journey. And for this reason, Oprah’s interview with the Michael should be available to everyone. By highlighting Michael’s successes and tackling the tough issues, this interview is a wonderful homage to one of the most misunderstood men in entertainment. So let’s scream it from the rooftops.
Harpo! Let us have Michael! Give us our King of Pop!
Or send a message to Oprah at oprah.com. This would be a great gift to the world in Michael’s memory and a brilliant way to honor him by learning the truth behind his joy and his pain; and witnessing his humor, his depth and his amazing ability to forgive…presented to the world in his own words. So here is the interview, again – probably for the last time until Harpo finds out...sssshhhh…
Michael Jackson Interview 1993 from MJOI on Vimeo.
What do you think of Harpo’s decision to keep this interview from the public? Agree or disagree? Share your comments below.
*Special thanks to Oprah Examiner reader, Raphael, for directing us to a working video.
Join Oprah Examiner on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
More coverage on the death of Michael Jackson:
http://www.examiner.com/category-michael_jackson.html
http://www.examiner.com/slideshows.html?SlideshowID=13939
Comments
I wonder if they are planning to release something that contains that footage and don't want it available for free.
I believe that they want to sell the interview and make money out of Michael Jacksons dead.
Oprah needs more money so she wants to sell the interview. Nice.
This video really should be released freely for the World to enjoy...Michael was sharing of Himself and it seems only fair that Oprah in return elect to allow Michael's message to continue to be shared-FREELY-as a sort of gift & balm to the souls of those who are trying to make some sense of his untimely passing.
I sure enjoyed being able to see it here--and thank you for that. Seems a shame for People to have to dig so hard to locate this footage. Michael gave so generously and I believe he'd want this gift of the interview be available for Us to enjoy--with no opportunistic forethought of hiding it and re-releasing it for a fee to make a buck.
I believe Oprah wants to avoid the 'circus' aspect and has done it out of respect for Michael.
It was a wonderful interview. I just finished watching it. I saw a Michael Jackson that I never knew existed. I was wrong about him in thinking that he was a freak. He was a wonderful human being who care about people, especially children, and just wanted to show love and get it in return. I believe 100% that he didn't molest any children and that he was a wonderful father to his own children. His only goal at Neverland was to give children the childhood that he missed out on. Everyone wanted a piece of Michael and when that family visited Neverland with their son they accused him of molestation because they were poor and saw dollar signs. Michael shouldn't have given them a cent. R.I.P. Michael.
This is the first time I've commented on the web. I totally agree with you. I generally respect Oprah and am not sure why she's out to make it completely unavailable [for free (?)]. I tried to find this interview right after he died, couldn't get it then either, except 2 fragments. Going to watch your posting of it now, if it hasn't been deleted yet ;)
This is a wonderful insite on Michaels life and thoughts of the world. I don't believe he had a hurtful bone in his body. He was a pure and genuine person who loved everyone. Michael wanted to recieve the same love and respect that he gave out. He was searching for love; Michael was truly gifted and talented he was the king of pop, rock and r&b. His legency will forever live on. Michael Jackson you will truly be missed and forever adored.
Gosh- sensational. Thanks Harpo, twas my first time to watch this and MJ was just an angle! RIP Michael. And- i dont believe Oprah will sell this- she is too moraly sound-nor does she need the money.
wonderful video!!!!everybody who ever doubted mj must watch this video to see what a truely wonderful human being he was. I hope that Opera does air this video, it is truely beautiful and inspirational.I feel such sadness over his death, may he now Rest in Peace.
I couldn't stop my tears when I watched it. MJ is such a loving, caring person. Why and how could the meadia demonize him?
I was never a fan of him and never listened his songs initiatively. Now I fell in love with him just after he is gone. How sad!!
This interview showed how awesome Micheal was not only has an entertainer but as a person. People need to see more of this, because all that is being shared is dark stuff that they are assuming happen. Enough of the negitive, this interview put a smile on our face, but a sadness in our heart. Oprah probally just wants to rebroadcast this on her show and boost her ratings. Shame on you.
thans for a good and honest interviw
Michael Jackson is truly one of the greatest entertainers. Though it has been awhile since he was on top with his music, his talent is unsurpassed. Thanks for this interview. I have never before seen him in an interview. My heart goes out to him, and wish him peace. He is one amazing person.
I couldn't agree more with Raphael, one would like to think that Oprah would be removing the video out of respect for Michael but I tend to feel it is more out of a tribute to OPRAH, she sees $$$$$$$$$ on this one, she will have DVD's soon for sale of this exclusive interview. Regardless of her heritage, it's Oprah first.
FYI-Oprah and staff were on a Med. cruise when Michael passed and this video was available all over the internet, then she gets back to work and then POOF -- no video. While the world is grieving and trying to latch on to anything about Michael, Oprah wants power! To take that away from us who LOVED MICHAEL is just heartless, I watched it at least 3 times in a 24 hour period. How can anyone be so selfish at a time of such a great loss ?
"If you truly love somebody, you love
them warts and all." That video showed some ww
e warts, but I still love him.
It could be that she's doing it out of respect, but this I KNOW for sure, people REALLY tried and try to make money off of this sweet, tender, gentle, phenomenal man, and amazing entertainer. I would hope Oprah's not, but seems like very, very few understand that they should honor his great spirit and the gifts he tried to give to the world.
same feeling as said by ourlives.
I send love to the Jackson Family for thier great loss of Michael.
I so appreciate and respect the decision to take all videos of Michael off line, if only for now, and pray that somehow Oprah will honor Michael, in only the way She can,
The Whole World is grieving the loss of a beautiful soul who was taken too soon. There will never be anyone who has the willingness and heart to share love through music like Michael has.
I first saw Michael on TV when I was 12 (Same age as Michael), and have been a fan ever since.
I love Michael, and rejoice he is at peace, though he will be sorely missed by family, friends, and millions of fans.
I especially pray for his beatufiul children - Micheal Jr., Paris, and Micheal ll, that they will live long, expressive and successful lives.
Much love to the Jackson Family -
Monika
What a Great soul, Michael, we LOVE you, Forever!
I didn't know this interview existed until today when I saw an excerpt of it today on a tribute to Michael. That's when I decided to review the entire interview on line. Boy am I glad I did. This is one of the most purest, down to earth and truthful interview from Michael I have ever seen from the verbal and physical abuse he suffered at the hand of his father, the reasoning behind his tremendous love for children to the demoraling character lies by the media. I also saw the sensitive, loving and gentle person Michael was from this interview. Michael was a larger than life phenomenom that one is fortunate to witness in their lifetime. There will never be another Michael, at least I don't believe so in this century. I only hope others have the opportunity to review this poignant heartfelt interview. Michael, you are truly loved. R.I.P. beautiful angel.
I'm 14 so I wasn't alive when he was at his top. I will remember him for his amazing music though because my mom is a fan and we listen to "Dirty Diana" almost everyday. A lot of my friends see him as the weird dude who was crazy. I actually did read his book and this man was truly amazing. It's absolutely more than a shame that he has left us. I just remember that he isn't lonely anymore and he isn't going to be judged in Heaven. I agree with people who say that true music died on June 25th 2009. We will never have a huge superstar like him because today everyone is famous and no one is revolutionary. Michael was one in a billion and we will NEVER have anyone bigger than him.
I find it horrible that some people will only remember him for the horrible child molestation accusations. They are 100% false and I will defend his innocence forever.
RIP Michael. You are and will be sorely missed
RIP Michael.
Give us the video back!!!!When he was saying "I am getting there. I am very happy now... because I am giving back...", it is soooo heart breaking. The video is a healing medicine to our soul. Please, make the world a better place by release the video for free.
I LOVE U MICHAEL AND I LOVE U OPRAH....PLEASE TELL ME TAKING THE VIDIO OFF WASNT ABOUT $$.
This was a great interview. Who is Harpo? Whats their problem, this belongs to everyone who loves MJ and OW! Thanks...I knew a lot of the media stuff was BS .Almost every time any public person, especially politicians are slammed by the media then you know that person did something right the " CONTROLLERS" didn't like.
I grew up watching Micahael.Let him and his family see some peace.His talent will live in my heart and mind forever.
THANKYOU ! so much, 4 posting this .
i love MJ , &+ He is in a better place.
Sleep Tight, your higness x
If I new what I learning about Michael after his dead I would never believe what the media said about him. I feel ashamed of myself that I believe that he bleached his skin, but I was an ignorant like many other about his skin illness. But one thing I never believe that he molested those children that he was accused of, that was impossible to gave credit that he did have that kind of behavior among children, he loved them too much to hurt them. Thank you so much for shown this video, I learned so much about Michael watching this interview. He was an incredible and amassing human been. Deeply in my heart I always love him, but now I love him more. R.I.P. my Dear Michael.
love and miss MJ may he rest in peace.
I love this video! Thank you so much Oprah for interviewing MJ! Now everyone will see for themselves what he truly is and was. This says it all and the case is closed. Some of you who put MJ down and destroyed his life that he worked hard on to make his life happy and making others that loved him happier, aught to be ashame of yourselves and stop the rumors and jealousy that is going around and to grow up and respect somoene's personal privacy on how he or she wants to live their lives and not to be judging them. I am disgusted on how this world turned out to be because now we don't have the best entertainer anymore. No one can be like "The King of Pop" no matter how hard they try to immitate him. No one has the right to copy someone and just be yourself. Every idividual is born in a unique way!
iis Sayiin That ii Love
Miicheal Jackson&&ii Feel So
Sorry Foe Joe Jackson Because ii Feel
That Although They Had Work Tew Do They
Also Had A Chiild Hood Thatt They Wanted
Tew Explore&&Never Had The Chance To Explore Them Because He Kept Them On The Road..Lookiin At Thiis iinterveiw And Everthiing &&Baq At Hiis Piictures As A Young Boy You Can See The Hurt iin Hiis Eyes&&The SaiidNess iin Hiis Face.&&For Hiim[Joe] To Siit There As A Grown Man Not That But Hiis Father To Pick On Hiim And Tew Call Hiim Names.&&Tew Me ii Blame Alot Of Thiings On Joe Because Of Some Of The Thiings That Micheal Had To Go Through....You No Not Ever Had ii Ever Beleived That The Rumors That Micheal Had molested Those kiids..Or Anythiing Bad That Was Saiid Bout Hiim..&&ii Just Want Tew Send My Love To Hiis Family.!
II THIINK THAT YOU SHOULD PUT THIIS INTERVEIW OUT IN THE PUBLIC BECAUSE IN THIS YOU SEE THE R E A L.!!MICHEAL JACKSON&&WE GET TO NO HOW HE FEEL&&HIS OWN THOUGHTS&&HOW GREAT OF A STAR HE IS.
It was a great interview which I have seen for the first time. I always knew the media make thing up and should always be ignored, thanks Oprah and thanks Michael (who has gone to that special place very few get to) Your memory will live on for everrrrrrrrrrrr......
May the people who used their media jobs to destroy Michael be punished by God Almighty. Michael loved everyone. But when evil and jealousy gets into people theyy will destroy you but GOD will avenge his soul. Nancy Grace, Tom Shelldon and the lairs Evan Chandler and family you will not enjoy that 22 million dollars. May God Almighty blow on your extorted monies and may poverty set in once again. May Michael beautiful face hunt you in the night and make every night restless. God will avenge you Michael. He loves you and so do we...RIP my brother
Michael trusted too much and may God heal his soul. Michael we will not allow anyone to hurt you and we are boycotting everything that is negative towards you. It is enough of us in this world to send the media bankrupt. America is already paying for their past sins; and you were put here to help people and they tried to take that away from you. God Speed...
made me cry
This is my favorite interview with Michael and I kept searching for all parts of it on youtube. I'm glad I saved them all because it's soooo wrong and sad that Harpo keeps getting it deleted :(.
I wish they wouldn't do that because it shows us Michael for what he should be remembered for..his music, his caring and loving spirit, his humbleness, his humour... You just have to look at him and you feel that he's one of a kind.
Love and greetings from Germany
I hope you are finally at peace and are able to see what an incredible inpact you have made on the world. Though we never met I feel as if I have lost a great freind and a true mentour. Rest in peace in heaven and sing along with the angels.You and your children will be forever in my heart. All my love!!!! God bless you!!!
I have no sympathy with Harpo Productions - I've twice e-mailed them to ask whether the interview is available on DVD, and where I can buy it - I'm happy to pay for it, if I can buy it, but they don't respond. That's no way to run a business. They don't want to sell it, and they don't want us to watch it on YouTube, and as so many people have said, people new to MJ can learn a lot from watching this interview - in needs to be out there.
Oprah you are the best for giving us this video!!
A beautiful soul can finally rest in peace.
RIP Michael Jackson.
Please don't delete the video. MJ was hurt by so many rumors written in tabloids. This is one way of letting Michael (even if he's dead) clear his self and tell the truth. MJ should be remembered because of his good works and good personality. He should not be tarnished with garbage thrown at him by tabloid writers. This video is a treasure and should be pass on to other generation so that they will know that MJ is a good person and should be imitated. That's what he wants. For people to change and to do something worthy to this world. Please keep this video and share to the public. Don't take this away. PLEASE...
Please, this video will show the truth. Don't take this away. Michael Jackson needs justice.
I Think Thiis Vid Ov Him Shud Be Published
Widely Around Thee World
I Think The Press Shud Just Lay Off Him
&&Let Him R..I..P
Also, In My Opinion, Michael Wud Ov Luved It If Thiis Vid Woz Seen Around Thaa World
Bcuz It Shows MJ Bieng MJ
I Dont Think He Wud Ov Agreed To Take This Interview( Knowin That Loads Ov Watched It )
&&And Answer Any Question, Even About His Private Life, If He Didnt Mind Who Saw It
Also, Why Is Harpo Makin Michael's Disissions For Him??
Just Bcus His Dead Doesnt Mean He Shud Be Forgotten!!
And I Soo Believe That It Shud Be Passed On For Generation To Generation, Bcus Im Almost 14 And i Didnt No Anything About MJ And This Vid Really Helped Me Learn More About Our KingOvPop!!
I Truely Hope This Vid Is Spread To Every1, Everwhere
I Truely Hope The Press Wud Just Lay Off You, Michael, Bcus Your Life Has Been Depressing Enough, Even Without Them :(
I Will Always Love You Michael, No Matter What
why remove oprah's interview with MJ?... we want to watch it.. please give it back to you tube.. please,please for the king of pop.......may you rest in peace
Ever since he passed I've cried everyday. I think this video really shows the side he should most be remembered for- his music and his soul. He is one of a kind and will never be forgotten. This interview shows how much of a good person he is- funny, compassionate, forgiving, and completely generous. I love Michael Joseph Jackson forever and forever and he is my King of Pop.
Such open honest presence. Loved the part where he says about wanting to have met Michaelangelo and asking about what inspired him - and not who he went out with the night before . That is truly what is missing in our society -- to get to know what makes the genuises amongst us tick - perhaps we could learn something from them. He was given many labels -- Sad part about it is that those who labeled him had labels themselves - "judgmental", " superficial" etc... Yet, those are tolerated in our society . Michael -- I am sorry for all the pain you endured . May you rest in peace and may your heaven be a wondrous playground .
i think it's horrible that harpo would take it away because of some young peoples opinions about michael jackson. but there are alot of young people out there, how love michaels music. i've loved it since i was an infant and i'm only thirteen going on fourteen. so they don't know what they're talking about. michael would want the public to see this interview the TRUTH bout his life. that's why he took the interview!!!!!! so stop removing it and let us watch the videos of this interviews!
In my opinion Harpo should release the video.
Good interview, although I think it is a disgrace that Oprah asked Michael if he is a virgin.'That's private.
Oprah, don't say negative things about gossip magazines when you too ask these type of questions for sales.
Thank you for having the interview in its entirety here. Some of the parts were missing on YouTube when it was still available, so I'm glad to have found the whole thing here. Michael's life mattered to those of us who are seeking info on him. He was the greatest and will always be. The best lives go back to the Creator when it seems too soon to others, but MJ's work was done, in true love and style. I'm glad his death would've been painless (unconscious state), unlike his painful life. I empathize so much with his wonderful heart and am thrilled that he is immortalized though his music and philanthropy towards disadvantaged children. What a blessed man he was. Peace to those who loved and supported him. Honour to God for sharing him with us in our lifetimes.
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