Was Michael Jackson Right to Criticize Sony?

Michael Jackson's criticisms of Sony Music and its chairman, Tommy Mottola, in 2002, stemmed from his frustrations with the music industry. These criticisms centered around issues of artistic control and the perceived exploitation of artists. Jackson's outspokenness was seen by many supporters as justified, as it brought attention to the challenges artists faced in the industry, including lack of control over their work and financial exploitation.

Supporters argue that Jackson's criticisms resonated with other artists who had faced similar issues, sparking discussions about the need for reform in how record labels operate. However, critics suggest that his approach was controversial and could have damaged his relationships within the industry. The fallout from his comments may have contributed to his complicated relationship with Sony, including the end of his original contract with Columbia Records.

The Relationship Dynamics

Walter Yetnikoff, the head of Sony, had treated Michael Jackson quite favourably in his original contract. Yet, Jackson felt Restricted by the Columbia/Sony contract, particularly when Geffen Records, Sony's direct competitor, provided him with business advice contrary to Sony's interests. One significant example was the loss of $16 million on the Moonwalker video, while CBS made money from it.

Tommy Mottola's appointment as the new head of Sony didn't help improve their relationship. Mottola's approach was to "clean house," and he was not familiar with Jackson. Mottola's tough stance and lack of chemistry with Jackson intensified their already strained relationship. Jackson felt that he could simply jump to Geffen Records, but this wasn't viable without legal repercussions and owing the estimated earnings from the incomplete albums.

Manipulation and Public Perception

CBS/Sony used Jackson's public anger and resentment, fueled by his own private drug abuse, to make him look bad publicly. Mottola quietly and privately worked against Jackson within their offices, using Jackson's own behavior to his disadvantage. This manipulation was known to Jackson, but he hoped the public could see through it, perceiving CBS's actions as misunderstandings or outright mistreatment.

The rebranding of CBS/Sony to Sony Music Entertainment in 1991 symbolized the end of the company that Jackson had originally signed with. Their relationship continued to deteriorate from that point onward, leading to the eventual breakdown of Jackson's contract and his subsequent fallout with Sony.

Conclusion: The Cost of Public Criticisms

Ultimately, both sides can be seen as partly responsible for the deteriorating relationship. The lesson here is that it's often best to solve problems quietly with stakeholders before resorting to public criticism. Publicly denouncing a company can have unforeseen consequences on professional relationships. As such, Jackson's criticisms may have been justified, but the manner in which he vocalized them can be seen as a costly mistake for his career and personal relationships in the industry.