Posted: Mon May 12 2008, 17:39 Post subject: Jeffrey Daniel about Michael Jackson
SOUL AND funk performer Jeffrey Daniel, of US group Shalamar, says he knows that Michael Jackson did not molest any children.
Daniel, who is performing in London this week, told The Voice that Jackson did not deserve the ‘wacko Jacko’ label, and should not be portrayed as a child molester.
Jackson has, in the past, faced two sets of child molestation allegations and a court trial. He was acquitted of all charges.
Daniel said he has watched Jackson do many kind things for underprivileged children dying from multiple sclerosis, cancer and other terminal illnesses.
“I stayed at Neverland [Jackson’s ranch]. I saw what is there. I saw the kids who were staying there, it just doesn’t add up. It doesn’t make sense. As far as I know, he’s not that type of person,” said Daniel.
Daniel is said to have taught Jackson the infamous ‘moonwalk’. He was a choreographer and dance brother on Jackson’s hits such as Bad and Smooth Criminal.
He also served as dance consultant on Jackson’s Ghosts.
“Michael does not tell people, but I have seen what he does. His greatest crime is his humanitarianism and his humility. It backfires on him and these people have gone after him,” Daniel said.
“I just feel sorry that he’s such an open hearted person - that he didn’t grow a much harder shell earlier.”
Daniel added: “Isn’t it odd that the media can be so forgiving of people who are in rehabilitation, people who have been convicted and gone to jail? I just think it’s unfair that the media paint such a negative picture of a person who was not found guilty.”
Daniel, who got his love of music and dancing from his mum Jeanne-Mae, a classical pianist, and his sisters, while growing up in Los Angeles, is performing the hit records and dances which made him famous at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre on May 17.
Shalamar sold more than 25 million albums globally, including classic hits such as A Night to Remember and I Can Make You Feel Good.
Daniel also revolutionised street dance, bringing the moonwalk and other funky moves to millions around the world, first performing them on US TV show, Soul Train, and later on Britain’s Top of the Pops.
Daniel said he does not feel slighted when people credit Michael Jackson with creating the moonwalk. Commenting on an internet debate over the issue, Daniel said:
“That is between the fans. Michael Jackson and I have nothing but love and respect for each other. I never feel slighted by Michael’s achievement with the dance because he’s one of my dance brothers.”
Daniel added he is touched that he is still so popular with fans. “I’m surprised that people have affection for me from back in the day and they still maintain that.
“I think the reason is that between Shalamar and what I have done after that, I have done quality projects.”
Posted: Wed May 14 2008, 00:06 Post subject: Jeffrey Daniel about Michael Jackson
“Michael does not tell people, but I have seen what he does. His greatest crime is his humanitarianism and his humility. It backfires on him and these people have gone after him,” Daniel said.
“I just feel sorry that he’s such an open hearted person - that he didn’t grow a much harder shell earlier.”
Daniel added: “Isn’t it odd that the media can be so forgiving of people who are in rehabilitation, people who have been convicted and gone to jail? I just think it’s unfair that the media paint such a negative picture of a person who was not found guilty.”
