After the sudden death of Michael Jackson Thursday, the media soon began asking, “What about the children?,” in regards to Jackson’s three children, Michael Jr., Paris and Prince Michael II.
However, I immediately began thinking about two other children, though, the children Jackson was accused of molesting.
How would the superstar’s death effect them? How would the media attention given to this man who may or may not have perpetrated crimes against them stir up painful memories? How would they deal with the almost “instant sainthood” cast upon Jackson?
A 13-year-old boy accused Jackson of molesting him over the course of several months in 1993. A civil lawsuit was filed and settled out of court, with Jackson owing millions in damages.
Then, Jackson was tried in 2003 for among other charges, lewd conduct with a child younger than 14, administering alcohol to facilitate child molestation, and false imprisonment or extortion. Jackson was ultimately acquitted of all charges.
Jackson’s death likely triggered memories for the individuals involved in these accusations, individuals who may be suffering from the long term effects of the alleged abuse.
The National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder found that if child sexual abuse is not effectively treated, long-term symptoms may persist into adulthood. These may include:
- PTSD and/or anxiety
- Depression and thoughts of suicide
- Sexual anxiety and disorders
- Poor body image and low self-esteem
- The use of unhealthy behaviors, such as alcohol abuse, drug abuse, self-mutilation, or binging and purging, to help mask painful emotions related to the abuse
Though the world lost a talented musician Thursday, before we mourn our loss so publicly, we must not forget that at least two children may have lost an abuser.
