Umm, Wait – MTV Definitely Needs To Change The Title Of Missy’s Next Award
Even though she looks nearly unrecognizable from her ‘90s appearance, you probably know who Missy Elliott is. She’s one of the legendary female rappers and if you’re a ‘90s baby, you can probably recite a few of her songs in your head. Her hits continue to pop up on various Pandora stations and I listen to each one every time, feeling like a little flamboyant tween all over again. Elliott has been out of the limelight for a few years as it’s a little hard to compete in a world full of Cardi B’s and Nicki Minaj’s. Thankfully, as of late, she’s been pulled out of her hibernation and even has a hit song with chart topping artist, Lizzo. Now, she’s making waves in media for her next prestigious award.
According to Variety, Elliott is set to receive the MTV Video Music Awards Michael Jackson Vanguard Award. The award is given to music performers who have out of this world accomplishments in the industry. Elliott now falls in line with the likes of David Bowie, Beyonce, Boni Jovi, and Madonna. Basically, if you get this award you’re cementing yourself as an icon – at least to the MTV audience. Elliott definitely deserves recognition because she’s been crushing the game for decades, but hold up – we’re still honoring disgraced singer Michael Jackson with his name on this award?! What?!
Say what you want about Jackson, Lord knows I have many times on this platform. As someone who will always believe victims, especially children who have been (allegedly) molested, MTV should seriously take action and change this award. It’s not like Jackson fell from grace with a DUI or something. He is accused, and has been accused for years, of molesting little boys. It’s plain and simple. The documentary, Leaving Neverland, highlighted this earlier this year! How in the hell… ? I get their allegations and Jackson was acquitted of child molestation in the past and his family continues to deny the allegations, but this court of public opinion has been going on and on for years. We all have our own opinions – but the man is dead and the truth may never be uncovered. I can only imagine the hurricane of hell Jackson would be facing if he were still alive. R Kelly, Bryan Singer, and Harvey Weinstein have seemingly destroyed their careers as their allegations of sexual assault on adults, minors, and the vulnerable have became too much to bare. I’m not the only person who believes MTV should change the name.
According to The Wrap, Jackson’s main accuser, choreographer Wade Robson, isn’t happy with the title still honoring the late Jackson. Robson tells:
“I don’t personally need MTV to do one thing or the other, but as child abuse survivors all over the world watch to see whether society will support them or not if they have the courage to come forward, in that regard, it’s an unfortunate choice.”
Hopefully MTV will get some sense and realize they are honoring an alleged pedophile. I am very excited for Elliott to get credit for her years of hard work and entertainment, but I can only cross my fingers hoping she may stand up for sex abuse victims in her acceptance speech. Although I won’t mind if she makes it about herself, as she should. It is her honor afterall.
The MTV Video Music Awards will air on MTV on August 26th.
Writer’s Note: This is the opinion of one Instinct Magazine contributor and does not reflect the views of Instinct Magazine itself or fellow contributors.
H/T: Variety
H/T: The Wrap
So was this supposed to be a story about recognizing the amazing Missy Elliott or a condemnation of mtv and it’s use of the Jackson name on an award ?? How about you try writing two separate pieces so as not to drag Missy Elliott’s good name and talent into your muck piece ? Or is that the only way you could get the site to publish another opinion piece ?