Torchde Team | August 22, 2020
Many public figures have tension with UK tabloids publications, but the constant scrutiny and blatant racism Michael Jackson and Meghan Markle received from Britain’s most popular sources is unprecedented. Here are some of the UK Tabloids most racist headlines.
Racist Headlines – Using ‘Niggling’ Meghan Markle
Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine claimed the Sussex’s’ engagement photo gave her a “niggling worry,” while other tabloid articles have mentioned Meghan’s “rich and exotic DNA” and (inaccurately) brought up her upbringing in a “gang-scarred” LA neighborhood. Prince Harry constantly addressed the ‘racial undertones’ in the coverage as Meghan Markle became the sole target throughout their engagement and marriage. The UK media and tabloids criticized her for everything from her style of dress to eating avocado on toast.
The royal couple sent a letter to the editors of the Sun, the Mail, the Express and the Mirror, stating that they will “not be engaging” with the outlets, even to corroborate stories.
“It is gravely concerning that an influential slice of the media, over many years, has sought to insulate themselves from taking accountability for what they say or print-even when they know it to be distorted, false or invasive beyond reason.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex ultimately stepped down from their roles as senior royals as a result of the constant unnecessary backlash and harassment. The scrutiny still continued to follow when the Sun printed another titled “Megan Mugged Us Orf.” The publisher received backlash from its readers, since the couple stepped down, but blamed social media as the main source of the racist criticism.
“We are sick, though, of woke morons crying racism over press criticism of Meghan and Harry. It is ludicrous to conflate racist abuse on social media with legitimate newspaper scrutiny.” – The Sun UK
Most Racist ‘Jacko’ Headlines – Michael Jackson
The racial slur ‘Jacko’ or ‘Wacko Jacko’ was first applied to the legend by The Sun, in 1985, and continues today world wide on social media and by other media outlets. The term derives from Jacco or Jacko Macacco, a fighting ape from the 1800’s. It was also a common name for monkeys in literature and high royal pets. Fast forward to the 1980’s in British culture -‘Jacko’ became a popular child’s toy. The slur is normally used among individuals with racist or negative associations against Jackson.
In an interview with Barbara Walters he expressed his resentment for the racist nickname and origin:
“You should not say he’s an animal. You should not say he’s a Jacko. I’m not a Jacko, I’m Jackson……Wacko Jacko, where did that come from? Some English tabloid. I have a heart, I have feelings. I feel that when you do that to me, it’s not nice, don’t do it.”
Most Racist Headlines by UK Tabloids
Tabloid Excuses of Racism
Meghan Markle had supporters in mainstream media, like the Guardian come to her defense. In Michael Jackson’s case however, the Guardian along with other new sources participated in his scrutiny.
Similar to how the press blamed social media or the couples “whining” for why they printed disrespectful stories. The tabloids claimed they called Jackson a ‘Jacko’ slur because of his “supposed” erratic behavior, when the publishers themselves were the source behind the elaborate stories and lies.
Jackson explained why he was in the photograph and where the Oxygen Chamber story originated in his interview with Oprah Winfrey:
“I did a commercial for Pepsi, and I was burned very badly. We settled for like a million dollars and I gave all the money…we built this place called the Michael Jackson burn center, and that’s a piece of technology that’s used for burn victims. So I’m looking at the piece of technology I’m touching it, feeling it, and decide to just go inside of it – hammering around. Somebody takes a picture, when they process the picture they say: Oh it’s Michael Jackson. He made a copy, these pictures went all over the world with this lie (Jackson Sleeps in An Oxygen Chamber) attached to it.”
On May 25th, during protest and outrage over the tragedy of George Floyd the Black Lives Matter movement sparked marchers worldwide. The Sun refrained its use of the slur in reference to Jackson in its articles but as backlash from the movement began to settle, they started incorporating the slur in new search feeds and image titles. The tabloids are also trying to minimize their prejudice reporting on Meghan Markle since the movement. We’ll see how long that last.