Michael Jackson is alive

"**Michael Jackson is alive**", also called "**MJ is alive**", is an urban legend and conspiracy theory alleging that American singer-songwriter and dancer Michael Jackson did not actually die on June 25, 2009, but instead faked his own death for various reasons. The rumour began circulating immediately after his death in 2009, gaining broad popularity very quickly, within weeks to a couple of months of his death in the same year.

According to the theory, Jackson had faked his death to escape the pressures of fame, debt, or to live a normal life. While the rumors started immediately, a key moment that significantly propelled its broader reach was a hoax video created by German broadcaster RTL in late August 2009. The video, purportedly showing Jackson emerging from a coroner's van, was explicitly an experiment by RTL to demonstrate how quickly misinformation and conspiracy theories can spread online.

## Beginnings

Although rumours that Michael Jackson faked his death had existed since mid-2009, reports that Jackson was alive only started circulating almost immediately after his death in the same year. The sheer shock of his sudden passing, combined with his global superstar status and the intense media scrutiny he always faced, created fertile ground for such speculation. Within hours or days of the announcement of his death, discussions on online forums, social media, and various websites started suggesting that he had faked his death to escape his financial difficulties or the relentless pressures of fame.

One of the theories points to Jackson's mounting debt, claiming he may have sought to evade financial difficulties and start anew. There are also claims that Jackson was unhappy with his record company and was planning to expose alleged corruption within the music industry, suggesting his death may have been a consequence of that intention.

The theory then gained broad popularity within a couple of months, significantly boosted by events like a hoax video created by German broadcaster RTL in late August 2009. The video, which deceptively showed someone resembling Jackson emerging from a coroner's van (later revealed to be an experiment on misinformation), quickly went viral and was widely shared, further fueling the conspiracy across the internet despite its eventual debunking.

Some individuals who subscribe to the theory of a fabricated death also cite inconsistencies in the details surrounding Jackson's passing, including the autopsy report and the circumstances of his death. They also point to alleged sightings of Jackson in various locations worldwide after his reported death as evidence to support their claims.

## Growth

The theory gained traction immediately following his death in 2009 and continues to persist among some fans. Several factors contributed to its rapid growth. Jackson's sudden death at 50 from acute propofol intoxication, and the subsequent conviction of his doctor for involuntary manslaughter, created a fertile ground for speculation and distrust. The intense media coverage surrounding his death, including speculation about his financial troubles, personal life, and comeback attempt, fueled an atmosphere ripe for conspiracy theories. Some media outlets even initially pondered if his death was a publicity stunt for his upcoming This Is It concerts.

Jackson's millions of devoted fans, many of whom struggled to accept his passing, were naturally drawn to theories that offered hope he might still be alive. Jackson's history, including numerous plastic surgeries, accusations of child molestation, and ongoing financial struggles, made some more receptive to the idea of a fabricated death or a wider conspiracy. The early days of social media saw the rapid spread of misinformation, including hoax videos like one showing a Jackson look-alike emerging from a coroner's van. Although debunked, such hoaxes contribute to the initial spread and ongoing popularity of such theories. Allegations of inconsistencies in the autopsy report, questioned details surrounding his will, and the infamous Dave Dave interview further fueled suspicions and kept the theory alive years after his death.

## In popular culture

- The 2011 documentary film _Alive! Is Michael Jackson Really Dead?_ explores the conspiracy theory that Jackson faked his own death. The film features investigative research and analyzes various "clues" and "evidence" to support the claim that Jackson is alive.

## Related pages

- Conrad Murray
- Death of Michael Jackson