Marco Zen
Black Privilege
https://thegrapevine.theroot.com/icon-unfiltered-stephanie-mills-talks-michael-jackson-1833177760
Mills on today's artists...
“These people make one record and they’re ‘legends,’” said Mills. “I believe that you have to work for it. I’ve been in the business since I was 9 years old.
”
The Root: What were your thoughts on Jennifer Lopez’s Motown tribute at the Grammys?
Stephanie Mills: There were no Latino stars in Motown—only black people. So why she did that tribute? I have no idea. I didn’t like it. And you have Diana Ross there, you had Lalah Hathaway sitting out in the audience; you have all these people that you could’ve called, and I just don’t think it was appropriate for her to do that
.
TR: You used to date michael Jackson in the early ‘80s. I’m sure you’ve heard of HBO’s Leaving Neverland documentary; did you watch it?
SM: I’m familiar with it but I won’t be watching it because he didn’t do the things—they said he was already clear. He went to court. So why are they doing it? It’s purely to make money. So, I will not be watching it, because I don’t believe any of that is true. I know for a fact that it’s not true
.
TR: Any thoughts on R. Kelly?
SM: I believe that R. Kelly should go to jail for what he’s done. I don’t believe that his music should be muted. And I also believe that the handlers and his ex and his ex-wife and all of that to go to jail, too. You cannot tell me you live in a house with a man and you don’t know what’s going on. That is not true. I don’t believe that. She should go to jail, too. And so should the handlers that helped him
.
TR: I’m curious as to why you don’t think they should mute his music.
SM: Him writing his music has nothing to do with that. Him being an entertainer and a star. And those parents bringing those children to the show and then allowing him— I have a son; there’s no way I would take my son to a Bruno Mars show, and say “OK, Bruno, you can mentor my son. I’m gonna let him stay with you.” There’s no way.
Mills on today's artists...
“These people make one record and they’re ‘legends,’” said Mills. “I believe that you have to work for it. I’ve been in the business since I was 9 years old.
”
The Root: What were your thoughts on Jennifer Lopez’s Motown tribute at the Grammys?
Stephanie Mills: There were no Latino stars in Motown—only black people. So why she did that tribute? I have no idea. I didn’t like it. And you have Diana Ross there, you had Lalah Hathaway sitting out in the audience; you have all these people that you could’ve called, and I just don’t think it was appropriate for her to do that
.
TR: You used to date michael Jackson in the early ‘80s. I’m sure you’ve heard of HBO’s Leaving Neverland documentary; did you watch it?
SM: I’m familiar with it but I won’t be watching it because he didn’t do the things—they said he was already clear. He went to court. So why are they doing it? It’s purely to make money. So, I will not be watching it, because I don’t believe any of that is true. I know for a fact that it’s not true
.
TR: Any thoughts on R. Kelly?
SM: I believe that R. Kelly should go to jail for what he’s done. I don’t believe that his music should be muted. And I also believe that the handlers and his ex and his ex-wife and all of that to go to jail, too. You cannot tell me you live in a house with a man and you don’t know what’s going on. That is not true. I don’t believe that. She should go to jail, too. And so should the handlers that helped him
.
TR: I’m curious as to why you don’t think they should mute his music.
SM: Him writing his music has nothing to do with that. Him being an entertainer and a star. And those parents bringing those children to the show and then allowing him— I have a son; there’s no way I would take my son to a Bruno Mars show, and say “OK, Bruno, you can mentor my son. I’m gonna let him stay with you.” There’s no way.
