America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 105. Those who go up the mountain should not mock the gods who are coming down!

In front of the gates of Double Star Entertainment in Los Angeles.

A dozen or so reporters were surrounding Eric.

Since the Michael Jackson incident broke out, although some celebrities have spoken out in support of his character, the number is small, and they are too minor to have much influence.

Among these people, the most influential was actually real estate businessman Trump. No one knows how Michael met Trump, but he always stood firmly on MJ's side.

Because few people were willing to speak out, many people questioned Michael's character.

Think about it: if you don't have many people to speak up for you in times of crisis, doesn't that prove you have no friends?

Why don't you have any friends? Of course it's because you have a bad character.

Many people just don't know that this is how the entertainment industry is.

Even though Michael Jackson is no longer at his peak, there are still too many people who are envious of his past achievements. These people may be strangers who do not know Michael, or they may be friends he considers to be, or they may be trash who want to use his fame to promote themselves.

For example, Eminem is such a person. In order to boost album sales, he directly released a song and made a music video to satirize Michael Jackson, thereby promoting himself.

Even when they later apologized under pressure, it was just a lukewarm statement. If they were truly sincere, they should have taken the song down.

The "Backstabbing Cult," which is more familiar to ordinary Chinese people, is likely based on the same methods.

Back on the scene, after being bombarded with criticism by Eric, the Independent reporter could only shut up.

But others disagreed. They argued that it was always them who confronted celebrities and pressured public figures, so when did it become the public figures' turn to lecture the media?

This is outrageous! We must show him what it means to be an uncrowned king!

A reporter from the San Francisco Entertainment Daily asked, "Mr. Cooper, you're so certain about Michael Jackson's character. Are you very familiar with him?"

"No, we've never met. I've only seen him in songs and on TV."

"So, you're only looking at Michael from a fan's perspective, which means he must hold a very high place in your heart."

Eric nodded: "That's right, Michael is the King of Pop. His songs are sung all over the world, his albums sell the most copies worldwide, he has reached the pinnacle of music, he is the god of pop music, there is no doubt about that!"

The Olsen sisters immediately sensed something was wrong, while the paparazzi were overjoyed.

We haven't even dug a hole for you yet, and you've already dug one for yourself.

How dare you say such absolute things? Don't you know that such words are the easiest to attract negative attention? Not only will it attract negative attention to yourself, but it will also attract negative attention to Michael Jackson. Fans' actions have consequences for their idols.

This is no longer the 90s. The new generation of listeners has more complex tastes, and many new singers have emerged. The public doesn't like this kind of rhetoric.

"Mr. Cooper, the god of pop music, aren't you praising Michael Jackson too much? How do you evaluate Westlife, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, and Eminem? Do you think they're all insignificant?"

Eric pointed at the other person with a cold face: "Mr. Reporter, I have said not to be biased or leading, because you are representatives of the media, and the media is the mouthpiece of fairness and justice, not a weapon to spread rumors."

"I can express my opinions freely because I'm just an ordinary person, but the media must be objective. Have you forgotten that?"

The other person's eye twitched, and they cursed inwardly, "Damn it, how come they're even better at labeling people than we are, and they do it so well that we can't refute them?"

"Mr. Cooper, you are right, but please answer this question directly."

Eric nodded: "The people you mentioned are all excellent singers. I like some of them too. I also like listening to 'My Heart Will Go On' and 'If I Let You Go'."

"But what I want to say is that maybe the new generation of young people prefers Britney, Avril Lavigne, and Eminem, and maybe Michael's musical style is starting to feel out of touch with the times, but everyone has to admit that their achievements are not as great as Michael Jackson's."

"Those who are going up the mountain should not mock the gods who are coming down!"

"Is it so hard to learn to respect and appreciate others, and to acknowledge their excellence?"

The saying "Those who go up the mountain should not mock the gods who come down" instantly killed the question. The reporter from the San Francisco Entertainment Daily opened his mouth, but didn't know how to continue.

Eric's response was very appropriate, neither avoiding the fact that Michael is declining in popularity, nor shying away from expressing his appreciation for the new generation of singers who are striving for the pinnacle of music.

Two of his colleagues were defeated, and Eric's persuasive skills also impressed the paparazzi.

They came with the intention of smearing Jackson, but this interview turned into a whitewashing, which is a departure from their original purpose.

A reporter from The New York Times stepped forward: "Mr. Cooper, we are talking about Michael Jackson's character, not his work."

"No one can deny his success in his career, but no matter how successful one is, it cannot prove a person's character. After all, character can be hidden and cannot be seen, which is why we journalists need to dig it out, isn't that right?"

The Olsen sisters watched Eric's retreating figure. If they had spoken up just now, they would be the ones facing criticism from the paparazzi now. Could they be as fearless as Eric in the face of verbal attacks?

"Hmph."

Faced with this question, Eric snorted a few times, a sound that seemed both mocking and cold.

"Sir reporter, first of all, I admit that the second half of your statement is very true. There are indeed many things that journalists need to investigate. I also have great respect for those excellent journalists who dare to expose the truth, especially investigative journalists. I have always believed that they bear the conscience of society."

"For example, Woodward and Bernstein dared to expose Watergate, were not afraid of the president's threats, and brought Nixon down. Their attention made people fear the abuse of power."

"For example, Seymour Hersh dared to go deep into Vietnam to expose the truth about the My Lai Massacre, allowing Americans to truly understand what our troops were doing in Vietnam."

"I respect these outstanding journalists, and I hope that every journalist can become like them."

At this point, he glanced at the paparazzi present, and even though they were thick-skinned, they couldn't help but frown.

In comparison, the reason why some people are called journalists and others are called paparazzi is not because of whether you hold a microphone, but because of what you do while holding the microphone.

Eric continued, "But I don't agree with the first part of your statement, because I believe that character can be revealed through a person's words and actions."

"If you don't just care about gossip, but instead learn about the charity work MJ did, you'll understand what kind of person he was."

"I absolutely do not believe that a person who has dedicated more than 20 years of his life, half of his life, to practicing his philanthropic ideals is a pedophile."

"Moreover, he is the only entertainer to have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, which is enough to prove everything."

As he spoke, Eric suddenly stepped forward, and the paparazzi instinctively stepped back. At this moment, he was already very close to them.

Just as the paparazzi were speculating about Eric's intentions, he calmly said, "You've asked so many questions, so let me ask one too: Is your relentless slander of MJ due to racial discrimination?"

"Is it because Michael is Black, yet he accomplished things that white people couldn't? Did his excellence make some white people feel uncomfortable?"

boom!

Like a thunderbolt, Eric's question was met with silence; race remains one of the most sensitive issues in American society.

If you use even one word incorrectly, you'll be labeled a racist, and that would be a huge problem.

The noisy scene suddenly fell silent. Eric smiled and said, "You don't need to answer. I wasn't asking you that question anyway."

After saying that, he waved goodbye to the three Olsen sisters, got into his car, and drove away.

Watching his dashing departing figure, Mary suddenly felt a surge of emotion: "That guy, he's actually quite handsome today."

"You think so too?" Ashley chuckled.

"Eric has always been handsome!" Elizabeth exclaimed excitedly, clenching her little fists.

The car sped along, and in the passenger seat, Chen Xing hesitated for a moment before asking, "Boss, do we need to do some public relations work beforehand? Your comments just now might cause controversy."

Eric closed his eyes to rest, hesitated for a moment, and then said softly, "It's unnecessary, and it can't be managed through public relations. MJ's matter isn't just a problem for one or two paparazzi or one or two newspapers; it's a problem that involves the entire society."

"How do you handle public relations in this situation? And who are you planning to lobby? Even if you do lobby a few media outlets, will it be effective?"

"Just remember to back up the recordings. If their reports are taken out of context, then release the video."

"Okay, I understand."

Eric doesn't regret speaking up for MJ. He's done it, and that's that.

As for whether it will cause trouble for himself and MGM.

It is foreseeable that trouble will definitely arise, such as being insulted and boycotting MGM films.

But he believes there will be more people on the side of justice, especially now that Michael has the upper hand, as the airing of the two documentaries has proven his innocence.

Even if there are still extremists and fools who continue to smear us, so what?

Did Trump get affected? Absolutely nothing happened; his business continued to grow, and he eventually became president.

Or perhaps it's better to take preventative measures beforehand. Others may not know the outcome, but Eric knows it all too well. If he wants to turn things around, it wouldn't be difficult to do so with a few tricks.

At that time, he can also cultivate a good reputation for being a righteous person who speaks out for justice, which will guarantee that the merchandise and box office sales will explode.

That evening, at the Cooper family's house in Beverly Hills.

"Don't worry, Nico, everything will be fine."

"What? No, don't do that! You mustn't make a sound, don't get involved in this mess. Don't worry, darling, those guys can't hurt me."

After hanging up the phone, Eric sighed. The interview that morning had started to spread by the afternoon and had already reached the ears of many people who cared about him.

Gal Gadot, Deadpool, the British trio, Patty, Nicole, and others all called.

However, Eric refused their offer to express their support.

Transformers hasn't been released yet, and Gal Gadot and the others are still considered newcomers with little influence and little impact.

Moreover, they have no connection with Mike, so speaking out at this time would give the impression of trying to ride the coattails of a trending topic, which would be more harmful than helpful.

Nicole's influence is naturally significant, but the problem is that she doesn't know MJ, and Eric doesn't want to involve his woman.

As I went downstairs, my dad opened the door to come home and took off his coat, handing it to the nanny.

Then came a helpless sigh: "Eric, are you and Michael Jackson very close?"

"I don't know him, but I admire him. I just think good people shouldn't be held at gunpoint."

My mother brought out a freshly stewed dish from the kitchen and asked curiously, "What are you talking about? Another school shooting?"

Eric briefly explained the situation, and his mother was both angry and helpless.

"Those who spread rumors will be punished by God and sent to hell!"

Then she looked at her father and said, "Xia Li, you shouldn't blame Eric. He did the right thing, and as parents, we should support him."

Caught between two attacks, Dad shook his head slightly: "Alright, alright, let Eric do whatever he wants. Just spoil him."

Mom picked up a spoon and gently tapped Dad's hand, which was holding bread, on the back of his hand: "Justice must be upheld. Don't ridicule those who dare to stand up just because you're cowardly."

"Xia Li, it's been a very long time since you've accompanied me to church. This week, you must listen to the Lord's teachings with me."

Upon hearing this, Dad's face fell: "Actually, I've already made plans to play golf, and the time is set. It's not convenient to change it. God also teaches us not to lie to others, doesn't He?"

His mother glared at him: "You can't possibly call for two days straight, can you? Saturday or Sunday, I only book one morning, okay?"

Eric and the nanny Lisa covered their mouths and giggled, while Dad sighed again: "Alright, then Saturday morning, let's go listen to the pastor's sermon together."

"It is God's teaching!"

"Alright, alright, God's teachings."

After dinner, Eric sat on the sofa watching HBO, where a rerun of the second episode of The Walking Dead was playing.

As expected, fueled by the high praise for the first episode, the second episode of The Walking Dead broke viewership records again, surpassing 10 million viewers and reaching 11.2 million concurrent subscribers, breaking the record set by Band of Brothers.

They're having a blast at HBO. Dad's talk of playing golf wasn't just an excuse; he was actually playing with Zach Thomas.

"Eric, your phone."

Behind her, the nanny, Lisa, handed her a phone.

Eric took it and looked at it; it was an unfamiliar number.

At this point, a call from an unknown number is most likely from a tabloid reporter who somehow got his number and wants to conduct another surprise interview.

I hung up immediately, and then a text message came through.

"Hello Mr. Cooper, this is Michael Jackson. I'm sorry to bother you, I just wanted to express my gratitude!"

(End of this chapter)