In Daily Express 30/8/84 I found the following article:
Split as star's Thriller fans form the MJ Cult
From PHILIP FINN in New York
POP superstar Michael Jackson has been pronounced the Archangel Michael by adoring young members of his religious sect, the Jehovah Witnesses.
But it has bitterly divided the two and a half million Witnesses world-wide and upset the clean-living singer. Older Church members far from putting Jackson on a pedestal, cannot forgive him for appearing as a devilish werewolf in his smash-hit video, Thriller.
Young Witnesses, hooked on the Prince of Pop's music, his dress and his shadow dancing have formed the MJ Cult. They believe the 26-year old multi-millionaire is the Archangel Michael as described in the Book of Daniel, Chapter 12. Verse 1, and "will deliver his people" Part of the passage reads: "And at that time, shall Michael stand up, the Great Prince which standeth for the Children of God." But more fundamental witnesses feel Jackson represents an unhealthy and decadent faction which is damaging the Church's image. James Penton, a professor of religious studies in Alberta, Canada, said yesterday that Jackson had even been threatened with disfellowship excommunication from the Church because of his "worldly activities." Professor Penton who says he was himself excommunicated in 1981 that Jackson subsequently renounced the Thriller video in an issue of Awake, a sect publication which has a circulation of nine million. In the article, Jackson says: "I realise now it was not a good idea…I'll never do a video like that again." The row is expected to explode next month with a week-long series of protests by young dissidents outside the Witnesses' headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. One of the protest Organisers. Mr David Riccobini, of Connecticut, said "It is the first time Witness kids have had someone to look up to. Otherwise they lead a very drab life." Jackson, who often disguises himself to do missionary work for the Church, was touring last night and unavailable But friends say he is "deeply troubled" by the row.
I am looking for any further info - was there any such situation as described here?
Thanks for any info (sources will be appreciated)
Tom