people didn't believe michael when he was talking about it- they just thought he was a washed-up celebrity in need of attention. the thing is, when did the man ever publicly speak out like that, about the INDUSTRY, outside of a musical recording? he was usually quiet, so if he spoke out in that way, you HAD to know it was serious.

other artists spoke out over the years as well, but people continue to deem them 'crazy'. whitney houston, in the few years prior to her transcendance, spoke openly about the industry as well (and at one point spoke of clive davis in a not-so-positive manner). sony (who actually owns the rights to houston's music) appears to be a huge culprit in people's eyes...