Sananda Maitreya, formerly known as Terence Trent D’Arby, has launched a scathing attack on the late Michael Jackson, accusing the pop icon of deliberately trying to sabotage his career. In a recent interview, the 63-year-old artist branded Jackson a “b******,” claiming that behind the King of Pop’s fame and success lay a darker side that deeply affected his own musical journey. The singer, who rose to fame in the late 1980s, alleged that Jackson used his power within the music industry to hinder his progress.
Following the disappointing commercial and critical reception of his 1989 album Neither Fish Nor Flesh, Maitreya faced growing tensions with his record label, Sony. He suggested that Jackson’s immense influence over the company may have contributed to the struggles he endured, both professionally and mentally. The fallout from the album’s failure took a severe toll on his well-being, leading to what he described as a period of personal turmoil and disillusionment with the industry.
Despite his fame, Maitreya has chosen to shield his two young sons, aged 15 and 13, from the painful details of his past in the music world. He admitted that one of the hardest parts of keeping his experiences private is watching his children idolize Michael Jackson, unaware of the difficulties their father claims to have faced because of him. The singer explained that he doesn’t want his children to feel pressured into pursuing music or to be burdened by the negative aspects of his career.
Reflecting on his interactions with Jackson, Maitreya said it was emotionally difficult to reconcile his sons’ admiration for their hero with his own negative experiences. He recalled how Jackson’s transformation into a powerful financial figure made him “far more important in the grand scheme of things” than anyone else at Sony, leaving little room for other artists to thrive. Maitreya suggested that this imbalance of power created an environment where rising stars like himself could easily be suppressed.
Although he admitted he lacks concrete evidence to prove Jackson’s direct involvement, Maitreya maintained that the pop legend was “uncomfortable” with his early success and likely used his leverage to diminish it. In contrast, Maitreya said he shared a more respectful and supportive rapport with other competitors in the music scene. His comments paint a picture of rivalry and manipulation in the entertainment industry, casting a shadow over one of pop’s most revered figures.
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