Sananda Maitreya, formerly known as Terence Trent D’Arby, has reignited controversy by accusing the late pop icon Michael Jackson of deliberately trying to sabotage his career. The 63-year-old musician alleged that Jackson, who shared a record label with him at Sony, used his immense influence to undermine his success following the poor performance of Maitreya’s 1989 album Neither Fish nor Flesh. The setback marked a major downturn in his career and contributed to severe personal and mental struggles.
Despite the difficulties he endured in the industry, Maitreya has chosen not to share the full extent of his experiences with his two teenage sons, aged 15 and 13. He explained that he doesn’t want them to be discouraged from pursuing their own musical interests, though he admits it has been challenging to see them idolize Jackson, the man he claims wronged him. Maitreya described it as emotionally complex to reconcile his children’s admiration for Jackson with his own painful memories of the star’s alleged actions against him.
Reflecting on his relationship with Jackson, Maitreya suggested that the “Thriller” singer became a powerful corporate figure whose interests outweighed those of other artists on the label. He believes Jackson viewed him as a potential threat and may have influenced Sony to limit his rise. However, Maitreya acknowledged he lacks concrete evidence to prove these claims, emphasizing that his suspicions stem more from personal experience than provable facts.
In contrast, Maitreya recalled his interactions with other music legends like Prince and George Michael as healthy and respectful rivalries. He described those relationships as creative competitions that inspired each artist to push their boundaries rather than sabotage one another. This comparison underscored the bitterness he still associates with his time at Sony and his alleged conflict with Jackson.
Surprisingly, despite his harsh accusations, Maitreya expressed a form of gratitude toward Jackson, acknowledging the irony that the pop superstar’s interference may have ultimately preserved his life. He noted that while many of his peers — including Prince, George Michael, and Jackson himself — have passed away, he remains alive and reflective. “It may very well be possible that I’m still here because of Michael’s interference,” he said, concluding his remarks with a mix of bitterness and reluctant appreciation.
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