Introduction
Scream: A Sibling’s Stand Against the Tabloids
“Scream,” the electrifying duet between Michael and Janet Jackson, was released in 1995 as the lead single from Michael’s album “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.” More than just a catchy song, “Scream” was a powerful statement against the relentless media scrutiny Michael faced, particularly following the 1993 child sexual abuse accusations.
The song’s lyrics, co-written by Michael, Janet, and their longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, are a scathing indictment of the tabloid press. Lines like “Stop pressurin’ me, just stop pressurin’ me, make me wanna scream” and “You always pointin’ fingers, you always tryin’ to blame” directly address the intrusive and often accusatory nature of media coverage.
The accompanying music video, directed by Mark Romanek, further amplified the song’s message. Filmed in stark black and white, it depicts a futuristic, dystopian world where the media controls and manipulates information. The iconic imagery, featuring Michael and Janet morphing into various animal forms, symbolizes the dehumanization they felt under constant media scrutiny.
“Scream” became a cultural phenomenon, breaking records for the most expensive music video ever made at the time and earning 11 MTV Video Music Award nominations. It remains a powerful testament to Michael and Janet’s resilience and their unwavering support for each other in the face of immense public pressure.