Bub and 8701 I do not think the media started writing bs about Michael because they could not get any interviews from him, although I think that plays a small part. I remember they began attacking him since the 70's when he became older and was competing with people the mainstream music artists favor, like the Osmondsd. When he was little, he was seen as the cute Black genius, but as he became a teen the adoration shifted. The gay stories and the female hormones to keep the younger voice stories began to come out. As he became an even bigger star that was loved by people of more cultures, and as his contributions began to be compared to media darlings like Elvis, the stories became even more negative; and they attacked not only the person but his art as well. Further, this Michael, dare to dress and act in a very individualistic manner and was not fawning on the press. He was doing his own thing both in his music and personal life, which infuriated them more. So although I believe that to a certain extent, the lies were created due to a lack of a formal interview, I see the lies as coming out in full force, as Michael left the baby stage and was becoming a huge, global star that competed with the mainstream popular artists that the media including magazines like the Rolling Stones were promoting.
Look at Prince. He hardly gives interviews. In fact, even the American Bandstand host said how difficult it was to interview Prince because he gives one word answers. Prince was never maligned in the press as Michael was because he was never a threat to the established heroes. It was Michael who broke records, who was known in small African and Indian villages, whose dress and style people copied, whose music was different, who was invited to see presidents, etc. This is an old story in the world--Those who are talented, and therefore are seen as a threat, are attacked and ridiculed.
