In a powerful reflection on loyalty and courage, Raymone Bain, former publicist for Michael Jackson, has revealed how Beyoncé and her mother, Tina Knowles, supported Jackson during one of the most difficult periods of his life — when, according to Bain, many in the industry chose to distance themselves.

Bain spoke candidly about the emotional toll the 2005 criminal trial had on Jackson and how public perception influenced the behavior of fellow celebrities.

“While we were going through a trial, people ran from it,” Bain explained. “There were only a few who supported and who even called to say, we are with you and we are supporting you. That was very hurtful to him.”

A Lonely Moment in the Industry

During the mid-2000s, Jackson faced intense media scrutiny and legal battles that polarized public opinion. According to Bain, even as Jackson maintained his innocence and was ultimately acquitted, the climate in Hollywood and the music industry was one of caution — and, in many cases, avoidance.

She recalled how organizers of the World Music Awards struggled to find major artists willing to present Jackson with his honor.

“It was very difficult to find people who would come and give him his award. They didn’t want to be on the same stage.”

The hesitation, Bain says, was deeply painful for Jackson, who had once been embraced globally as the King of Pop.

Beyoncé “Defied Everybody”

Bain made it clear that one name stood out.

“That’s why I love Beyoncé now, because she defied everybody. She and her mom, Tina, were like, ‘Beyoncé is going to do this.’ Michael never forgot it.”

At the time, Beyoncé was ascending rapidly in her solo career, already an established global force following her departure from Destiny’s Child. For her to publicly align herself with Jackson during controversy carried reputational risk — but according to Bain, she stepped forward anyway.

Bain framed the decision not as a publicity move, but as an act of personal conviction and courage.

“It’s acts of kindness and courage like that, that separates the men from the boys. We can all follow the leader. But she stepped up.”

She also noted that producer and singer Babyface was among the few who showed support during that period.

Reassessment Over Time

Bain pointed out that public and industry sentiment shifted in later years.

“Over time, when he transcended, more people began to really analyze and look. It took a minute.”

After Jackson’s passing in 2009, global tributes poured in, and retrospectives reassessed his musical legacy, cultural impact, and influence on generations of artists — including Beyoncé herself, who has often cited Jackson as a formative inspiration.

Legacy, Loyalty, and Public Memory

The remarks add another layer to the ongoing conversation about celebrity loyalty during controversy and the way public narratives evolve over time. Bain’s reflection underscores how isolating high-profile legal battles can be — even for someone of Jackson’s stature.

For Beyoncé and Tina Knowles, the moment now stands as a testament, in Bain’s view, to principle over perception.

In an industry often driven by optics, she suggests their decision was rooted in something more personal: standing beside someone when it wasn’t popular to do so.

Michael Jackson's former publicist, Raymone Bain, reveals Beyoncé was one of the few artists to support him when others distanced themselves:

“There were only a few who supported and who even called to say, ‘We are with you, and we are supporting you.’ That was very hurtful to… pic.twitter.com/Oi9sTFZwvX

— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) February 22, 2026