Did You Know? When Eminem Dissed Michael Jackson, the King of Pop Got the Last Laugh

Back in 2005, the world watched one of the most unexpected celebrity feuds unfold — between Eminem, the self-proclaimed “Rap God,” and Michael Jackson, the undisputed “King of Pop.” Eminem had released a controversial music video for his song “Just Lose It,” in which he mocked Jackson’s plastic surgery, legal troubles, and public image. The video sparked outrage from MJ’s fans and even caused several TV networks to pull it from rotation.

While many expected Michael Jackson to respond with words or a diss track of his own, the pop legend chose a completely different — and genius — strategy. Instead of clapping back, he made a business move that left everyone stunned.

Shortly after the incident, Michael Jackson’s company, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, quietly acquired the rights to Eminem’s entire music catalog — meaning that every time Eminem’s songs were sold, streamed, or performed, Jackson earned money from it. In other words, the man Eminem tried to mock literally got paid every time the rapper performed his own hits.

It was a power move that perfectly reflected MJ’s business acumen. Already a savvy investor in music publishing (he famously owned the Beatles’ catalog years before), Jackson turned what could have been a public feud into a financial victory.

In the end, Eminem and Michael Jackson’s “beef” didn’t end with a lyrical battle — it ended with MJ’s quiet revenge through ownership and smart business. The moment remains one of the most legendary examples of how sometimes, the best clapback isn’t a diss track — it’s a check.