Between those U.K. and U.S. release dates, the music video for "Thriller" world premiered on December 2, 1983 (via Rolling Stone). Yet another ground breaking feat for the performer, just weeks before its release, Jackson tried desperately to get director John Landis to destroy the whole thing (via The Vintage News).
Born a Jehovah's Witness (via The Sun), Jackson began having conflicts with the church around the time he was recording "Thriller" (via The Vintage News). With their strict views on sex (via Advocate Health), life, and practicing faith, senior members of the religion were horrified with what their most notable devotee was creating as of late, especially when it came to the music video "Thriller." When members of the church learned of Jackson's video, in which the artist transforms into a "monster," talk began earnestly of excommunicating the singer (via The New York Times).
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