James Beeks, a Michael Jackson impersonator and Broadway actor, who entered the U.S. Capitol with members of the Oath Keepers on January 6, 2021, was acquitted Wednesday of all charges.
If you recall, we talked about Beeks behaviour as a Michael Jackson Fan in our opinion piece in 2021: “You ain’t a Michael Jackson Fan”.
Beeks told the court he joined the far-right Oath Keepers on a whim a few weeks before the Capitol riot, and had no clue the militia group planned to storm the building in an effort to prevent certification of the 2020 presidential election.
“I was duped,” he said. “I didn’t know anything about them.”
Duped or not, why on earth a Michael Jackson fan would join a far-right movement?? Maybe he needs to listen more often to “Man In The Mirror”!
Federal prosecutors said in a news release at the time that Beeks joined with group to “forcibly enter the Capitol on January 6 and obstruct the Congressional proceeding occurring that day.” Although prosecutors noted that “unlike” the camouflage-combat attire other people in the group had on, Beeks was wearing a jacket from Michael Jackson’s “Bad” tour along with a black helmet, and was carrying a homemade shield during the riot.
Following the verdict, the actor told reporters he “made a mistake” joining the Oath Keepers. Not shit Sherlock!
“It has ruined my reputation, especially in the entertainment industry that I worked so hard to build. I was at the apex of my career,” he said.
Before leaving the courthouse, Beeks broke into song and said he’s considering starting a career in tech.
And hopefully, with freedom, Beeks might listen more often to “Man In The Mirror”.
