Past Present

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss “Leaving Neverland,” a new documentary about Michael Jackson’s alleged child abuse, the legacy of late “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church’s decision to tighten its restrictions on same-sex marriage and gay clergy. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  “Leaving Neverland,” a new HBO documentary, centers the alleged victims of Michael Jackson’s pedophilia. Natalia recommended Jason King’s Slate piece about the centrality of race to this story. Niki cited another piece at Slate on whether Jackson will remain a staple on wedding playlists. Natalia drew connections with the recent “Surviving R. Kelly” documentary. Actor Luke Perry is dead at 52. Natalia referenced this Jezebel piece on Perry’s influence on shaping a 1990s cool aesthetic. Niki recommended Joan Didion’s New Yorker article on the southern California Spur