No one mentioned MJ in the last years of his life. Why the fuss now?
I think his death brought Americans some closure in how disturbing his life became. He was exported from our country to the entire world and became a symbol of decadence and American abundance gone wrong.
His story was a complete tragedy that did not have to be and that kind of thing interests people. It might not be the most appropriate thing to think about but you cannot control what interests people.
Same thing with Princess Di. The British people were not at all happy with her when she was globe-trotting with the Muslim playboy. Then she died and suddenly became a saint. People just love to be part of maudlin sentimentality.