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"Scopus Laureate Award" Refusal

Date confirmed in “Variety” (archived) (“Tuesday [November 16, 1993]”)

Lisa D. Campbell, author, “Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour” (archived) (contains “Western Friends of Hebrew University” statement)

While the media liked to print that Michael had been dumped, Michael's publicist announced that he had asked to be withdrawn from consideration. A phone call to the West Coast Friends of Hebrew University confirmed the publicist's statement. The official statement from the university stated:

“Prior to the leak in a show business trade publication of Daily Variety that the Hebrew University will seek a replacement for Michael Jackson, the latter had earlier requested the Western Friends of Hebrew University to withdraw his name as recipient of their Scopus Laureate Award on January 29 in Los Angeles. His spokesman also had conveyed at that time the artist's regrets and apologies to the organization for any inconvenience and thanked everyone for understanding and the support extended on his behalf.”

“Variety” (November 16, 1993) (archived)

Singer Michael Jackson has been dropped as the Scopus Award recipient for the American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Jackson was to have been presented the award during black-tie ceremonies Jan. 29 in Los Angeles.

According to sources within the group, the recent admission from the singer that he is addicted to prescribed medication has caused the organization to rethink its nomination.

Not this year

At a board of directors meeting Tuesday, it was decided that Jackson should not be this year’s Scopus Laureate, an award recognizing an individual’s contribution to humanity...