Filipino Prisoners Dance to Michael Jackson's 'They Don't Care About Us'

By PopEater Staff Posted Jan 27th 2010 03:44PM

The Filipino prisoners who became YouTube sensations for their staged version of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' are at it again. This time 1500 or so inmates from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (under the direction of MJ's choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid) perform a dance number to Jackson's 'They Don't Care About Us.'

Watch the new video and see their 'Thriller' performance. >>

Sony Pictures' Fritz Friedman told USA TODAY, "We thought it would be a great idea to pay homage to MJ on the occasion of the release of 'This Is It' by going to Cebu and having Travis work with the dancers to create this piece which is from the film."

According to reports, Payne arranged a surprise visit to meet the performers in the high security prison. Once there, Payne spent two hours on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 teaching the dancers the routines from Jackson's tune.

Their original YouTube footage, uploaded in mid-July, shows the prisoners dancing to the Michael Jackson song 'Thriller' and has been viewed more than 10 million times.

Watch Michael Jackson's original videos:

Tags: michael jackson, MichaelJackson

Comments

(123)

Thursday 28 January

By Sandy

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For the ignorant, who don't do their home work, this song that was released in 1996 is NOT, I repeat NOT, a reflection on MJ's views on the Jewish religion/people.
From MJ: "The idea that these lyrics could be deemed objectionable is extremely hurtful to me, and misleading. The song in fact is about the pain of prejudice and hate and is a way to draw attention to social and political problems. I am the voice of the accused and the attacked. I am the voice of everyone. I am the skinhead, I am the Jew, I am the black man, I am the white man. I am not the one who was attacking. It is about the injustices to young people and how the system can wrongfully accuse them. I am angry and outraged that I could be so misinterpreted."
However, acknowledging that the lyrics were being mis-understood, Michael issued an apology for not being more clear with the lyrics and included this apology and explaination of the lyrics in future releases of the album at that time. Please do your homework before attacking MJ!

By leolux10

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Looks like "Wendell" is on that potent white stuff. Been to Peru recently? Or maybe you missed a few doses? Next time, READ THE LABEL!!!! It should say "2 every 6 hours". Not "6 every 2 hours"!!!

You sick moron.

Saturday 30 January

By shell517nj

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he used slang...jew me/sue me, kick me/kike me, don't you black or white me...simply meant pertaining to that race.. don't "BS" me...it was just blown out of proportion...Michael wouldn't offend a soul...

By Pam

I just got up a half hour ago and this was the best entertainment I've had this early in AGES! Thank you, you've made my day !

By hdstyle1957

If this is the most entertainment you have had in the morning in ages, you must be really ugly or you are sleeping with the wrong person. LMAO.

These are prisoners, but if it cuts down on the riots let them dance. Just don't give them a reality show, I mean dam we have enough of those now!

By Rob

I think this is great !.... These Guys are an inspiration to all prisoners everywhere. Change for the better is possible. These guys all worked together and produced somthing truly incredible which realy touches the heart. Bravo !!!

By Russ

Great job again. And, they'll be there all week :)

By Krystine

AMAZING GREAT JOB !!! what a nice tribute to the Late Michael Jackson

By M

I totally agree..this is a fine example of physical and mental discipline in a very positive way. I can only imagine how long it took to produce this very fine production. I AM AMAZED!

By james claypool

This is real punishment

By pinkfluffisevil

You know, these guys have done more than just MJ, they have done famous dances from all over the world, you should go check them out. Especially the one where they did Sorry Sorry...thats the best in my opinion

By bigmama

hmmm.... it seems in the first vid (thriller) the inmates were 100% into it ... in this new one, they are background for the professional dancers = no so into it, but rather following directives .. not like they have a choice, even if they were being exploited in the 2nd vid ... just an observation ....

By sunny

They are PRISONERS>
They've got plenty of time to rehearse........

By LAURA08857

Good for them....All they need to do is get rid of the MJ music.

By SGTMIKE132

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I agree with you Laura, I enjoy the people entertaining us, but what's next,child molester tribute month? M.J. got away with not one or two kids, but quite a few because of money.

By debbiecee

you know you haters make me sick...these guys are in jail yes..but they are doing something positive hummm maybe when they get out they will go on to doing more positive things..and because they made mistakes does that mean they have no right to try and better themselves while serving their sentences? what makes people like you so angry and full of meanness?I applaud them..and you,well I pray you find your humanity or I fear your life will be empty and lonely..

By Angie

you go....I truly feel the same way you do...they were awesome to watch.Good Bless them and MJ is resting in PEACE.

Monday 15 February

By Tiffie

I'll believe it when you can prove it. Since you can't, STFU. :)

By ace93338

i wanted to see the prisoners dance not the other idiot

Tuesday 14 June

By connor

if michael seen this he would be happy

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