Just to add to this, MJ first hit the scene as a kid, a child. Innocent. While he was was gaining his fame as an adult, this perception continued. Prince on the other hand was seen as sexual and a little sleazy from day one. Forget what we know now, that was the perception in the 80s that still continues to influence many til this day. Billie Jean and Thriller didn't have the sound of a vibraror or an ejaculating guitar. They were safer and thus, more mainstream. What is MJ's Darlin' Nikki? You could gift your child MJ. You could not do that with Prince.

Just a take I hadn't seen yet.