Is Michael the only child in the family that had a poor upbringing? With exception to LaToya, the rest of the family turned out "normal" (whatever that means nowadays).
I don't think it's right to excuse his actions as an adult because of his misfortune as a child. Setting a precedent like that, I would have to apply it to any person that does any wrongdoing or anything that would be perceived as being weird; I believe in uniformity.
Just my opinion, and I don't want to create tensions with anyone that has an antithetical view.
Bingo, good post Cam.