Michael Jackson: “I don’t bleach my skin, I’m proud to be a Black American.”
Everything seems ready around the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium for the greatest musical spectacle in the world: a concert by Michael Jackson, who has chosen Barcelona as the only Spanish leg of his world tour, just days before his 67th birthday. This newspaper was able to accompany the star as he oversees some aspects of the setup. While the lighting and sound technicians finalize their adjustments, a colorful troupe—including everything from acrobats to circus animals—rehearses their choreography or simply grazes in the green ring.
"I don't think my elephant will eat up the entire grass at the Estadi; we'll leave something for Barça."Isn't that elephant damaging the grass?
Gypsy Jr. is a very good person, an incredible beast. He's eating a little, and he'll leave some behind. We allow him to move freely because later, during the show, his movements will be restricted. I would never ride on the back of an abused animal.
But did you know that FC Barcelona is scheduled to play here soon after? Have you spoken with Natàlia Garriga, the director of BSM, about this?
I'm sure there's no problem. That's a matter for my production department, but Barcelona is happy to host this Neverland XXI tour and they've made everything possible for us. Barça will even be wearing one of my shirts for the Clásico, and if my schedule allows, I'll come and support them. I've been told they're a team that believes in young players.
You didn't have a childhood like others...
My childhood was a nonstop workday, starting at age 5. The Jackson 5 and I sang together, often in bars until 2 or 3 in the morning, led by a stern father who hit me, mocked me, and told me I was ugly. I was terrified of him just looking at me. Today, thank God, I've forgiven him. During the day, we recorded albums, and at night, we performed in clubs. I only wished I could play like the kids I saw on the street. That's why, as a father, I prioritized my children's play. I used to watch them play and cry. And my charitable foundation helps families all over the world.
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The mother of two of his children, Debbie Rowe, has stated that hers was what is called a white marriage and that they are the result of artificial insemination.
My children are the great love of my life. I've been a full-time father, changed diapers, cared for them in the wee hours, taken them for walks, taken them to school and to the doctor. I've dedicated all my time to my three children. I love them and won't say anything that might disrupt their lives. I'm a gentleman, if you want something old-fashioned, who believes that some aspects of one's private life shouldn't be discussed.
Why do you want to be white?
That's not true! I appreciate you asking. For starters, there's nothing that bleaches your skin, that turns you from black to white. If there were, I wouldn't use it either. I'm very proud of who I am, a Black American. The thing is, I have a skin disorder that destroys pigmentation, a condition called vitiligo that causes a loss of color. I can't help it; it's genetic. And I admit I use makeup to hide those spots. I don't look in the mirror because I don't like what I see, what can I do? But why do they make up so many lies?
How many cosmetic surgeries have you had?
Far fewer than Hollywood actors my age. He can count them on one hand, and he has fingers left over. Not his eyes, not his lips, not those outrageous things he tells...
When did you realize you had become world number 1?
Everything changed with Thriller , in 1982, a project I'd been mulling over since I was a kid, to be precise. Since I couldn't play with other kids, I was stuck writing things.
Cover of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
LVEIt has 25 albums, the latest with more electronic elements than ever.
I don't do it for fashion. Every album, since Thriller, is a reflection of my soul, where I control the entire process. Good music is immortal, unlike clothes or culture... I don't release albums to make money, but when I feel the songs are dictated to me. I believe my music has been chosen to unite all peoples and races.
Today, all artists tour due to the decline in record sales, and it seems there's a race to become more and more spectacular.
Well, they say imitation is a form of admiration. But I honestly don't think you can compare any other musician's tour to our show. This is a complete show, a concert, a circus, and also an amusement park and a zoo that stay open all day and only close for the two hours of the concert.
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His press secretary asked us not to ask him about the pending legal complaints he has for child abuse, but it's inevitable...
All of this is lies, a vortex of self-serving fake news repeated one after another. They also say I have Elephant Man bones or that I built an airport for aliens. The only truth is that I have not been convicted. A court acquitted me, and in the other cases, we are reaching out-of-court settlements with the plaintiffs, which should not be understood as an admission of guilt but rather as a desire to finally put an end to all this hell.
And you've spent over 20 million just so they don't bother you?
Maybe it wasn't such a good idea, because you guys keep bothering me.
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