Elton John previously described Michael Jackson as a ‘disturbing person to be around.’
John and Jackson have had music careers that other artists could only dream of and on occasion, their lives intertwined.
In his 2019 memoir ‘Me,’ the ‘I’m Still Standing’ singer, 77, made shocking comments regarding the King of Pop, who died in 2009 aged 50.
In an astonishing excerpt, obtained by Radar Online, John revealed that he had known Jackson ‘since he was 13 or 14’ and the singer was ‘the most adorable kid you could imagine.’
He claims this changed when Jackson began hiding from reality as his mental health worsened, particularly in the later years of his life.
Alluding to Jackson having a painkiller addiction, John questioned ‘what prescription drugs he was being pumped full of.’
The ‘Rocket Man’ singer concluded that by the 2000s, Jackson had ‘totally lost his marbles.’
However, John insists that Jackson’s struggles began long before then.
Recalling an incident in the ’90s, John shared that he once had lunch with the Billie Jean singer and immediately noticed he looked unwell, his face covered in makeup and plaster.
“The poor guy looked awful—really frail and ill,” John claimed.
The Rocket Man singer said the lunch took an unexpected turn when Jackson suddenly left the table “without a word.”
According to John, Jackson was later found in his housekeeper’s cottage, “quietly playing games” with her 11-year-old son.
Elsewhere in his memoir, John offered a blunt assessment of Jackson, stating, “He was genuinely mentally ill, a disturbing person to be around.”
Although Jackson remains beloved by millions worldwide, his legacy faced renewed controversy after the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland aired.
Directed and produced by Dan Reed, the film focuses on Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege they were sexually abused by Jackson as children.
In response to the documentary’s release, the Jackson family appeared on CBS This Morning with Gayle King, firmly denying the accusations against the Thriller singer. They argued that Robson and Safechuck’s claims were financially motivated.
Jackson’s brother, Marlon, defended him, stating, “I want people to understand that this documentary is not telling the truth. There has not been a single piece of evidence to corroborate their story.”
Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, from a fatal combination of prescription drugs.
The Los Angeles coroner’s office determined that acute propofol intoxication was the primary cause of death, with the effects of benzodiazepine also contributing, according to ABC News.
The coroner’s office classified Jackson’s death as a homicide.
His personal doctor, Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 and served half of his four-year prison sentence, People reports.
