#SHOWBIZ: Michael Jackson's cosmetic surgery obsession rooted in childhood trauma, new book reveals
LOS ANGELES: A new memoir alleges that Michael Jackson's lifelong preoccupation with his appearance and cosmetic surgery stemmed from emotional abuse inflicted by his father during his early years.
The late pop icon, who tragically died in 2009 at the age of 50 from a fatal drug overdose, was renowned not only for his musical genius but also for his ever-changing looks.
AsiaOne reported yesterday that, according to 'Crazy Lucky: Remarkable Stories From Inside The World Of Celebrity Icons', a memoir by former Jackson family lawyer John Mason, Jackson's physical transformation was deeply rooted in childhood trauma.
In an excerpt published by RadarOnline.com, Mason recounts a conversation in which the late superstar confided that his father, Joe Jackson, once told him: "You have a big nose."
Mason claims this marked the beginning of Michael's obsession with altering his appearance.
Mason, now in his 80s, worked with the Jacksons during their transition from Motown to Epic Records in the 1970s.
In his book, he details the psychological toll Joe Jackson's harsh parenting had on the young performer.
"In 1964, Michael was just six years old, already driven to sing and dance. But after his first performance, his father offered no praise — not for his voice, not for his dance moves," Mason writes.
"That lack of affirmation planted the seeds for future plastic surgery in the pursuit of what Michael believed was 'true beauty'."
While Michael publicly maintained he had only undergone two nose surgeries, his drastically evolving appearance over the years continued to fuel widespread speculation about the extent of his cosmetic enhancements.
Mason also describes his time with the Jackson family as strained, particularly due to Joe's controlling and often abusive behaviour.
"Joe made all the decisions. He attended rehearsals with a belt in hand, ready to punish any mistakes," Mason revealed.
"There was never a joyful moment. Joe ruled through intimidation. Even a handshake with him was meant to hurt — he'd try to crush your hand."
Michael's tragic death was ultimately ruled a homicide caused by acute intoxication from the powerful anaesthetic propofol, combined with sedatives.
His personal doctor, Conrad Murray, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering the drug, which Michael reportedly referred to as his "milk" and claimed was the only thing that helped him sleep.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Michael Jackson's cosmetic surgery obsession rooted in childhood trauma, new book reveals
LOS ANGELES: A new memoir alleges that Michael Jackson's lifelong preoccupation with his appearance and cosmetic surgery stemmed from emotional abuse inflicted by his father during his early years. The late pop icon, who tragically died in 2009 at the age of 50 from a fatal drug overdose, was renowned not only for his musical genius but also for his ever-changing looks. AsiaOne reported yesterday that, according to 'Crazy Lucky: Remarkable Stories From Inside The World Of Celebrity Icons', a memoir by former Jackson family lawyer John Mason, Jackson's physical transformation was deeply rooted in childhood trauma. In an excerpt published by Mason recounts a conversation in which the late superstar confided that his father, Joe Jackson, once told him: "You have a big nose." Mason claims this marked the beginning of Michael's obsession with altering his appearance. Mason, now in his 80s, worked with the Jacksons during their transition from Motown to Epic Records in the 1970s. In his book, he details the psychological toll Joe Jackson's harsh parenting had on the young performer. "In 1964, Michael was just six years old, already driven to sing and dance. But after his first performance, his father offered no praise — not for his voice, not for his dance moves," Mason writes. "That lack of affirmation planted the seeds for future plastic surgery in the pursuit of what Michael believed was 'true beauty'." While Michael publicly maintained he had only undergone two nose surgeries, his drastically evolving appearance over the years continued to fuel widespread speculation about the extent of his cosmetic enhancements. Mason also describes his time with the Jackson family as strained, particularly due to Joe's controlling and often abusive behaviour. "Joe made all the decisions. He attended rehearsals with a belt in hand, ready to punish any mistakes," Mason revealed. "There was never a joyful moment. Joe ruled through intimidation. Even a handshake with him was meant to hurt — he'd try to crush your hand." Michael's tragic death was ultimately ruled a homicide caused by acute intoxication from the powerful anaesthetic propofol, combined with sedatives. His personal doctor, Conrad Murray, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering the drug, which Michael reportedly referred to as his "milk" and claimed was the only thing that helped him sleep.
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Paris Hilton buys Mark Wahlberg's RM270mil mansion after losing home in LA wildfires
LOS ANGELES: Paris Hilton has reportedly purchased a luxurious Beverly Park mansion previously owned by actor Mark Wahlberg. The acquisition follows the devastating loss of her Malibu home in the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. According to The Wall Street Journal and AsiaOne, the 44-year-old reality TV star, entrepreneur, and DJ acquired the expansive 2,833-square-metre estate for a reported US$63 million (RM269.51 million). The grand 12-bedroom property boasts high-end features, including a wine cellar, his-and-hers bathrooms, a sweeping staircase, a library, and a state-of-the-art gym. The lavish grounds offer a host of recreational amenities: a basketball court, a tennis court, a private skate park, a five-hole golf course with a driving range, and a resort-style swimming pool complete with waterslides. Wahlberg and his wife, Rhea Durham, had sold the home for US$55 million (RM235.29 million) in February 2023. Paris, who shares two children—Phoenix and London—with husband Carter Reum, has been searching for a new residence since her previous home was destroyed by fire. At the time of the incident, she posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: "Heartbroken beyond words. Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. This home was where we built so many precious memories. It's where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London. We're in this together, LA. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. You never know when everything could change." With her new home, Hilton is now looking to rebuild those dreams and embark on a new chapter in her life.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ozzy Osbourne selling cans containing his DNA for fans to 'try cloning him'
LONDON: British rock legend Ozzy Osbourne is selling empty cans that he claims contain his DNA for £335 (RM1,920), suggesting fans can "try to clone him." AsiaOne reported yesterday that Osbourne has collaborated with Liquid Death on this unusual product, dubbed "Infinite Ozzy." Ten empty cans, from which Ozzy reportedly drank and then signed, have been re-sealed with the rocker's DNA supposedly "sealed inside." Liquid Death's PR team stated, "Once technology and federal law permit, fans can use this DNA to try to clone Ozzy in the future and enjoy him for hundreds of years to come." Ozzy is set to retire with a final performance at Black Sabbath's "Back To The Beginning" charity concert at Birmingham's Villa Park on July 5. The 76-year-old rocker joked in a recent video clip, "Whatever you do, don't try freebasing it and never ever inject it." Ozzy admitted he's still unsure whether he'll perform standing up or seated, following multiple spinal surgeries. These surgeries are related to a 2003 quad bike accident at his Buckinghamshire home. A fall in 2019 displaced metal rods inserted into his back from that crash, which he said caused more complications than his Parkinson's disease. Ozzy was diagnosed with a mild form of Parkinson's in 2003 but didn't go public with the news until 2020. "Back To The Beginning" will feature performances from bands including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Anthrax, and Mastodon.
