13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- 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.
