It seems nearly impossible to fathom that the King of Pop died shielded from the rest of the world, but, according to those closest to him, Michael Jackson died a virtual recluse. Journalist Steve Knopper’s book, “MJ: The Genius of Michael Jackson,” details the superstar’s secluded final days, with The New Yorker describing it as Jackson’s tale from “unequalled fame and riches … to a deformed, reclusive, and obsessive middle age.”
The King of Pop’s seclusion was precipitated by the many child abuse allegations he faced. Although he was acquitted on all charges, he largely disappeared from public life following his infamous trial, per Australian news agency ABC. Despite dying in isolation, Jackson had high hopes for a comeback with his “This is it!” tour. However, as The Independent noted, he only agreed to do the tour because he had no other option, facing financial ruin in the aftermath of the trial and various other legal issues.
“The vultures who were pulling his strings somehow managed to put this concert extravaganza together behind his back, then presented it to him as a fait accompli,” a source told the Daily Mail. “The money was just unbelievable and all his financial people were telling him he was facing bankruptcy. But Michael still resisted. He didn’t think he could pull it off.” Of course, the concert sadly never materialized, as Jackson died before it could begin. He was 50 years old.
If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.
