Here’s a revelation that might make you do a double-take: the legendary Michael Jackson, the man crowned as the 'King of Pop,' had a nickname that was anything but regal. According to his close friend Lionel Richie, the icon was affectionately—yet candidly—called 'Smelly' due to his less-than-stellar hygiene habits. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this a harmless quirk of a genius, or a sign of deeper struggles tied to his fame? Let’s dive in.
In his newly released memoir Truly, Lionel Richie spills the beans on this surprising detail about Jackson’s life. Richie reveals that the nickname originated from the late music producer Quincy Jones, who playfully dubbed Jackson 'Smelly.' Interestingly, Jackson didn’t seem to mind, even laughing it off, seemingly unaware that he hadn’t changed or washed his clothes in days. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t out of laziness or disregard—Jackson’s relentless touring schedule and the challenges of his celebrity made maintaining basic hygiene a logistical nightmare.
Richie explains that Jackson’s clothes often went unwashed because dry cleaners would steal them as souvenirs. Plus, with his level of fame, popping into a store for a quick wardrobe refresh wasn’t exactly an option. As a result, Jackson fell into the habit of wearing the same pants until they were practically unwearable. Richie paints a vivid picture of their hangouts, recalling that Jackson would show up in ill-fitting jeans and a t-shirt, both of which were, well, less than fresh.
One particularly memorable moment? Richie noticed Jackson was 'smelling particularly unkempt' and took matters into his own hands. He sneaked Jackson to his home for a much-needed shower—his first in days—and even provided him with clean underwear and jeans. It’s a story that humanizes the icon, reminding us that even the greatest stars have their quirks.
Here’s the bold question: Does this revelation change how we view Michael Jackson? Or does it simply add another layer to the complex persona of a man who gave us timeless hits like Thriller and Billie Jean? Richie’s memoir doesn’t judge—it just tells it like it is, with a mix of humor and empathy. After all, as Richie notes, we all have our quirks.
So, what do you think? Is this just a funny anecdote, or does it spark a deeper conversation about the pressures of fame? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
