Date: June 24, 2009 – Place: Los Angeles, USA. The world’s most famous pop singer was busy preparing for what would become his final live concert. Around 12:30 a.m., after wrapping up rehearsals, he returned home. The date had now changed to June 25, 2009. Millions of fans around the world were eagerly waiting to see his much-awaited performance.
His housekeeper served him dinner, and then he went to his bedroom to rest. But sleep didn’t come easily. He had been battling anxiety and depression for quite some time — the result of a controversy that had nearly destroyed his career.
Struggling to sleep, he called his personal doctor and asked for Propofol, a powerful drug normally used to sedate patients before surgery. The doctor hesitated but eventually gave him the injection.
When the doctor returned two hours later to check on him, he was shocked — the singer’s pulse had slowed dramatically. His mouth was open, and he was gasping for breath. Seeing his condition worsen, the doctor rushed him to the hospital. But by 2:30 p.m., heartbreaking news spread across the globe — the superstar was gone.
The autopsy revealed something chilling — there wasn’t a single trace of food in his stomach, only medications.
That legendary singer was none other than Michael Jackson — the “King of Pop,” who made the world dance to his rhythm in the 1980s. The man who made history with Thriller, defied gravity with the Moonwalk, and touched millions of hearts through his music.
But like every great story, behind the fame and fortune lay a tale of passion, pain, and struggle — and that’s the real story of Michael Jackson.
A young boy born in a small town was trained by his father and, along with his brothers, formed a band called The Jackson Five.
This is the story of Michael Jackson’s early life — how one performance changed his destiny forever, and why he eventually grew to resent his own father.
Was Michael Jackson trying to hide his Black identity through surgeries, or was there another reason behind his changing appearance? What’s the truth behind the photo of him sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber, and why did people believe he wanted to live for 150 years?
We’ll also explore the key moments that made Michael a global superstar — from his groundbreaking performances to how Pepsi offered him one of the biggest endorsement deals of his time.
But fame came with a price. We’ll talk about the controversies that shattered his career and personal life — including the shocking allegations of pedophilia that haunted him for years.
And finally, we’ll uncover the mystery surrounding his tragic death — was it truly natural, or was there something more sinister behind the fall of the King of Pop?
Michael Jackson: The Humble Beginning of the King of Pop
On August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, USA, a baby boy was born — Michael Joseph Jackson. He was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family. His ancestors had come from Africa to America generations earlier. The family was very close-knit, but they lived in poverty — all twelve members shared a small two-room house.
Michael’s father, Joseph Walter Jackson, was once a boxer, but since that didn’t bring in enough money, he worked as a crane operator and welder at a steel factory. Still, their financial struggles continued. Joseph had a deep passion for music and could play the guitar, so he started performing with small local bands to earn extra income. Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, loved playing the piano, and their home was always filled with the sound of music.
Growing up in this musical atmosphere, Michael developed a strong interest in singing and dancing at a very young age. He would try new moves to every tune he heard, completely absorbed in rhythm and melody. His father soon realized that Michael had a rare spark — and that with the right guidance, he could change the family’s destiny.
The Birth of The Jackson 5
In 1964, when Michael was just six years old, Joseph formed a family band called The Jackson Brothers, where the children performed on the streets. Passersby often tossed coins or small bills as appreciation for their talent. The following year, in 1965, Joseph restructured the group with five of his sons — Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael — and named it The Jackson 5.
Michael soon became the lead performer of the group. Under Joseph’s strict supervision, the band began performing at small events and local shows. Audiences were mesmerized by Michael’s energy, voice, and natural dance moves. Money started coming in, and the family’s financial condition improved.
However, this success came at a cost — Michael’s childhood. Many say Joseph’s hunger for fame and fortune robbed his children of their innocence.
A Tough Childhood
In a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jackson opened up about his painful childhood. He confessed that his father’s harsh discipline took away the joy of growing up.
“While other kids were playing outside, my brothers and I spent our time rehearsing — and if we made even a small mistake, my father would hit us with a belt.”
Michael said his father often mocked his appearance, calling him “ugly” and criticizing his nose and face.
He recalled one particular incident when a dance mistake led Joseph to slap him repeatedly, so much that his mother Katherine screamed, “Stop! You’ll kill him!” But Joseph didn’t stop.
In a later interview, Katherine explained that Joseph’s intentions were to instill discipline, but the emotional scars on young Michael ran deep. His days were spent between school, short study hours, grueling night rehearsals, stage performances, and constant fear of his father’s anger.
The Making of a Star
Despite the strict environment, Joseph trained his children meticulously — not just in singing and dancing, but in every detail, from stage presence and expressions to how they held the microphone.
Yet, even among his talented siblings, Michael stood out. His natural rhythm, expressive moves, and soulful voice had an almost magical quality. There was something fluid and pure about his performances — as if he wasn’t just singing but communicating directly with the audience’s hearts.
That unique blend of pain, passion, and perfection turned a boy from a two-room house in Gary into the one and only King of Pop — Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson’s First Break: The Rise of The Jackson 5
It was 1968 in Gary, Indiana, when The Jackson 5 were invited to perform at a local music program. Among the audience that night was Bobby Taylor, a well-known artist who was then working with the famous American music label Motown Records.
The moment The Jackson 5 took the stage, Bobby Taylor was blown away. He was especially mesmerized by young Michael Jackson’s singing and dancing. After the performance, Bobby approached Michael’s father, Joseph Jackson, and told him to visit Motown’s office for a meeting.
By the time Joseph and his sons arrived, Bobby had already informed Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, about the group’s incredible talent. Gordy agreed to audition them. Michael was only 10 years old at the time.
Berry Gordy later recalled in an interview that during the audition, Michael performed “Who’s Lovin’ You” by Smokey Robinson — and sang it with such deep emotion that Gordy said, “It felt as if he had lived that song for 50 years.”
Impressed by his maturity, voice, and stage presence, Berry Gordy immediately offered The Jackson 5 a recording deal with Motown.
The Big Break — “I Want You Back”
This moment changed the Jackson family’s life forever. After signing the deal, the Jacksons moved from Indiana to Los Angeles, California. In 1969, under Motown’s banner, they released their first single, “I Want You Back.”
The song became an instant sensation — it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold over a million copies. The Jackson 5 became a national phenomenon overnight, and the spotlight was firmly on young Michael Jackson.
At just 11 years old, Michael’s voice carried both innocence and emotion, captivating audiences around the world. His ability to express deep feeling through a pop song was extraordinary.
Following the success of I Want You Back, The Jackson 5 released a string of hit singles with Motown, including:
- “ABC”
- “The Love You Save”
- “I’ll Be There”
Each song climbed the charts, cementing their place in pop music history.
Fame, Fortune, and Family
By 1971, Joseph Jackson had earned a fortune through his sons’ success. The family moved to Encino, California, into a lavish estate known as Hayvenhurst, spread across two acres.
Michael’s popularity skyrocketed — kids began imitating his hairstyle, wearing colorful shirts, and mimicking his dance moves. The Jackson 5 were invited to perform at major events across the U.S., and Michael started receiving offers for solo projects.
Michael’s First Solo Hit — “Ben”
In 1972, Motown produced a film titled “Ben”. The studio wanted a theme song for the movie and offered it to Michael as a solo project. The song “Ben” became Michael Jackson’s first solo hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
With that, Michael Jackson’s solo career had officially begun.
Breaking Away from Motown
By 1975, after releasing 13 albums with Motown — most of which were successful — the Jackson brothers began feeling creatively restricted. They wanted more control over their music, but Motown insisted on managing every aspect of production.
Frustrated, Michael and three of his brothers decided to leave Motown in 1976. However, Jermaine Jackson, who had married Berry Gordy’s daughter, chose to stay with the label.
With one brother gone, the remaining group renamed themselves “The Jacksons.”
They soon signed with Epic Records, one of America’s top music labels. Under Epic, they released their first album, “The Jacksons,” in 1976, featuring the hit track “Enjoy Yourself.” The following year, they released another successful album, “Goin’ Places.”
This new phase not only gave them creative freedom, but it also allowed Michael Jackson’s individuality to shine brighter than ever — setting the stage for his eventual transformation into the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson: From The Wiz to Thriller — The Rise of the King of Pop
It was the year 1978. Michael Jackson had arrived in New York City, ready to try his luck in films. After a lot of hard work and persistence, he finally landed a role in a feature film called “The Wiz.” In the movie, he played the role of a Scarecrow—a straw-stuffed figure farmers place in fields to keep birds away.
The movie also starred legendary Hollywood actressDiana Ross. Though The Wiz failed miserably at the box office, it opened a door that would eventually make Michael Jackson the biggest pop star in the world.
The music for the film was produced by Quincy Jones, who had already seen Michael perform before. But working together on this movie left Quincy so impressed with Michael’s talent that he offered him the chance to collaborate on a solo album.
Soon after, the two began working together on an album titled “Off the Wall.”
The Beginning of Stardom — Off the Wall
The first track from the album, “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,”was released in 1979. The song’s title caused a bit of concern for Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, who feared people might interpret it in a sexual way.
But Michael was confident. He said,
“People can think whatever they want. The song will be released under this title.”
And he was right. When the song dropped, it became an instant hit across America, topping every major music chart. People fell in love with Michael’s voice and his smooth dance moves. The song’s success cemented his place in the industry as a solo performer, selling nearly 7 million copies — a record at that time.
After the massive success of Off the Wall, Michael and Quincy Jones continued to collaborate for the next nine years, producing one hit pop song after another.
The First Surgery and a Hidden Pain
That same year, in 1979, Michael underwent his first rhinoplasty (nose surgery). He claimed it was due to a stage accident that had injured his nose, but many believed the real reason was much deeper — a painful memory from his childhood when his father used to mock the shape of his nose.
Perhaps Michael no longer wanted to live with that face — a reflection of his trauma.
The Arrival of Thriller — The Making of a Legend
In 1982, Michael released his sixth solo studio album — “Thriller.” The album made him the undisputed King of Pop.
One of its tracks, “Billie Jean,” became a global phenomenon. Fans were mesmerized by his voice, rhythm, and dance style. Thriller went on to become the best-selling album of all time, selling over 70 million copies worldwide, a record that still stands in the Guinness World Records.
The album won a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards, and Michael became one of the highest-earning artists in the world, earning royalties for every copy sold.
Breaking Racial Barriers on MTV
Back then, MTV was one of the most popular music television channels in the world. However, it rarely featured songs by Black artists.
Despite the enormous popularity of “Billie Jean,” MTV initially refused to air it. ButWalter Yetnikoff, the director of Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), which owned the song’s copyright, intervened. He told MTV bluntly:
“If you don’t play ‘Billie Jean,’ we’ll ban CBS music from your entire network.”
MTV couldn’t risk losing access to CBS’s music catalog. Under pressure, they finally aired “Billie Jean.”
That moment changed history. Michael Jackson became the first Black artist to have his video played on MTV — breaking down the walls of racial segregation in mainstream music media.
Thriller — The Song That Changed Music Forever
A few months later, another track from the same album, “Beat It,” was released, showcasing Michael with a guitar and appealing to rock music fans. Then came the album’s title track, “Thriller,” written by Rod Temperton.
The Thriller music video, directed by John Landis, was unlike anything audiences had ever seen. It was 14 minutes long, blending horror and satire with groundbreaking choreography and visual effects by Rick Baker.
The result? Thriller became immortal — redefining what a music video could be.
The Moonwalk and Global Obsession
After Thriller, Michael wasn’t just a superstar — he was a global phenomenon. The world saw his true magic on March 25, 1983, during the TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.
Performing “Billie Jean,” Michael introduced a dance move that would become iconic — the Moonwalk.
Audiences went wild. Every dancer wanted to replicate that move, and it looked as if Michael had defied gravity.
By the mid-1980s, Michael Jackson had become one of the most famous people on the planet — not just in music, but also in political and social circles.
At just 25 years old, The New York Times called him a “music phenomenon.” The paper wrote,
“If there’s one name that stands above all in pop music, it’s Michael Jackson. Everyone else follows.”
Records, Recognition, and Legacy
Michael Jackson became one of the few artists to be inductedtwice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He earned eight Guinness World Records, including one for Thriller as the best-selling album of all time.
Throughout his solo career, he won 13 Grammy Awards and had 13 No.1 singles. Even the White House honored him when President George H. W. Bush awarded him the title of “Artist of the Decade.”
After reaching the peak of fame, Michael Jackson began focusing not only on music but also on his commercial ventures. It was 1984 when Pepsi signed a promotional deal with him worth $5 million, which was a record-breaking amount for any celebrity at that time. The ad also featured his brothers, but it made headlines for a completely different reason — an accident that changed Michael’s life forever.
According to the script, Michael and his brothers were supposed to dance to Billie Jean while fireworks went off in the background. During one of the takes, a spark landed on Michael’s head, setting his hair on fire. His scalp and part of his face were severely burned. To remove the scars, Michael had to undergo plastic surgery. Since most of his hair was burned, he started wearing wigs. The treatment left him in constant pain, and during another stage performance, he fell, injuring his leg and spine. To deal with the pain, Michael began taking painkillers, eventually becoming dependent on them.
After recovering from the Pepsi accident, Michael returned to work and continued to release successful albums. However, in 1986, a photo of him lying inside a chamber went viral, sparking bizarre rumors. People began claiming that Michael slept inside this chamber to live longer — even up to 150 years! In reality, it was nothing more than a myth.
Around this time, Michael’s changing appearance also became a major topic of discussion. In the 1970s, he had a dark complexion, as he was of African-American origin. But after his nose and chin surgeries, his skin tone started to appear much lighter. Critics accused him of trying to hide his identity, claiming that racial discrimination in the U.S. pushed him to change his looks. However, the truth was far different.
In 1993, Michael’s dermatologist revealed that the pop icon was suffering from a skin disorder called Vitiligo, which causes white patches on the skin. This was later confirmed in the 2009 autopsy report after his death. The whitening of his skin wasn’t due to cosmetic desire — it was due to the progression of the disease. To conceal the uneven patches, Michael lightened his overall skin tone.
He also started covering his body completely — wearing gloves, full-sleeve shirts, hats, sunglasses, and masks. While Michael was trying to hide his illness, the world thought it was his new fashion statement. Fans began copying his signature style, and his look became iconic.
However, multiple plastic surgeries and treatments took a heavy toll on his body. The constant pain led him to rely more heavily on painkillers, and eventually, he became addicted to drugs. Despite his deteriorating health, Michael continued to chase perfection and dominance in music.
Then came the year 1987, marking another turning point in his career. Michael released another iconic album titled Bad, produced by Quincy Jones. This was their last project together. By this time, Michael’s self-image had drastically changed. During the Off the Wall era, he was a rising artist trying to prove himself. By Thriller, he had become a global superstar adored by millions.
But with Bad, Michael wanted to reinvent himself — to project the image of a tough, edgy guy. He rolled up his sleeves, wore leather jackets, grew his hair longer, and cultivated a bolder persona. This was the beginning of the Michael Jackson cult personality.
In the same year, he launched his first solo concert tour — the Bad World Tour, which lasted nearly 1.5 years across 15 countries. The tour was a massive success and further elevated his stardom. Yet, behind all the fame and adoration, Michael’s life was slowly becoming entangled in controversies that would shadow him for years to come.
The Rise and Fall of Neverland: Michael Jackson’s Darkest Chapter
The year 1988 marked the peak of Michael Jackson’s career — a time when he was not only the biggest music star in the world but also one of the most influential cultural figures of his generation. Yet, this same year, Michael made a decision that would eventually bring chaos and tragedy into his life.
That year, he built his dream home in California, spread over 600 acres, and named it Neverland Ranch — inspired by the magical world from Peter Pan. The lavish estate reportedly cost him millions of dollars. Having experienced poverty and a deprived childhood, Michael wanted to create a place where children would never have to face what he once did.
Neverland was more than a home; it was a fantasy land for children. Michael invited underprivileged, sick, and abandoned kids — including those suffering from HIV/AIDS or drug addiction — to stay there. “I share my room with children just like I did with my brothers when I was young,” Michael once said in an interview. “I try to give them the love and happiness that I never had.”
His charitable work earned him admiration worldwide. Even U.S. President Ronald Reagan honored Michael at the White House for his humanitarian efforts. Neverland featured a Ferris wheel, carousel, zoo, and private movie theater, all designed to bring joy to children.
However, this very love for children soon became the biggest controversy of Michael Jackson’s life.
In August 1993, a 13-year-old boy named Jordan Chandler, who often stayed at Neverland, became the center of a storm. Jordan’s father, Evan Chandler, accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing his son. The allegations spread like wildfire through the media, and Michael’s image began to crumble overnight.
Things worsened when Michael’s own sister, La Toya Jackson, gave an interview in which she accused her brother of being a pedophile — a person sexually attracted to children. She even claimed that Michael paid children to keep quiet about his alleged actions.
The interview sent shockwaves across the world. Fans were heartbroken, the media turned ruthless, and public pressure mounted for Michael’s arrest. The case reached court — but not the criminal court Michael wanted.
In the U.S. legal system, civil courts handle settlements between parties, while criminal courts conduct investigations and trials. Evan Chandler had filed the complaint in civil court, where cases can be resolved through negotiation. Michael wanted the matter transferred to criminal court, insisting that a full investigation would clear his name. But Chandler refused.
Eventually, the case was settled out of court for a staggering $23 million. While the settlement stopped the legal battle, it severely damaged Michael’s reputation. Many fans, however, believed the allegations were part of an elaborate extortion plot designed to exploit his fame and wealth.
Later, La Toya Jackson retracted her accusations, claiming she had made them under pressure from her then-husband, who was jealous of Michael’s success.
The controversy left Michael deeply depressed. He withdrew from public life, stopped working for months, and rarely left his home. In an attempt to restore his public image, on May 18, 1995, he married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of rock legend Elvis Presley. But their marriage lasted barely two years — they divorced in June 1996.
A few months later, on November 15, 1996, Michael married Debbie Rowe, a nurse who had cared for him during his treatments. The couple had three children, but their marriage, too, ended in divorce after three years. According to the settlement, the children remained with Michael.
Just as he was trying to move past his earlier scandal, another storm hit. In 2003, a British documentary titled Living with Michael Jackson aired. The film showed Michael holding hands with Gavin Arvizo, a 13-year-old cancer survivor, and discussing their friendship. The footage reignited suspicions, and soon, Gavin’s parents accused Michael of child molestation at Neverland Ranch — claiming he gave alcohol to children and engaged in inappropriate behavior.
This time, the case went to criminal court, setting the stage for one of the most publicized and emotionally charged trials in entertainment history.
The Final Hours of the King of Pop
By late 2003, Michael Jackson’s life had become a storm of chaos and legal battles. On November 20, 2003, police raided his Neverland Ranch, and Michael was arrested on charges of child molestation. Although he was released on $3 million bail, the case dragged on for years.
Despite intense media scrutiny, no conclusive evidencewas ever found against him. Finally, in June 2005, Michael was acquitted of all charges. But by then, the damage was done. The allegations had left deep scars on his personal life and public image.
Michael became increasingly lonely, anxious, and depressed. He struggled with severe insomnia, chronic pain, and mounting financial troubles. His dependency on prescription drugs grew stronger, and he often relied on painkillers and sedatives just to function.
At one point, Michael’s debt reportedly soared to $500 million. In a desperate attempt to reduce it, he even sold his beloved Neverland Ranch — the dream home that once symbolized his innocence and generosity.
After nearly four years away from the stage, Michael decided to make a comeback. He announced a farewell concert tour titled “This Is It.” During the press conference, he told fans,
“These will be my final performances. When I say this is it, I mean this is it.”
When ticket sales opened on July 13, more than one million tickets sold out within an hour — a record-breaking response that proved Michael’s unmatched global appeal. It seemed like he was poised for one final glorious chapter.
But before This Is It could begin, tragedy struck. On June 25, 2009, news broke that Michael Jackson had died at the age of 50. The announcement sent shockwaves across the world. Millions refused to believe it, while conspiracy theories began circulating that Michael had been murdered.
The Mystery Behind Michael Jackson’s Death
At the time of his death, Michael was under the care of a 12-member medical team, led by his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Robert Murray. Years of stress, depression, and surgeries had made Michael heavily dependent on high-dose medications.
His biggest struggle, however, was insomnia. Sometimes, he reportedly went five consecutive nights without sleep. Frustrated and desperate, Michael turned to Dr. Murray for help.
Murray introduced him to Propofol — a powerful anesthetic typically used during surgery to induce unconsciousness. Despite being warned about its potency, Michael began using it regularly to fall asleep.
Propofol is extremely dangerous if administered without proper medical equipment, such as oxygen monitors or resuscitation devices — none of which were present in Michael’s bedroom. Still, he grew addicted to the drug.
June 24–25, 2009: The Final Night
On the night of June 24, 2009, after rehearsing for his This Is It tour, Michael returned home around midnight. He had dinner served by his nutritionist and then tried to sleep — but insomnia struck again.
Unable to rest, he called Dr. Murray to his room. The doctor administered several medications — Diazepam, Lorazepam, and Midazolam — but none worked. Michael, now agitated, pleaded with Murray for Propofol. The doctor initially refused, fearing the risks.
By the next morning, around 10:30 a.m., Michael was still awake and restless. Eventually, Murray gave in and injected him with a dose of Propofol. Within minutes, Michael finally drifted to sleep — but soon after, his breathing slowed, and his pulse weakened.
Panic set in. Murray attempted CPR and injected Flumazenil, an antidote meant to reverse sedation. But it was too late — Michael was unresponsive.
At 12:21 p.m., Michael’s security team called 911. Emergency responders instructed them to move Michael to the floor and continue CPR. But his body showed no signs of life.
Later investigations revealed disturbing details: before paramedics arrived, Dr. Murray allegedly asked Michael’s bodyguard to hide vials of medication from the scene — a move that raised immediate suspicion.
But Alberto Alvarez found this strange and refused to do it. When Alberto didn’t agree, Conrad Murray took matters into his own hands and hid all the medications in a bag somewhere. Around 12:30 p.m., an emergency medical team arrived at Michael Jackson’s home. The doctors tried everything possible to get a response from Michael’s body, but their efforts failed. A little later, around 12:45 p.m., Michael Jackson was rushed to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where a team of doctors began treating him intensively. However, his condition kept worsening, and finally, at 2:30 p.m., Michael Jackson was pronounced dead.
It is said that during the autopsy, doctors discovered that Michael’s stomach contained only medications — not a single trace of food. Now, let’s talk about the reason why many people believe Michael Jackson’s death was not accidental, but a murder.
The picture you see on your screen is from Michael Jackson’s bedroom. In the room, an oxygen cylinder, a bag-valve mask (BVM), and several medicines were found. However, one crucial device — the Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) machine — was missing. Whenever high-level anesthetics like Propofolare administered, having this machine is essential because it helps control adverse reactions caused by such drugs.
Other critical medical instruments — such as a pulse oximeter, a non-invasive blood pressure monitor, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a capnography monitor — were also missing from the room.
Another major mistake made by Conrad Murray was performing CPR incorrectly. He didn’t even check whether Michael was suffering from cardiac arrest or respiratory failure before starting the procedure.
The biggest error, however, was that despite being Michael’s personal physician, Murray failed to stop him from consuming excessive amounts of Propofol. Ultimately, after Michael’s death, Conrad Murray was found guilty of medical negligence and sentenced to four years in prison. No one else was held responsible by the court for Michael Jackson’s death.
After Michael’s death, the investigation went on for several months. During the autopsy, Michael’s brain was removed for examination. His family wanted to proceed with the funeral during the investigation to avoid delays, but they were eventually persuaded to wait. As a result, Michael Jackson’s funeral was held more than a month later.
Exactly 39 days after his death, on September 3, 2009, Michael Jackson was finally laid to rest. Only about 200 close relatives and acquaintances attended the private funeral ceremony. His body was placed in a golden casket and buried in concrete. A few makeup artists were brought in to prepare Michael’s body — dressing him as if he were about to perform on stage one last time.
It is said that Michael’s family feared that if the burial location was revealed, his fans might try to dig up his grave and steal his body. Therefore, his resting place was kepta closely guarded secret. However, weeks later, reports surfaced that Michael had been buried in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, where many legendary Hollywood figures are also laid to rest.
Even after his death, Michael Jackson’s global popularity remained unmatched. When his memorial service was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, more than 1.6 million people applied for tickets to attend. The live broadcast was watched by around 350 million people in the United States and nearly 3 billion viewers worldwide, making it one of the most-watched events in history.
According to Forbes, Michael Jackson’s estate earned around $2 billion (₹17,110 crore) after his death, including royalties from his albums and other projects. In its 2019 report, Forbes named Michael Jackson the highest-earning deceased artist — even a decade after his passing.
Before his death, Michael had been on the verge of bankruptcy, but as the posthumous earnings poured in, his family managed to repay most of his debts.
There’s even an interesting story linked to his posthumous legacy. During his 1996 “HIStory World Tour,” Michael wore a golden glitter sock that later ended up with a stage technician. Years later, in 2025, that same sock was auctioned in France for about $800,000.
Media reports also revealed the emotional shock his fans experienced upon hearing the news of his death. Allegedly, 13 people committed suicide and many fainted in grief. Australia’s suicide prevention hotline received around 50 distress calls on that single day from people devastated by the news.
Michael Jackson was a once-in-a-generation icon — a man who broke racial barriers in America with his extraordinary talent. From a troubled childhood to global superstardom, he inspired millions around the world. Yet, even at the peak of fame, he could never escape the emotional scars of his past. He poured his pain into songs like “They Don’t Care About Us” and “Morphine.”
But the weight of false allegations, loneliness, and pressure slowly broke him from within. And in the end, destiny whispered, “This Is It.” The world’s greatest entertainer never got the chance to perform his final moonwalk — the one his fans had been waiting for.
That was the unforgettable story of Michael Jackson — The King of Pop.
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