Michael Jackson will forever remain a pop culture icon for years to come. Having found fame at an early age and growing up as a celebrity kid, Jackson spent the majority of his life as the center of intense public and press speculation. While several stories and issues followed the King of Pop throughout his career, none were as brutal, persistent, and invasive as the speculations surrounding his appearance.

Michael Jackson [Credit: Beat It single | Billboard Music]
While he denied getting plastic surgeries, many sources have alleged that the King of Pop had multiple surgeries done. Recently, an old interview of his resurfaced, where Jackson can be seen defending himself gracefully despite the interviewer’s cruelly invasive questions.
Michael Jackson Defends Plastic Surgery Allegations in Old Interview

Jafaar Jackson in a still from Michael | Lionsgate
Michael Jackson used to be one of the biggest stars in the world of music and still enjoys enduring popularity despite years after his death. Even now, millions look up to him as a source of inspiration, hope, and more. Despite shaking the world with his incredible musical talent, Jackson’s life was riddled with controversies and more.

His appearance, skin color, and face shape occupied the major part of these controversies. Despite his denying the many allegations, claims of skin bleaching, and countless plastic surgeries, many have alleged over the years that Jackson went too far down the rabbit hole of having his appearance altered (via People).

Recently an old interview of the singer resurfaced on social media, where Jackson looked visibly depressed and disturbed, yet continued to face the interviewer’s brutal accusations with grace.

Sometimes people go too far…. especially given your childhood… I’ve begun to understand how difficult that was for you. How unhappy you were as a child… about your appearance, that your father used to insult you.. your father used to talk about your nose.

Asked the interviewer, referring to the star’s tragic and toxic childhood (see True Michael Jackson), as Jackson gracefully stated he had just his nose altered due to insecurities about his appearance. While many would still disagree with Jackson, it was nonetheless wrong of the interviewer to ask such abrasive personal questions to the star.

Fans React to Michael Jackson’s Resurfaced Interview
Michael Jackson in a still from Smooth Criminal | YouTube
Michael Jackson has often spoken about the harrowing childhood he experienced at the expense of his emotionally unavailable parents and their toxic treatment. In several interviews, Jackson has also revealed the details of the physical and psychological abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, leaving him traumatized even in his adulthood. Growing up surrounded by fame, thanks to his band, only added to his woes (see Telegraph).

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So, it is no surprise that Jackson looked uncomfortable in the above-mentioned interview. As the video went viral, even fans chimed in to criticize the interviewer and show support for the King of Pop despite all this time.

He was so upset with his questions but he still held it. -@juhi_behl_malhotra

The interviewer was plain rude and insulting… way to go bringing all these insecurities up when Michael was clearly trying to forget ‘em sheesh. -@anetka_love

You can see the sadness in his eyes. -@rodneyluvv

This host is saying things that would make anyone feel vulnerable in front, that too in front of a big audience … just because uses mature language doesn’t mean they are right/ morally right. -@kajalbt25

The way he sounds so disappointed and just annoyed. Trying to leave that place and not talk about it. I wish people were better with him. He didn’t deserved it. :c -@larigab_n

Stated several fans in the comments, calling out the interviewer for his brutal questioning. The said interview is one of the singer’s most controversial interviews till now. Taken by British journalist Martin Bashir, many have over the years criticized the television documentary, titled Living with Michael Jackson, and Bashir for trying to present a falsely scrutinized version of the life of the star.

Snippets of the interview can be found on the internet as it continues to cause controversy even now (see Mirror.co.uk). Later on, after much criticism, another documentary, poised as a rebuttal, was released titled The Footage You Were Never Meant To See. As the controversial interview and its aftermath continue to follow the pop star’s legacy, there is no denying that even if Michael Jackson did the many plastic surgery procedures he is accused of, the King of Pop’s legacy and impact is greater than any speculation and rumor.