Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, left behind an indelible mark on music and pop culture, with a career that spanned decades and touched countless fans worldwide. His unparalleled talent, mesmerizing performances, and cultural impact made him a legend, but his life was not without controversy. Alongside his groundbreaking achievements, there were also bizarre rumours that followed him throughout his life and continue to circulate, even years after his death. Let’s explore five of the craziest myths and rumours about Michael Jackson that have haunted his legacy.

He Wanted to Be More White Than Black

Perhaps one of the most persistent rumours surrounding Michael Jackson was that he wanted to become Caucasian. This rumour gained traction due to the drastic changes in his appearance over the years, particularly his lightening skin. Critics and the public speculated that Michael was distancing himself from his African American heritage in order to appeal to a broader, whiter audience. However, Jackson himself always denied these accusations, explaining that he had vitiligo, a skin disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation. This condition was later confirmed during his autopsy. Despite his explanations, many people continued to disbelieve him, further fuelling the controversy.

He Slept in an Oxygen-Rich Tank to Prevent Aging

Another outrageous rumour that followed Michael was that he slept in an oxygen-rich tank every night to slow down aging. This myth claimed that he used the tank to inhale pure oxygen, which would allow him to live up to 150 years. However, it was later revealed that Michael had leaked this information to the press himself in an attempt to promote his film with Francis Ford Coppola. Experts debunked the myth, explaining that spending long periods in an oxygen chamber would cause oxygen toxicity, which would have been harmful. The rumour was simply a fabrication, but it contributed to Michael’s enigmatic and often misunderstood public persona.

The Moonwalk Wasn’t Michael Jackson’s Invention

The moonwalk, one of Michael Jackson’s signature moves, has long been associated with his name. However, the truth is that Michael didn’t create the move himself. His sister, La Toya Jackson, revealed that the moonwalk (originally known as the backslide) was actually popularized by a dancer named Jeffrey Daniel. Daniel had performed the move on a dance show before Michael. There were even complaints that Jackson didn’t give enough credit to the dancers who originated the move. However, Michael acknowledged that while he didn’t invent the moonwalk, he added his own unique flair to it, making it his own and forever associating it with his performances.

Michael Jackson Was Going to Have a Sex Change Operation

Throughout his career, Michael Jackson’s sexuality became a subject of widespread speculation. One of the more outlandish rumours was that he intended to undergo a sex change operation. This bizarre rumour was first reported when Michael was just 19 years old, and it caused a great deal of confusion and concern. Michael was quick to deny the rumour, and throughout his life, he continued to assert that he was not gay, though some reports have suggested that he may have been bisexual. Despite his denial, the rumour continued to resurface, and Michael chose not to dwell on it, stating that it was important not to let such rumours affect him.

Michael Jackson Wanted to Be Spider-Man

It is well-known that Michael Jackson had a deep interest in film and entertainment beyond his music career. One of the more surprising rumours is that he wanted to play Spider-Man in a movie. Michael reportedly lobbied for the role when Marvel was facing bankruptcy, and he even tried to buy the company. While he did not land the part, the role of Spider-Man eventually went to Tobey Maguire. Michael then attempted to secure the role of Professor X in the X-Men series but was unsuccessful again. After Maguire secured the Spider-Man role, Michael reportedly never spoke to him again, despite having a brief conversation with him at the Oscars. This only added to the mystery and intrigue surrounding Michael Jackson’s larger-than-life persona.

While many of these rumours were baseless, they have continued to shape the public’s perception of Michael Jackson, even after his passing. He was a complex figure, often misunderstood and constantly in the media spotlight. His eccentricities, combined with the public’s insatiable curiosity about his personal life, created a perfect storm for rumours to flourish. Despite the bizarre tales, Michael Jackson’s legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time remains intact. His music continues to inspire millions, and his impact on pop culture is undeniable. Whether the rumours were true or not, they only added to the mystique of the King of Pop, a legend whose influence will never fade.