Watch: Michael Jackson's creepy interview where he addresses 'love for children' before manager interrupts
A 60-minute long and a rather creepy interview of the late pop legend Michael Jackson has resurfaced and is raising many eyebrows. The said interview first aired in the year 1987. Michael was being interviewed by music journalist Molly Meldrum for Channel Nine's flagship current affairs program.
At the time of the interview, Michael Jackson was around 29-years-old and was no stranger to controversies. And, it was no surprise, when questions related to scandalous claims about his obsession for plastic surgery and cases of pedophilia came up.
The interview took place while Michael was on his 'Bad World Tour,' in a hotel room in Tokyo. Michael, reportedly, handpicked Molly Meldrum for his first big TV interview of that decade. MJ wore a red shirt along with a varsity jacket for the interview and had his trademark sunglasses on. His longtime manager, Frank DiLeo was sitting next to him throughout the interview.
Molly didn't hold back, and he dove straight into the tough and controversial issues that Michael was surrounded at those times - child molestation claims. In the year 2005, Michael was put on trial after being accused by 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo who was befriended and invited to Neverland Ranch by Michael.
Michael was indicted with counts of molesting a minor, intoxicating a minor, attempted child molestation, conspiring to hold the boy captive, as well as conspiring to commit extortion and child abduction. On June 13 in the year 2005, the jury was able to reach a verdict and declared Michael not guilty on all of the 14 charges that he was facing.
During the interview, Molly asked Michael whether the claims that were being made against him were true when Michael paused before his manager, Frank DiLeo jumped in. "I'll answer that question if you don't mind. It hurts me and if it hurts me, I know it hurts Michael. He's a little more blasé about it than I am. He just sort of shrugs it off. But I find it very terrible some of the stuff that is written," Frank said.
When it came to talking about how he would often use disguises to sneak into the movies, Michael was open and spoke freely. "I like to sneak into theatres without being noticed sometimes,' Michael confessed. "I have incredible disguises. I can fool my own mother, and I enjoy doing it because I get to see life the way it really is."
He then went on to speak about his 'love' for children and animals. "I love children and animals and Quincy [Jones, record producer] and Frank [his manager] and that's what's so wonderful about traveling. I get to see all the cultures, the people, and the children, it's wonderful," Michael revealed.
He also added that his one wish is to help make the world a better place and spread the message of world peace. "One of the main [goals] would be as simple as making the whole world happy and world peace, and that is part of the reason why I do what I do," Michael added.
The footage of the interview resurfaced recently and soon attracted many views. Michael Jackson passed away at the age of 50-years-old due to cardiac arrest. Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson died last week after battling pancreatic cancer. He was buried alongside his son, Michael at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
The Jackson family reunited for the private funeral of Joe Jackson who will forever be remembered as the patriarch of music dynasty and for establishing the careers such as The Jackson 5 and Janet Jackson. The entire Jackson family paid tribute to Joe on social media to express their love and grief.
Randy Jackson wrote, "RIP to the king that made everything possible!!! I love you, grandpa." While Michael Jackson's 21-year-old son took to Instagram to write, "He didn't choose the path that was the easiest, but he chose the path that was best for his family. You taught me to take pride in the Jackson name, and what it really means, you taught me dedication in the face of adversity and most of all you showed me strength and fearlessness."
Paris Jackson also took to Instagram to pay a tribute to her granddad. She posted a picture of him in his last days; holding his hand. She captioned the picture: "RIP The HAWK. Joseph Jackson. Spending those last few moments with you was everything." She also spoke of her grandfather's legacy and wrote, "Proud of you, proud to be your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, proud to have your strength and share the dynasty you spent your life creating, and proud to be a Jackson. You are the first true Jackson. The legend that started it all. None of us would be anywhere near where we’re at if it weren’t for you".
"Your life’s work will go down in history, as will you, to be known as one of the greatest patriarchs to ever live," she continued. "My heart is full knowing we left each other in that way. I made you promise me you’ll come to visit me. You agreed and I’m going to hold you to it. And I promised you that we will keep telling your story, over and over. To never be forgotten. My great grandchildren will know, who Joseph Jackson is," she added.