Michael Jackson was nicknamed 'Smelly' by Quincy Jones due to his tendency to wear clothes for extended periods without washing them.
Richie shares that Jackson's fame made it difficult for him to maintain his wardrobe, as items often went missing when sent for cleaning.
Jackson's eccentric lifestyle included wearing comfortable clothes and pajamas while practicing dance moves or relaxing with his pets.
Fans on social media have reacted with mixed feelings, with some criticizing Richie for sharing this story and others defending Jackson.
Why this matters: This story offers a glimpse into the personal life of one of the world's biggest stars, humanizing him and showing how fame can impact even basic routines.
In his memoir 'Truly,' Lionel Richie recounts his close friendship with Michael Jackson, highlighting the singer's unique habits. According to Richie, Jackson's fame made it challenging for him to shop and maintain his wardrobe, leading to instances where he wore the same clothes until they were 'unwearable.' Quincy Jones, a fellow music icon, playfully nicknamed Jackson 'Smelly' due to these habits.
Richie describes an incident where he provided Jackson with fresh clothes and encouraged him to shower after noticing his unkempt appearance. The anecdote reveals a caring side to their friendship, with Richie looking out for Jackson's well-being.
However, the revelation has faced backlash from some fans who feel it's disrespectful to share such personal details about Jackson, who is no longer alive to defend himself. Others have pointed out conflicting stories, suggesting that the 'Smelly' nickname was originally used by Jackson himself as a euphemism for 'funky.'
Despite the controversy, the story provides a candid look into the life of a global superstar and the challenges he faced in maintaining a normal routine amidst his overwhelming fame.
Q: Why was Michael Jackson called 'Smelly'?
According to Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones nicknamed Michael Jackson 'Smelly' because he sometimes wore the same clothes for days without washing them.
Q: How did Michael Jackson's fame affect his daily life?
Jackson's fame made it difficult for him to shop and maintain his wardrobe, as he often couldn't go to department stores without being mobbed by fans, and his belongings would sometimes go missing when sent for cleaning.
Q: What was the reaction to Lionel Richie's story?
The reaction has been mixed, with some fans criticizing Richie for sharing the story and others finding it to be a humorous and humanizing anecdote.
Fame can create unusual challenges in maintaining a normal lifestyle.
Even global superstars have their quirks and eccentricities.
Personal anecdotes can humanize celebrities and provide a glimpse into their private lives.
Sharing personal stories about deceased individuals can be controversial, depending on the nature of the revelation.
What do you think about Lionel Richie sharing this story about Michael Jackson? Was it a harmless anecdote or a breach of privacy? Let us know in the comments below!
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