Music icons’ friendship revisited in controversial new revelations
Elton John has made striking claims about Michael Jackson in his 2019 memoir Me, describing the late pop star as a “disturbing person to be around” during the later years of his life.
John, now 77, said he had known Jackson since he was a young teenager and initially remembered him as “the most adorable kid you could imagine.” However, he claimed their relationship changed dramatically as Jackson grew older and struggled with his mental health.
“He had totally lost his marbles,” John alleges
In excerpts reported from the memoir, Elton John suggested that Jackson’s behavior became increasingly erratic in the 2000s.
He alleged that the singer appeared physically unwell during a lunch meeting in the 1990s, describing him as “frail and ill” and heavily made up.
John also recalled a moment during that same gathering when Jackson reportedly left the table without explanation and was later found elsewhere on the property “quietly playing games” with a housekeeper’s child.
Claims about health struggles and isolation
John further suggested that Jackson may have been heavily medicated and questioned what prescription drugs he was taking at the time.
He concluded that by the later stage of his life, Jackson had “totally lost his marbles,” adding that he believed the pop icon was “genuinely mentally ill” and difficult to be around.
A legacy still surrounded by debate
Michael Jackson remains one of the most successful entertainers in history, but his legacy has remained controversial in recent years following renewed allegations presented in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, which included claims of abuse from two men who said they were assaulted as children.
Jackson denied all allegations during his lifetime, and he was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005.
Despite ongoing debate around his legacy, both artists continue to be remembered as global music figures whose influence shaped entire generations.
