The claim and its origins
In Lionel Richie’s memoir Truly, the singer recounts a controversial anecdote about Michael Jackson at the peak of his fame. Richie’s retelling centers on a nickname reportedly used for Jackson — terms like “Smelly” or its German variant “Stinkie” — and the provocative idea behind it. According to Richie, the nickname did not arise solely from hygiene concerns. He suggests it reflected a broader reality: Jackson often wore costumes for long stretches and sometimes failed to change clothes between sessions, shoots, and rehearsals.
Where the nickname came from
Richie notes that the moniker traces back, in part, to the late music producer Quincy Jones. Jackson, he says, was not deeply offended by the label; he reportedly laughed about it once he understood the context — that it was given with a mix of teasing and affection among friends and collaborators. The exchange, Richie adds, happened in a moment of playful ribbing rather than cruelty, underscoring a complex dynamic among pop peers during a whirlwind period of Jackson’s career.
Beyond hygiene: a chaotic daily life
The anecdotes extend beyond a single nickname. Richie paints a portrait of Jackson as someone whose daily life could feel chaotic — a contrast to the polished stage persona he projected. He describes Jackson as “like a scatterbrained professor, but still a child,” a characterization that extends to the way Jackson assembled outfits on the fly. The storytelling suggests that Jackson’s fashion choices, sometimes assembled from disparate pieces, became part of his global image, with simple items like white socks paired with black slippers becoming talking points of fashion history.
Jackson’s reaction and the larger narrative
According to Richie’s account, Jackson reacted to the teasing with humor. The laughter, as described by Richie, indicated that the king of pop understood the affection behind the jokes. It reflects a broader theme in the book: even iconic public figures can cultivate close relationships with peers who push boundaries and poke fun, all within a culture of mutual respect and long-standing collaboration.
Context in the cultural conversation
The conversation around Jackson, his style, and the rumors that surrounded him is part of a larger discourse on how the media and friends shape the legacies of music legends. Richie’s revelations invite readers to consider how backstage dynamics, wardrobe choices, and offstage behavior contribute to public perception. While the memoir offers a peek into a famous friendship, it also raises questions about how much weight such anecdotes should carry in the ongoing evaluation of Jackson’s artistry and influence.
The Hamburg connection
In present-day Germany, a Hamburg-based musical about Michael Jackson has drawn audiences with its music and stagecraft but has faced scrutiny for handling sensitive topics. Critics argue that while the production excels in performance and design, it sometimes skirts contentious subjects, offering a one-sided portrayal of a complex figure. This contemporary chapter of Jackson’s legacy shows how his story remains actively debated in theaters and media alike.
Ultimately, Lionel Richie’s account in Truly adds another layer to the public conversation around Michael Jackson — a reminder that even legends are understood through the memories and jokes shared by friends, producers, and fans alike.
