International music star Akon has spoken out in defense of the late Michael Jackson, dismissing long-standing rumors about the pop legend as fabrications designed to tarnish his reputation.
“Michael Jackson was truly my friend,” Akon said, recalling his personal relationship with the King of Pop. “We would sit and talk like any two regular friends. He was a normal person, just like everyone else.”
According to Akon, many of the negative narratives surrounding Jackson — from accusations of child abuse to speculation about his appearance — were deliberately manufactured.
On Jackson’s personal life, Akon was emphatic: “The rumors about him liking kids were lies. People were always watching him, hoping he’d slip up. When they found nothing, they made up stories because he often spent time with children.”
Akon also addressed one of the most controversial aspects of Jackson’s appearance — his skin tone. “Michael never bleached his skin,” he said. “He had a medical condition called vitiligo, which causes the skin to lose its color. At that time, most people didn’t really know about it. So they spread the false story that he was ashamed of being Black, just to turn the Black community against him.”
The Senegalese-American singer added that even Jackson’s soft-spoken voice, often viewed as an affectation, was part of his deep connection with children. “That childlike tone wasn’t fake. He did it because kids loved it. He wanted to inspire them and help them reach their full potential.”
Akon urged people to separate rumor from fact and to focus on preserving Jackson’s contributions to music and culture. “We need to protect Michael Jackson’s name and legacy,” he said. “The world will never have another Michael Jackson.”
His remarks highlight a broader question that has dogged the entertainment industry for decades: why do so many global stars — whether living or deceased — face allegations that threaten to overshadow their achievements?
Author: Mpheza Clara Manda
Luska, Zambia
Senior Correspondent
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