Elton John once described Michael Jackson as a ‘disturbing guy to be around’.
In his 2019 confessional book, Me, the 77-year-old British pop icon reflected on his varied relationships with the ‘King of Pop’, who died in 2009 at the age of 50.
The ‘Candle in the Wind’ singer also labeled Jackson as’mentally unwell’ and ‘a unpleasant guy to be around’.
However, the singer revealed that he was not always like this.
READ MORE: Sir Elton John Announces The Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour Book
In reality, when he first saw the ‘Thriller’ singer as a child, he was just a sweet kid.
“I’d known Michael since he was 13 or 14,” Elton wrote.
“He was just the most adorable kid you could imagine.”But at some time in the intervening years, he began to isolate himself from the world and reality, much like Elvis Presley did.”
READ MORE: Elton John Famous And Sparkly Gear Is Up For Grabs! Bye-Bye Yellow And Gold Jumpsuits
The musician went on to claim that he suspected it could have been caused by his prescription drug use.
“God knows what was going on in his head, and God knows what prescription drugs he was being pumped full of, but every time I saw him in his later years I came away thinking that the poor guy had totally lost his marbles,” he said.
“I don’t mean it in a joking way. He was genuinely mentally sick and a scary presence to be around.”
Elton’s statement regarding Jackson’s alleged mental health occurred the same year as the high-profile documentary series Leaving Neverland, which probed the singer’s sex abuse allegations and followed him until his death.
While Elton declined to comment on the charges, he did add that Jackson appeared to favor the company of children over adults.
He went on to say: “For whatever reason, he couldn’t seem to cope with adult company at all.”
But Jackson was hardly the only famous person Elton discussed in his memoir.
Oddly, he also wrote about the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died last year (8 September) at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
“I know the Queen’s public image isn’t exactly one of wild frivolity, but… in private she could be hilarious,” he wrote in an email.
The musician also discussed his renowned friendship with Princess Diana, referring to her as the ‘People’s Princess’ and claiming that she was ‘gifted with a wonderful social ease, a capacity to make people feel utterly comfortable in her company’.
Radiant TV, offering to elevate your entertainment game! Movies, TV series, exclusive interviews, music, and more—download now on various devices, including iPhones, Androids, smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire Stick, and more.
