Was Jackson Healthy or On the Brink? Yes.

Drug-addled or ready to rock, his inner-circle tells it from all sides
By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 12, 2009 2:43 PM CDT
Was Jackson Healthy or On the Brink? Yes.
In this March 5, 2009 file photo, pop singer Michael Jackson punches the air after announcing that he is set to play ten live concerts at the London O2 Arena in July.   (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, file)

Was Michael Jackson happy and healthy, or drug-addled and depressed in his final days? Depends who you ask. The AP compiles a list of contradictory reports from the star’s inner circle:

  • Concert promoter Randy Phillips initially told reporters Jackson was "a healthy, vibrant human being,” but later said he hired an attendant whose sole job was reminding the singer to eat.

  • Dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein says Jackson “was very happy,” but confirms he went to rehab for a painkiller addiction. Klein also says Jackson suffered from lupus and vitiligo, a skin disorder.
  • Several close friends, including self-help guru Deepak Chopra, say they confronted Jackson about his drug abuse. Chopra says he last spoke with Jackson about the issue just six months ago.
  • Singer Akon says his famous mentor reminded him to stay healthy, asking him, “What are you doing out there on the road? Are you eating? Are you exercising?”
(More Michael Jackson stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X