Michael Jackson’s long-documented obsession with changing his appearance using plastic surgery was rooted in deep emotional trauma from childhood, according to a new memoir by his former lawyer, John Mason.
In Crazy Lucky: Remarkable Stories from Inside the World of Celebrity Icons, Mason claims that Jackson’s cosmetic surgery journey began with hurtful comments from his father, Joe Jackson, who ridiculed his appearance early on.
Mason, who worked closely with the Jackson family during their shift from Motown to Epic Records in the 1970s, recounts moments that he believes triggered Michael’s deep-seated insecurities. “Michael told me his father said he had a big nose,” Mason writes. “That was just the beginning of Michael’s obsession with his looks.”
Joe Jackson’s strict and often cruel parenting style is blamed for much of the emotional damage. “Back in the day, Joe made all the calls,” Mason recalls. “He would sit at rehearsals with a belt in his hand in case of any mistakes. There was never a fun moment.”
Michael, who began performing professionally at just six years old, reportedly never received praise from his father, even after impressing audiences with his singing and dancing. “Joe didn’t compliment him,” Mason explains. “That silence planted the seeds for future plastic surgery adventures in the name of finding true ‘beauty’.”
Despite Michael Jackson’s public claims that he only had two nose surgeries, his constantly evolving appearance became a hot topic over the years. From his nose reshaping to drastic changes in skin tone and facial structure, speculation around the extent of his cosmetic procedures never died down.
Mason suggests that Michael’s pursuit of perfection was a direct result of his early emotional wounds. “Michael was chasing an image of beauty that had been denied to him by his father’s criticism,” he says.
The memoir also sheds light on the dysfunctional dynamics of the Jackson family, particularly the power Joe wielded. “He would shake your hand and try to crush it,” Mason said, describing Joe’s intimidating presence. “His way of approaching people was always with dominance.”
Michael Jackson’s tragic death in 2009 at the age of 50 was ruled a homicide. He died from acute propofol intoxication, a powerful hospital-grade anesthetic he referred to as his “milk,” saying it was the only thing that could help him sleep. His personal doctor, Conrad Murray, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
Mason’s revelations provide a sobering look at how deep childhood trauma can shape a person’s identity and life choices. For Michael Jackson, the scars of his father’s cruelty didn’t just stay beneath the surface, they were etched into every change he made to his face.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
