Imagine discovering that the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had a secret nickname that wasn't about his dance moves or chart-topping hits—but his personal hygiene. It's a revelation that might just change how you view one of music's biggest icons. But here's where it gets controversial: could fame itself be the culprit behind such quirks, or is there more to the story? Let's dive into the details from Lionel Richie's new memoir and unpack this surprising anecdote together.
In his freshly released book, 'Truly,' published on September 30, 2025, Lionel Richie opens up about his longtime friend Michael Jackson in a way that's both heartfelt and hilariously candid. Richie recalls how the late music mogul Quincy Jones dubbed Jackson with the playful yet pointed nickname 'Smelly.' And get this—this wasn't meant as an insult; Jackson himself chuckled along, seemingly unaware that he hadn't swapped out his clothes or freshened up for a few days. For beginners wondering about the context, think of it like this: when you're constantly traveling for work, basic routines like laundry can slip through the cracks, especially under the spotlight.
Richie doesn't blame Jackson for this habit. He explains that the 'Thriller' superstar's relentless touring schedule made it nearly impossible to maintain normal hygiene routines. Picture this: Jackson couldn't just pop into a local dry cleaner because fans or staff might swipe his worn items as souvenirs—a real risk for someone whose fame turned everyday objects into collectibles. And strolling into a department store for new outfits? Forget it; his celebrity status made that a paparazzi nightmare. As a result, Richie writes, Jackson developed a pattern of sticking with the same pair of pants until they were literally falling apart.
And this is the part most people miss: the intimate glimpses into their friendship. Whenever Jackson dropped by Richie's place, he'd show up in casual gear—think faded jeans that were either too baggy or too short, paired with a simple t-shirt. But the kicker? Those jeans often carried a noticeable odor, a testament to his on-the-go lifestyle. Richie, ever the good friend, stepped in once when he noticed Jackson was particularly unkempt. He discreetly brought him home for a much-needed shower—Jackson's first in days—and even lent him fresh underwear and jeans. It's a touching example of how true pals look out for each other, quirks and all.
Of course, this hygiene hiccup didn't dim Jackson's genius or stardom. Richie points out that despite these personal challenges, Jackson kept producing hit after hit, cementing his place in music history. We all have our eccentricities, right? It's a reminder that even legends are human.
But let's stir the pot a bit: is it fair to judge someone like Jackson for hygiene issues when fame creates such unique barriers? Or does this reveal a deeper side of celebrity life that we often romanticize? What do you think—does this anecdote humanize Jackson more, or does it make you question how we idolize stars? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own stories about fame's funny flipsides!
