In a recent interview, Jennifer Batten, a guitarist who toured with Michael Jackson, revealed the stark contrast between Jackson’s immense fame and his daily life.In a recent interview, Jennifer Batten, a guitarist who toured with Michael Jackson, revealed the stark contrast between Jackson’s immense fame and his daily life. Despite the outward perception of freedom and happiness, Batten described Jackson’s life as a “prison” due to the constant need for security guards and the limitations it imposed on his daily activities. While Batten acknowledged the benefits of fame, she emphasized the pain and unhappiness it also brought. Batten’s comments highlight the complex relationship between celebrity and personal well-being. She credits Jackson’s death to a combination of controversial child molestation allegations and a fatal dose of medication. Despite the controversy surrounding Jackson’s legacy, Batten remembers him fondly, recalling his radiant and friendly nature. She also expressed sadness for Jackson’s children, who she believes were devastated by his untimely death. Ultimately, Batten’s account offers a glimpse into the hidden struggles and complexities that can coexist with celebrity status, reminding us that fame and happiness are not always synonymous.
Money can’t buy happiness… And apparently neither can freedom.
15 years until the day after Michael Jackson Died suddenly, guitarist Jennifer Batten – who was at his side on three world tours – talks about the reality of his daily life.
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In conversation with The American sun On Tuesday, the musician claimed that life was far from free for the Smooth Criminal singer… In fact, she said it was more like a ‘prison’. She served:
“I think people from the outside think that someone who has so much fame must be happy. But it was a prison, because every time he wanted to go to a bookstore or to the movies, there had to be six guards to take care of it. ‘He didn’t have the freedom to just leave if he felt like it. It was 50-50 fame and pain. He was a creative tornado.”
Well, that’s the reality with the level of fame he amassed – for better or for worse. We know for sure Taylor Swift thinks twice before walking into a bookstore on a whim too! But prison?? It’s not like he was REALLY locked up. But it’s not really a good comparison… because public opinion about the late artist only changed late in his life…
That “pain” Jennifer mentioned stemmed from the controversial child molestation allegations in 1993 – or at least in part. The guitarist said:
“I think it was all nonsense. That was on the cover of every magazine for a long time. It was all very dark and unhappy. And in the end, Michael was proven innocent.”
Many do not consider him to have been “proven innocent.” Certainly years later everyone looked at the evidence again, especially in the We’re leaving Neverland doc, and decided there was enough smoke there that they thought there was a fire. However, his perception was forever damaged from the start, there is no doubt about that.
MJ died in 2009 as a result of cardiac arrest caused by a fatal dose of medication. And when Jennifer heard the news, she didn’t know what to think:
“At first I didn’t believe it because I had heard many, many rumors over the years that were not true. But of course I found out it was true. My first thought was extreme sadness for his children because that is devastating, especially when you are so young.”
She remembers Michael as “very radiant” and “super friendly.”
Thoughts, perezcious readers?
(Images via Charlie Steffens/WENN)
