My answer: nothing. Plane’s ready — I’ll drag his black ass to South Africa where he could live in anonymity and happily with his children.
How can someone have so much star power yet be so painfully humble at the same time? He could’ve posed as cocky as he can with his thousands of fans as his backdrop, but Michael always chose to treat them as family — never below them. No one could ever compare 🥀
So, in spite of being the most famous man on earth, there are only a handful of interviews where Michael seemed truly engaged and gave great answers, mostly because the questions were actually kind and insightful.
Personally, my favorite is his 2005 interview with Geraldo Rivera. It honestly just breaks my heart that it’s one of the few pieces of footage we have where he felt safe enough to let his guard down a little. I think I’ve watched it over a 101 times at this point already.
I often think about how, if he were alive today, the media landscape would be so different in a good way. There are so many modern platforms and long-form podcasts where he could have openly discussed his art, his humanitarian work, fatherhood, and even his trauma without being exploited.
Off the top of my head, Michelle Obama and her bro Craig Robinson would be such a great fit. I also think Sean Evans from Hot Ones or Ali Plumb would be incredible because they both ask such deeply researched, respectful questions. I’d also throw in Conan o’Brien there because I know he’ll be able to immediately put Michael at ease (and probably in stitches). Sigh.
As someone who grew up in a cramped, dilapidated house and a dysfunctional childhood, it’s little things like this view that makes me grateful that I had the will and courage to make a life for myself.
No more tip-toeing around unpredictable moods. No more angry-shouting from within and outside the house. I don’t know how long I’ll be living alone, but I’m trying to relish every bit of this freedom I’ve carved into this silly little life of mine.