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Changing faces: The harsh reality of Michael Jackson's fading looks
Updated 13:08pm on 9 Nov 2007A magazine photoshoot of singer Michael Jackson managed to conceal the harsh reality that the ageing singer's looks are clearly fading.
But unretouched photos show a face ravaged by serial cosmetic surgery procedures, a jowly jawline, and heavily veined hands.
Earlier this week a photoshoot for US magazine Ebony showed Jackson looking smooth-faced, and whiter than ever, with a creamy, flawless complexion.
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But pictures of the star, seen last night in Los Angeles at a dinner celebrating activist Jesse Jackson's 66th birthday show the reality is somewhat different.
Jackson revealed his youthful visage is nothing but a carefully created, digitally enhanced image as he looked pale, drawn, and far from youthful on the red carpet.
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Fancy dress: the former King of Pop is celebrating 25 years since the release of Thriller
The troubled singer unveiled a startlingly pale new look on the cover of Ebony magazine in a heavily airbrushed photograph.
And that paleness remains the only similarity between Jackson, and how he really looks without the artistry of the magazine retouchers.
Jacko, seen in a light-coloured suit on the cover of the magazine for black Americans, and his once curly afro hair is now bone straight, leaving no trace of the handsome youth who became a superstar along with his brothers in group The Jackson Five.
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Fading star: Michael Jackson on the latest cover of Ebony magazine
In another picture, he appears dressed in a top hat and tails, a nod to one of his dance idols, Fred Astaire.
Despite ongoing rumours that he has bleached his skin, Jackson has regularly insisted that his changing colour is not intentional.
He has maintained that his light skin was the result of vitiligo, a rare disease that discolours the face and body.
Jackson gave his first interview for ten years to the magazine to celebrate 25 years of his seminal Thriller album.
Changing face: Michael Jackson during his 70s heyday, then in 1983, and 2004
Reader views (36)
Hi, my name is Sttefie I'm a real real fan of Michael Jackson.You know Michael have been a Real Artist and have become the King Of Pop and he deserved this name because he was not only an Artist(with a Great Talent) but he was an inspiration for small children and also for adults.I will always Love Michael deeply of my heart maybe michael have change his face(which is not real)I will Always love him.Michael is maybe Died but in Heart and in the Hearts of his Fans he's always Alive.I will Always always always love U Michael and you will always in my Heart.
- Sttefie Herminette, Muritius,Curepipe, 08/02/2010 16:02
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Michael Jackson was an amazing man that was influenced by the amount of fame he had. Maybe he changed his skin colour to prove that ''it doesn't matter if your black or white'' as he once said in the song 'Black or White'. He changed the music industry. When i saw him moonwalk I thought to myself if I can do that he'll never really leave, so whenever i do the moonwalk I see him beside me. Michael Jackson is like a god to me. His songs helped me through the rough times and the good. When people diss Michael Jackson I think he is a human like all of us, I guess they are all just jealous of the amazing talent. I never listened to what the media said about him because the media is always exagerated. Michael Jackson will be missed dearly by everyone. Rest In Peace.
- Hariette Hunter, Gosford, NSW, 21/10/2009 09:26
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He look great and beautiful even without photoshop besides.....he is a true Angel and a kind soul.
- Mar, Lisbon, 10/08/2009 15:58
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IM SITTING HERE WRITING THIS IN TEARS I CRIED SENSE THE DEATH OF
OUR KING OF POP ILOVED HIM SO MUCH HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND A FATHER. HE LOOKED GOOD ALL THE WAY UP TO 2006
HE TRIDE HIS BEST TO KEEP KEEPING US HAPPY AND I GIVE MY HART OUT TO THOSE KIDS. I WOULD NOT OF MADE IT THROUGH THAT.
- Caitlin, euclid usa, 23/07/2009 06:10
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Michael WAS the GREATEST MUSICAL PHENOMENON the world has ever seen. At first, he went along with 'the tide' and sang what his handlers wanted to sing. When he shed his fear and let love dominate his heart and his music, he suffered and paid dearly for it. He was falsely accused of paedophile twice, but he still refused to be intimidated he showed this in his lyrics 'they don't care about us', and sang about healing the world, feeding the children, love for everyone etc. This is waht got him into trouble.
I salute his courage. love and solidarity with the world's poor, and children everywhere.
Long live Michael Jackson!
- Shereeiyah, paris, france, 22/07/2009 11:51
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Michael Jackson, regardless of your convictions, is THE most epic, and effortless talent the world has EVER seen. To say that Elton John, or Madonna, or Mark Knopfler, or whatever name you can think of can possible achieve what this man has achieved is audacity. Michael lived and breathed to wow humanity and did the message he sends in all of his music is what made him such a wonderful, heartfelt humanitarian.
To those that delight in perpetuating the nonsense regarding his "child molestation" suits. Why dont you logically look at the situation. Now, I am not going to put ANYTHING passed him, because having a visible lack of any sexual love life, (even the mother of his children is not very "sexual", if you know what I mean), and the infamous interview that shook the world and destroyed Michael's credibility, I cant not face the facts and help but question if he is or isnt a pedophile - but then there is another side to it, and that side tells the story of insane parents that after many many years of his "molesting children" has been out, would allow their 12 year old son to sleep over his house without supervision. To me, that just sounds whack and a CLEAR cut case motive for exploitation of a very rich and powerful man - who lost his entire fortune and the very hands of this sick familys twisted exploits.
- Kyros, Rochester, NY, 03/07/2009 16:56
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Michael is a gift to the world. I am so grateful that he bloomed and lived during my lifetime. It does not matter, whether he is black, blue, white or yellow, he did it his way and it is right for him. Let any journalist or celebrity writer to walk in his shoes, they will know the pain, passion and perserverance. There will be never another artist like him. The media needs to find a controversial angle to sell their stories. If you are black, they want you flawed, if you white, they'll claim you are not good enough, if you are brown, they'll claim you don't qualify and if you are yellow, they'll conclude you are fake. Michael will always live in the hearts of his fans and give them joy through his songs and memories. That will suffice. I hope his children find a decent home and good people to love and nurture them.
- Elizabeth Thorarajoo, Singapore, 03/07/2009 11:07
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Michael Jackson, any contest we should be allowed to say, is regarding his performances as an entertainer, but in that field, NO ONE, does it better. To all the critics, who doesn't admitt after all this years, and to all the foverever MJ lovers, doesn't matter how many years have gone by, if your eyes have seen it, you'll never forget it. His appearance to the stardom, made us all share with him a magical tour, throughout all this years, and made our lives much more happier, knowing that anything is possible, you just need to be Michael Jackson.
- Rui Pitra, Luanda, Angola, 17/05/2009 00:52
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Michael Jackson is between black and white people. I mean black inside and white outside. To him both people are gathering each other. He is the real union of both. And in almost his songs, he sings love and peace for all the people. Don't forget the help that he makes them, especially the poor men and children. M J (the chief of stars) is in the rang of Nobel,Gandhi, Mandela...
- Nzinga Gaston, Luanda Angola, 18/04/2008 14:13
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Michael Jackson is by far the greatest performer since Elvis that has graced the stage. No one compares to him. People should leave him alone about his personal choices. He has the right to live his life the way he wants. No matter what he looks like his music is legendary. I love Micheal Jackson.
- Monique Davis, Natchez, United States, 10/04/2008 19:58
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Michael Jackson, the greatest dancer/singer I have ever seen. Although he has been controversial with his changing appearance, I still feel no one can or will ever be as great as Michael Jackson. I love him and wish him the best life has to offer. All I see is the Michael Jackson, no matter what he looks like, he is still the same warm, caring and talented human been he has always been. I hope his children have a chance to grow up in peace without the media spying on there every move, that is just not fair for them to be put on the spot every time they decide to step out of their homes, they deserve to enjoy life without interruption from the media.
- Marcy Stephens, North Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 27/03/2008 06:51
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Michael Jackson is the greatest performer of all time and I would marry him if he asked me. He is the nicest person I've ever met. He has had a hard life and is a perfectionist.
I love you Michael and will always be here for you.
- Josie, Leicstershire, England, 02/01/2008 18:31
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I wish people will just stop dissing him and his legacy. The truth of the matter is, whatever his lifestyle choices are and whatever he does in his private life is no-one's business. In fact, he doesn't owe anybody any explanation on how he conducts his personal affairs! Those who are constantly criticizing him should look themselves in the mirror and ask temselves if they are so perfect they feel the compulsion to tear him down and make fun of him.
Stick to the music, people! No matter what hurting words you hurl at him, his place in music history is already sealed. He will go down in the record books as the greatest entertainer to hit this planet. And that's an undeniable fact.
Be strong and keep pressing on, Michael. Your millions and millions of fans all over the world are right behind you.
- Leon Smf, Los Angeles, 19/11/2007 16:52
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What does it matter what he looks like, it's his choice what he does to himself, and it's not appearance that makes the person who they are anyway. It doesn't matter if you're black or white. Michael Jackson is and always will be a superstar, and he is the best artist of all time, a living legend. We really should all stop being so preoccupied with his physical appearance and trying to judge him so harshly, he's not a bad person, what did he ever do to us? He's a wonderful soul, and we should all give him credit for his accomplishments and pay him the respect he rightfully deserves! Michael Jackson will always be loved and his new album coming out is going to rock! I love you Michael!
- Anon, Canada, 19/11/2007 06:19
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Michael Joseph Jackson, is the consumate performer, writer, singer. There is no other like him, people need to get that in their heads and give him the respect as an entertainer, what he may look like does not and will never take away all he has given this world through his music.
- Roxene, Kingston, Jamaica, 17/11/2007 22:24
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This man is so beautiful. I wish that the rest of the world would appreciate his beauty, talent and intelligence. He is truly a gift from God.
- K, Caribbean, 17/11/2007 14:30
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Why are people so judgemental? I quite agree with Charles and Co. We should celebrate his musical legacy instead of criticising his physical appearance and attire. For me he will always be the pop King of all times. I have not seen or heard of any one with an angelic voice like Michael's. So pease give Michael a break eh!
- Sophia Bernard, London, England, 11/11/2007 22:21
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God bless Michael Jackson and thank him for his monumental contribution to music.
He has prooved his genius by his work and dedication.
- Easygoingeezer Uk, Harogate, UK, 10/11/2007 23:44
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He is still the king of pop.
- Kelli, Chicogao., US, 10/11/2007 17:21
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I think he looks great in the pictures, the new look really suits him. I'm loving the top hat! Looking forward to the new album too.
- Grace, Worcestershire, England, 10/11/2007 13:28
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Absolutely, he is a genius... His music is timeless and will last through the times, how many other artists can say that?
I look forward to his next album, there has to be one as a world without MJ's music is not worth being in.
- Meena C, TWells, England, 10/11/2007 10:22
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He has the voice of an angel regardless what he has been through. He just inspires or I would say he is still king of pop. As a record producer, I know that most modern artists of this era and record producers have gained a lot from his music and that is a fact!
- Jason., London., 08/11/2007 21:22
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I just hope that he can come back and succeed to the great talent that we know and love.
- Scott, North West London, 07/11/2007 16:45
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I agree with Chris. You really should be celebrating this great musician's legacy of great music, over the years.
I will always consider him a great black man, who paved the way for other men of colour in the music industry.
- Charles H., London, 07/11/2007 16:39
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What an awsome idea. Twenty-five years since Thriller - they should make some type of movie about Jackson and what he has meant to the music world!
- Guest 303, hollywood fl, 06/11/2007 18:06
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I always have really loved his music and appreciated his talent. I'd like more music, and less bizarre behavior.
- Psgoodguy, palm springs, california USA, 06/11/2007 17:50
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I have a soft spot in my heart for this troubled man. He is one of the great entertainment talents of our age, yet he is emblematic of what is all wrong with the culture. He, in a sense, is a tragic figure and I pray he will once again become the Michael we love and toss aside those who take advantage of his naturally good nature.
- Bill, Las Vegas, 06/11/2007 17:29
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I can't get over the fact this guy still has fans.
- Clint, Houston Texas, 06/11/2007 17:19
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Aside from being a talented and wealthy artist, he is a dastardly child abuser. To overlook that fact is moronic at best. Shame!
- Stewart, Pomona, New York, 06/11/2007 17:12
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Jackson is a sick, demented, talentless twit
- Cliff, Sunrise, USA, 06/11/2007 17:12
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This ain't no man. This is a freakshow!
- Pete, Denver, USA, 06/11/2007 17:12
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Only in America can a cute looking black boy grow up to be an ugly white woman......
- Anonymous, Virginia, USA, 06/11/2007 17:12
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Michael Jackson is not half the poor parent that Brittany Spears is, and not nearly the poor role-model that tarts like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton are.
If people wish to bring up his past legal problems, that is one matter, but it really seems like the media has taken the circus that Jackson and his publicists once built to promote his talent and turned it against him in an attempt to destroy him. I'm not the biggest Michale Jackson fan, but I think this article is exploitative and borderline racist.
Who cares about what he looks like and the color of his skin?
- Chris, Lexington, KY USA, 06/11/2007 17:11
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"He is a great entertainer and seems to be a wonderful father. He is doing it his way more power to him."
This is incredibly well said, Art, and I agree.
Michael Jackson keep being the beautiful, wonderful father you are.
But take some time to: bring us some music and dance!
Ain't nobody better or sexier.
All my Love to Michael Jackson.
- Cherubim, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 06/11/2007 15:53
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He looked great in the Thriller years!
- Suzanne, Surrey, 06/11/2007 15:51
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He is a great entertainer and seems to be a wonderful father. He is doing it his way more power to him.
- Art Weiss, Seaside Oregon, 06/11/2007 15:44
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