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Changing faces: The harsh reality of Michael Jackson's fading looks
Last updated at 13:08pm on 09.11.07A 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 (28)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
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
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
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
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