One of the many fascinating revelations to come out of Quincy Jones's latest interview centered on Michael Jackson and his career. Jones worked super closely with the King of Pop—in fact, outside of Jackson’s family, he’s the person who worked with MJ the most—and produced some of his greatest hits, including the world's best-selling album, Thriller. When asked about the late artist, though, Jones had some controversial things to say. His comments have gone largely unchecked—until now.
Jones said that something people don’t understand about Michael Jackson is that he “stole a lot of stuff.” He specifically mentioned “State of Independence” (originally recorded by Donna Summers), “Billie Jean,” and “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.” (According to Jones, since “Greg Phillinganes wrote the c section” to "Don't Stop," Michael “should’ve given him 10 percent of the song” but didn’t.) Jones said Jackson was “as Machiavellian as they come” and “greedy.”
Outside of music, Jones said he “used to kill [Jackson] about the plastic surgery” and added that his excuse of “some disease” was “bullshit.” He backed that up with an even stronger statement: “He had a problem with his looks because his father told him he was ugly and abused him. What do you expect?”
Jones’s interview has not stopped making the rounds online, which prompted L Londell McMillan, a “friend and lawyer to Michael Jackson” to speak out on Twitter. “I do not think what Quincy Jones said or how he handled it was right,” McMillan wrote. “However, I will try to meet and speak with him directly and not publicly ‘blast’ or ‘diss’ him. We have to be better than that!” At the end, McMillan added: “Celebrities need therapy, too.” While McMillan didn't say who exactly he was referring to, it seems he certainly meant Quincy Jones was in need of some therapy.
As a friend & lawyer to #MichaelJackson, I do not think what #QuincyJones said or how he handled it was right. However, I will try to meet & speak with him directly and not publicly “blast” or “diss” him. We have to be #BETTERTHANTHAT !!! Celebrities need therapy, too.💯 #RIPMJJ
Jones himself has yet to apologize or qualify what he said, and judging by the way he was speaking during the interview, it's unlikely he ever will. Until we see any more fallout from Jones’s interview, we’ll be left to keep reading and re-reading it. Apparently, it’s only the PG-13 version, but there’s still plenty of eyebrow-raising moments in there to be entertained by.
