Michael Jackson, celebrated worldwide as the “King of Pop,” was known by a far less glamorous nickname among close friends — “Smelly,” revealed Lionel Richie.
In his memoir Truly, released Tuesday, September 30, Richie recalls that the nickname was given by Quincy Jones, who teased Jackson for occasionally going days without washing or changing clothes. Jackson, Richie notes, laughed along, seemingly oblivious to the teasing.
Richie explains that Jackson’s grueling touring schedule often made maintaining hygiene difficult. Dry cleaners would sometimes keep his clothing as souvenirs, and his fame made ordinary shopping trips impossible. Consequently, Jackson reportedly developed the habit of wearing the same pants until they were no longer wearable.
Richie also recalls the pop star’s casual style during visits: jeans and t-shirts that were either too small or slipping, and, as Richie admits, “often smelly.” On one occasion, Richie even snuck Jackson into his home so he could shower for the first time in days and provided him with fresh jeans and underwear.
Despite these quirks, Richie emphasizes that Jackson’s imperfect hygiene never diminished his extraordinary talent or legendary status. “Everyone has their quirks, even music legends,” he writes.
