Admit it or not, many of us seek for stardom in some point of our lives. Sad but true, some would trade their souls for fame. Well, who could blame them, there are tons of amazing perks that could go with being a "superstar."
Well, I have witnessed first hand the life of not just your typical star. He was the most popular human being on this planet. I have seen how the public got so interested in him that they followed us everywhere. From the castles of Ireland to the world-class hotels in Vegas. Every move, every step and every breath he took was publicized and sensationalized.
Seeing those desperate paparazzis and reporters made me realized that being famous ain't easy. During his time, media forgot their boundaries. They did everything just to get a snapshot of Mr. Jackson,,, the funny looking photos, the better. Once they get these precious images then they start to fabricate ridiculous stories.
Helicopters hovering just meters away from where we were staying was just a "normal" thing. People would do anything and everything just to get a scoop.
When we took a short unplanned trip and flew commercially somewhere in Europe ( we were not able to have prior reservations because it was an urgent thing). Mr. Jackson and the children were seated quietly on their designated seats along with our group. The three angels were very behaved and hardly talked so that they won't attract anymore attention. Obviously people were busy looking and observing their moves.
The following day, I was aghast to see the front page of the local daily that the spoiled children of Michael Jackson were yelling and throwing soda cans during the entire flight. Unbelievable! How on earth can they write such story which didn't happen at all? Those were clearly just a figment of their wild and stupid imagination. People who were not on that flight and will read stories like this will likely believe all of this crap.
From that moment on, I knew why the boss would hate to see us read tabloids. That was not the last time it happened. I would run out of space and time if I go on.
Over time I have developed an emotional attachment with the family especially the kids. It pains (yes until now) me to hear or read false accusations against them because deep in my heart I know how kind and well-mannered they were. They were my family in a land where I have no body to rely on.
When you get to look into the lives of these famous personalities you will eventually start to appreciate your simple life. The freedom to go anywhere and anytime you want without somebody stalking is beyond price. Nobody would even bother to critic if you opt to go to Target or Walmart.
Mr. Jackson wasn't able to enjoy the same kind of liberty that we ordinary people have. He couldn't go out, dine out and go to a bookstore ( He was a bookworm. He read about history, photography, designs, film, travel, architectural designs, Africa and so many other interesting books... that explains why he was well-informed and very smart) without cameras following him. No matter how hard he tried to cover up people still recognized him.
Paradoxically, those people who are apparently not MJ fans started to say good things about him when he passed away. They then remembered how amazing he was as a performer and how great his music was.
The life that Mr.Jackson lived may be unfathomable but one thing for sure..he was a person with extraordinary talents but with ordinary wants just like you and me.
Again and again I'm extending my gratitude to you my boss for allowing me to have a glimpse of your private world.
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