Michael Jackson Discusses Personal Life and Career in 90-Minute Interview with Oprah Winfrey

On February 10, 1993, Michael Jackson participated in a groundbreaking 90-minute interview with Oprah Winfrey, which became the most-watched television interview in U.S. history, attracting over 90 million viewers. During this candid conversation, Jackson opened up about his traumatic childhood experiences, revealing the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father. He expressed a profound sense of loss, stating that he felt he had missed out on much of his childhood and often experienced deep loneliness. In a bid to dispel various tabloid rumors, Jackson denied claims that he had purchased the bones of the Elephant Man, slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, or intentionally bleached his skin. For the first time, he publicly acknowledged his struggle with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation. Following the interview, his album 'Dangerous' saw a remarkable resurgence, re-entering the U.S. albums chart in the top 10, more than a year after its initial release. This interview not only provided insight into Jackson's personal struggles but also significantly impacted his career, highlighting the power of media in shaping public perception.