Photo Credit:Reuters
Bill Whitfield, who served as Michael Jackson's bodyguard from 2006 until the pop icon's death in 2009, has recently shared his perspective on the child sex abuse allegations that have long shadowed Jackson's legacy.
Whitfield described Jackson as a deeply troubled individual, especiallyin the years leading up to his death. "He was sad a lot," Whitfield noted. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Whitfield remains convinced of Jackson's innocence. "He would never hurt a child, this isn't the man I knew," he stated firmly.
Having spent extensive time with Jackson, Whitfield observed his interactions with children closely. "I paid close attention to his actions and behaviors," Whitfield said. According to Whitfield, nothing in Jackson's conduct suggested any truth to the accusations. "It wasn't his character. You had to be around him to know him, and I was there. So no, that wasn't him," he went on.
Whitfield also recounted a poignant moment that highlighted Jackson's distress over the allegations. He remembered Jackson once saying he would "slit his wrist" before harming a child.
The bodyguard's revelations come at a time when Jackson's legacy continues to be a topic of intense debate. The allegations first surfaced in 1993 when Jackson was accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy. Despite a lack of incriminating evidence, the case received widespread media attention and significantly impacted Jackson's public image. In 2005, Jackson faced another trial over similar allegations but was ultimately acquitted of all charges.
"It just still surprises me when I hear things like that," Whitfield said, expressing his disbelief at the ongoing accusations. In addition to discussing the allegations, Whitfield also touched on the impact they had on Jackson's health. He believes that the stress from the accusations played a significant role in Jackson's untimely death. "The stress was too much for him," Whitfield said.
