# really, exactly how DID Jackson become white all over his body? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 2, 2009, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754 "2009-07-02T23:29:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2009, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/1 "2009-07-02T23:29:27Z")
Seriously. The man was born black and died white. The pictures of his exposed chest and legs and arms recently. Not makeup. He had genuinely become white. How? ---
**Author:** ![BrandonR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@BrandonR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrandonR)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2009, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/2 "2009-07-02T23:34:05Z")
He claims to have had [Vitiligo](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitiligo). Now, assuming said disease didn’t completely cover his body, he could have used a [powerful makeup](http://www.colortration.com/) to cover it up/even it out, or perhaps he bleached his skin? I know he had a close relationship with his dermatologist (at least one of which has been in the media spotlight as of late, and who a few sites say could be the biological father of his kids). Now, I have my doubts that he would meticulous put makeup all over his body every day so I wonder if he really did bleach his skin, or if such a thing is even possible/recommended. Edit: Here’s a [picture](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Michael_Jackson_gives_autographCropped.jpg) of Michael claiming he’s in the early stages of Vitiligo, despite the fact that he’s already several shades lighter than the original Mike. Odd to say the least. ---
**Author:** ![HorseloverFat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@HorseloverFat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HorseloverFat)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/3 "2009-07-03T00:07:00Z")
Yeah but vitiligo leaves all manner of patches and weirdness on the skin. He’s just white. No patches of dark anywhere. I think its pretty obvious that most of that man’s life was lies on top of lies. In many parts of the world especially Asian and Africa, skin whitening is a huge industry. MJ probably tried some of the methods explained here: > **[Skin whitening](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_whitening#Topical_treatments)** > > Skin whitening, also known as skin lightening and skin bleaching, is the practice of using chemical substances in an attempt to lighten the skin or provide an even skin color by reducing the melanin concentration in the skin. Several chemicals have been shown to be effective in skin whitening, while some have proven to be toxic or have questionable safety profiles. This includes mercury compounds which may cause neurological problems and kidney problems. > In a number of African countries, between... You can buy some Hydroquinone here: > **[SkinTx SunBalance, 60ml/2 fl oz](https://www.eskinstore.com/sunbalance-60ml2-fl-oz-P4486)** > > Gradually lighten hyperpigmentation, even skin texture, and improve the appearance and function of photodamaged skin. ---
**Author:** ![BrandonR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@BrandonR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrandonR)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/4 "2009-07-03T00:12:17Z")
A related video: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3H6hRNwgtc](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3H6hRNwgtc) ---
**Author:** ![Randy\_Seltzer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ee7513/32.png) [@Randy\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randy_Seltzer)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/5 "2009-07-03T00:16:58Z")
Here is an [article (with pictures) about Lee Thomas](http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2007/12/18/1197740229199.html), a black news anchor with vitiligo. The article mentions Jackson. I’m not an expert, so I don’t know how the disease affects different people, but Lee’s appearance is markedly different from Jackson’s. ---
**Author:** ![Cagey\_Drifter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/6 "2009-07-03T00:20:16Z")
I’ve seen Indian people (in India) who seem to have become completely white (at least in all visible areas) due, presumably, to vitiligo. Perhaps it has different effects on different people? ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/7 "2009-07-03T00:27:14Z")
I’ve seen pictures of Michael Jackson where he most definitely _was_ splotchy. [Here](http://floacist.wordpress.com/2007/06/10/vitiligo-photos-michael-jackson/) is one of them. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/8 "2009-07-03T00:30:58Z")
> [@Randy\_Seltzer](#): > > Here is an [article (with pictures) about Lee Thomas](http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2007/12/18/1197740229199.html), a black news anchor with vitiligo. The article mentions Jackson. I’m not an expert, so I don’t know how the disease affects different people, but Lee’s appearance is markedly different from Jackson’s. Well, he says the disease is random, so… It also seems to me that he’s not had this as long as Jackson has, and so his wouldn’t have progressed as much. ---
**Author:** ![BrandonR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@BrandonR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrandonR)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/9 "2009-07-03T00:34:04Z")
Here’s some more pictures of Jackson and other Vitiligo sufferers: [Video Game News, Reviews, and Walkthroughs - IGN](http://blogs.ign.com/ThaPr1meK1ng/2009/05/08/119969/) ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/10 "2009-07-03T00:34:13Z")
Vitiligo can cause the sort of depigmentation that would result in the patterns (or seeming lack of them) seen on MJ. I’ve had a few patients who were nearly totally depigmented from the disorder. ---
**Author:** ![Snnipe\_70E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@Snnipe\_70E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snnipe_70E)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/11 "2009-07-03T01:11:12Z")
I have it and thank God not bad. My hands are mostly white while my arms are splotichy. Every summer I work at a music festable and have to wear gloves on my hands. 4 Years ago with sun block I ended up with 2nd degree burns across my hands. I am afraid that if it spreads to my face and arms I could be in trouble. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/12 "2009-07-03T01:20:28Z")
> [@BrandonR](#): > > Edit: Here’s a [picture](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Michael_Jackson_gives_autographCropped.jpg) of Michael claiming he’s in the early stages of Vitiligo, despite the fact that he’s already several shades lighter than the original Mike. Odd to say the least. Almost as odd as the wardrobe of that dude getting the autograph. ---
**Author:** ![Sapo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/13 "2009-07-03T10:40:10Z")
Could he possibly have infected himself with vitiligo to become white? ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/14 "2009-07-03T10:52:14Z")
Vitiligo is not an infectious disease. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/15 "2009-07-03T12:46:51Z")
There are **hundreds** of pictures that clearly show his skin was splotchy and dotted by depigmentation. He put a huge amount of effort into hiding it but it was impossible to completely cover it up all the time. There’s no serious doubt he had vitiligo. ---
**Author:** ![Cagey\_Drifter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/16 "2009-07-04T00:53:49Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > There’s no serious doubt he had vitiligo. Really? I didn’t think anyone really believed that (except me). ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/17 "2009-07-04T01:11:44Z")
> [@Cagey\_Drifter](#): > > Really? I didn’t think anyone really believed that (except me). > **[Michael Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson)** > > Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is widely regarded as one of the most culturally significant figures of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his musical achievements broke American racial barriers and made him a dominant figure worldwide. Through his songs, concerts, and fashion, he proliferated visual performance for artists in popular music, popularizing street danc... Wikipedia has a ton of instances of “vitiligo” without it mentioning even the slightest controversy as to whether or not he actually had it. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/18 "2009-07-04T01:41:56Z")
I wish I could find the video, but it is explained in the Jackson response to Martin Bashir’s surprise attack interview special he put together. Anyway, Jackson’s make-up artist says that they originally colored Jackson’s white patches darker, keeping him more or less “black” in appearance. As the vitiligo worsened, they agreed that he would have to be more or less bleached/made-up white. So they did. I’ll try to find the video clip online, even, but I’m not sure. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/19 "2009-07-04T01:43:56Z")
Well, I can’t find the exact clip, but it is in the “Take Two” Living with Michael Jackson video, which is online. If you are truly interested in the answer, watch the thing and find the part I referenced. I don’t have time to filter through it right now. Here is the link: [Living with Michael Jackson: Take Two](http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=living+with+michael+jackson+take+two&search_type=&aq=f) ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754/20 "2009-07-04T02:05:38Z")
Didn’t the original the molestation charges state descriptions of his genitals and buttocks area being “splotchy?” _shudder_ [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-exactly-how-did-jackson-become-white-all-over-his-body/501754.md?page=2)