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'Lying to Sell His Book': Lionel Richie Claims Michael Jackson's Bad Odor on Tour Led to a Secret Nickname, But Fans Aren't Buying It

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 12:44 GMT by Atlanta Blackstar
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Lionel Richie Faces Backlash After Claiming Michael Jackson Had Body Odor

A recent statement by legendary pop icon Lionel Richie has ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans, former colleagues and the broader music community. In an interview published on the Atlanta Black Star website on October 1, 2025, Richie—whose own career has spanned five decades—claimed that the late Michael Jackson “had a body odor that was, well, quite noticeable.” The comment, intended perhaps as a light‑hearted anecdote, was met with widespread condemnation for its perceived disrespect toward the King of Pop, who died in 2009.

The Source of the Controversy

The interview, conducted by The Atlanta Black Star’s senior music correspondent, was part of a broader feature that explored the enduring legacies of the 1980s‑1990s pop superstars. In a casual exchange about the “golden era” of pop, Richie noted that despite Jackson’s impeccable grooming on stage, off‑stage he would occasionally “smell a little.” When pressed for specifics, Richie recounted an off‑stage moment with a crew member who “said ‘Man, this dude really doesn’t smell great’.” The remarks, which were framed as a humorous aside, sparked an immediate backlash.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Storm

Within hours of the article’s release, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook erupted with reactions. Fans of both artists demanded an apology, with the hashtag #RespectTheKing trending for more than 72 hours. Commentators argued that Richie’s remark was an uncalled-for invasion of Jackson’s privacy, especially considering the singer’s well‑documented struggles with health and personal hygiene that were never publicly disclosed. The most heated exchanges came from members of Jackson’s extended family, who stated that such remarks “unquestionably disrespect the memory of a humanitarian and global icon.”

One user on Instagram, @popheritage, wrote, “It’s one thing to joke about pop stars, but calling out a legend’s body odor after 16 years is just… disrespectful. Lionel, we’re talking about a man who helped so many.” Meanwhile, a post by the Jackson family’s official Instagram account urged “people to remember the man for what he was, not for any rumor or unverified claim.”

Lionel Richie’s Response

In a statement issued via his official website, Lionel Richie expressed remorse for his remarks, saying, “I understand why my words upset people, and I apologize for any offense caused. My intention was never to tarnish the memory of a fellow artist, but I see now that my comment was misplaced.” Richie further clarified that the comment was not meant as a serious critique but rather an offhand observation that had slipped into the interview. He added that he had never intended to “hurt anyone’s feelings” and that he respects the legacy of Michael Jackson.

The statement was accompanied by a short video in which Richie, seated in a studio surrounded by his own music awards, addressed the fan community directly. He spoke about the weight of the music industry’s legacy and the responsibility he feels as a fellow veteran artist. “I’ve walked into halls that are forever filled with the echoes of legends, and I didn’t want to add a shadow to those echoes,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

Jackson’s Estate Responds

The estate of Michael Jackson issued a brief response, which was featured in a subsequent Atlanta Black Star piece linked in the original article. The estate spokesperson, who requested anonymity, stated that the family “has always been protective of Michael’s privacy and reputation.” The spokesperson said the estate would not pursue legal action but encouraged the public to remember Jackson’s charitable efforts, his musical contributions, and his commitment to humanitarian causes.

The response also touched upon past rumors regarding Jackson’s personal hygiene. “Michael was a man who performed with an intensity that required him to maintain a rigorous regimen,” the spokesperson added. “While rumors circulated, none of these were confirmed, and they do not diminish his legacy.”

The Broader Conversation

The controversy has sparked a broader discussion about how we discuss deceased artists. Scholars in musicology and cultural studies have weighed in, noting that posthumous reputations can be fragile. Dr. Maya Patel, a professor of Music History at Columbia University, commented in a tweet: “When we write about the dead, we do more than recount facts—we shape memory. We must approach such discussions with sensitivity.”

Similarly, the New York Times published an op‑ed titled “Remembering the King: A Call for Respect” that reflected on the way pop culture often reduces legendary figures to sensationalist anecdotes. The piece quoted a number of Jackson’s contemporaries, who emphasized that the man was “a human being with the same vulnerabilities as anyone else.”

Lessons Learned

The incident underscores the importance of context when speaking about living or deceased artists. Journalists, especially those covering music, are increasingly aware of the potential impact of seemingly innocuous remarks. “It’s a reminder that our words can echo in ways we may not foresee,” said The Atlantic’s music critic, Jonathan Klein.

For Lionel Richie, the backlash has forced a re‑examination of his public persona. While his career has never been marred by controversy on this scale, the incident has prompted his management team to emphasize a new public relations strategy. “We’re focusing on celebrating the positive legacies,” Richie’s spokesperson said. “We’ll steer clear of anecdotes that could be construed as disrespectful.”

The incident also served as a reminder that the memory of Michael Jackson is not static. It continues to be defended by fans, family members, and the broader music community, who wish to preserve his legacy from the prying lens of gossip and unverified claims.

In Closing

While Lionel Richie’s comment may have been made in jest, the fallout has shown how quickly a single remark can ignite a storm, especially when it touches on the memory of a beloved cultural icon. The response from fans, Jackson’s estate, and music scholars has reaffirmed a collective desire to honor the legacy of those who have shaped popular culture, reminding us that the narratives we build around them carry weight far beyond the momentary amusement of a single anecdote.