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“Right On! Focus” Magazine Interview

Date of publication confirmed in MJJCollectors item listing

This year will be a banner year for Jackson, as he has been working on another solo album, a family album, the tour, and at least one film--possibly the long awaited "Peter Pan" by Steven Spielberg. In an exclusive interview, Michael gives us a glimpse into his future plans:

RO/Class: How has the accident changed you, mentally?

Jackson: I appreciate my life and my health, all that I have, more deeply and spiritually.

RO/CLASS: Were you scared, at the time? Did you think you were doomed?

Jackson: When I had time to gather my wits, I knew God would protect me. But I was shook up, naturally.

RO/Class: Will there be a lawsuit vs. Pepsico?

Jackson: I'm not discussing that.

RO/Class: How do you camouflage the burnt spot?

Jackson: There are things I can wear, and I don't go out all the time.

RO/Class: Do you still hope to play Peter Pan?

Jackson: That's what I want to do most. And working with Steven; I love his movies, and his imagination.

RO/Class: What about the movies with Katharine Hepburn and Jane Fonda that have been discussed?

Jackson: Each lady is going to do a movie on her own, and then, well, we'll have to see.

RO/Class: Is it true that the "Thriller" video was in its way a screen test?

Jackson: It put me on film. I mean, there it is. There I am. I don't think I'd need to do a screen test. I did a movie ("The Wiz", with Diana Ross) and I've been filmed for television most of my life.

RO/Class: Did "The Wiz"'s failure disappoint you?

Jackson: I was sorry. Sorry for Diana, me, all of us. But that seems so long ago, now.

RO/Class: John Landis, currently on trial in connection with the allegedly accidental deaths in the film "Twilight Zone", directed "Thriller". How do you feel about the trial?

Jackson: He's a good director. John is a good man. That's all I need to say.

RO/Class: There's a religiously-derived disclaimer at the start of "Thriller" about ESP and otherworldly beliefs. WHy did you put it there?

Jackson: To explain that I don't endorse beliefs that have nothing to do with reality.

RO/Class: But one man's reality...

Jackson: It's what I chose to do. It reflects *my* point of view.

RO/Class: How do you feel about the gossip about your sex life?

Jackson: I don't listen to it. Or read it.

RO/Class: Do you think most of the public imagine you're gay?

Jackson: I think most people are smart enough to know you can't judge a book by its cover.

RO/Class: But why the flamboyant touches like glittery socks or the silver glove?

Jackson: Because I like them.

RO/Class: It's true that most major stars are uniquely idiosyncratic.

Jackson: People who want to be one of the crowd usually don't go into this for a living.

RO/Class: There's also been much written about your being a Jehovah's Witness, and the displeasure of some top members of that sect with your public image.

Jackson: (Silence.)

RO/Class: Are you very sheltered from outsiders, as has been claimed?

Jackson: I have to make the most of my time, and I do choose the people I'm with.

RO/Class: It's been said you now use go-betweens even when the second party is in the room with you.

Jackson: And I have to waste time explaining that?

RO/Class: Has your enormous and quick stardom of the last year affected you or changed your personality?

Jackson: I'm sure, to some extent, it has.

RO/Class: Are you on close terms with your brothers?

Jackson: Yes.

RO/Class: But you're closer to your mother and sisters?

Jackson: We're very close.

RO/Class: Do you think, because of the unprecedented success of "Thriller", there'll be a backlash amongst the public or in the media, against you?

Jackson: I haven't seen evidence of that. Especially with the accident. People have been incredible, and more than kind.

RO/Class: What about the nasty or made-up things printed, or being said by certain people, like comedian Joan Rivers (who said she was flattered, she, not Jackson, was chosen Harvard's Hasty Pudding Club's Woman of the Year)?

Jackson: There's always some evil and lies in the world. But everyone gets what they put into life, good or bad. The judgment will come to everyone.

RO/Class: Does it bother you that whatever you do or say now attracts so much attention?

Jackson: I'm used to it. I grew up on the stage. I'm comfortable around people.

RO/Class: Are you and Diana Ross still extremely close?

Jackson: Always. She's my best friend. I love her.

RO/Class: Do you have many friends your own age?

Jackson: Everyone I know is my friend. They are all ages and backgrounds. I don't discriminate.

RO/Class: Will you ever do non-musical movies? Do you want to be a film actor?

Jackson: At this point, I see, I hear music everywhere in my life. I don't invent the music, I plug into it. It's something bigger than one individual. I don't want to stop the music.

RO/Class: Do you think you can top "Thriller"'s success?

Jackson: I didn't try to achieve that degree of success. So, I won't try to top it. You can't always order the future, no matter how you approach it.

RO/Class: How is your personal life? Is there someone special?

Jackson: It's wonderful, and I *am* in love...