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Press Conference on Rumors

Date confirmed on “UPI” (“

Michael Jackson, full statement, “Ebony” magazine (December 1984) and Randy Taraborelli’s “Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story”

For some time now, I have been searching my conscience as to whether or not I should publicly react to the many falsehoods that have been spread about me. I have decided to make this statement based on the injustice of these allegations and the far-reaching trauma those who feel close to me are suffering.

I feel very fortunate to have been blessed with recognition for my efforts. This recognition also brings with it a responsibility to one's admirers throughout the world. Performers should always serve as role models who set an example for young people. It saddens me that many may actually believe the present flurry of false accusations. To this end, and I do mean END: NO! I've never taken hormones to maintain my high voice; NO! I've never had my cheekbones altered in any way; NO! I've never had cosmetic surgery on my eyes. YES! One day in the future I plan to get married and have a family. Any statements to the contrary are simply untrue.

Henceforth, as new fantasies are printed, I have advised my attorneys of my willingness to institute legal action and subsequently prosecute all guilty to the fullest extent of the law.

As noted earlier, I love children. We all know that kids are very impressionable and therefore susceptible to such stories. I'm certain that some have already been hurt by this terrible slander. In addition to their admiration, I would like to keep their respect.

“UPI” (September 5, 1984) (archived)

Entertainer Michael Jackson, in a statement Wednesday, denied he takes hormones to keep his voice high or has had cosmetic surgery on his eyes or cheeks and said he plans to marry and have children one day.

In a prepared statement delivered by his personal manager, Frank Dileo, at a Hollywood recording studio, Jackson said he had advised his attorneys to sue any publication that spreads false rumors about him.

Responding to gossip publications that have repeatedly referred to the singer's androgynous qualities, Jackson said in the statement: 'No! I've never taken hormones to maintain my high voice.'

The statement continued,'No! I've never had my cheekbones altered in any way. No! I've never had cosmetic surgery on my eyes. Yes! One day in the future, I plan to get married and have a family.'

Jackson said he had considered the potential risk of hurting his reputation by publicly responding to the published rumors, and Dileo said, 'He has made this courageous move based on strong convictions.'

'For some time now, I have been searching my conscience as to whether or not I should publicly react to the many falsehoods that have been spread about me,' Jackson said in the statement.

'I have decided to make this statement based on the injustice of these allegations and the far reaching trauma those who feel close to me are suffering.'

Dileo said that his client believes performers should be role models for young people and said Jackson was saddened that many of his fans might believe the rumors.

'I love children,' Jackson said. 'We all know kids are very impressionable and susceptible to such stories. I'm certain that some have already been hurt by this terrible slander. In addition to their admiration, I would like to continue to keep their respect.'

Immediately after reading the statement, Dileo exited the video sound stage in Hollywood and rushed away from reporters.

Jackson's publicist Norman Winter, who was bombarded by questions, said, 'I don't know if Michael has marriage plans now, but he'd love to get married in the future.'

He declined to answer questions about why Jackson had not yet named the charities he promised would receive funds from the Jacksons' nationwide Victory Tour.

Randy Taraborelli, biographer, “Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story”

On 5 September 1984, a major news conference was arranged in a West Hollywood sound studio. Frank Dileo – in dark sunglasses and with a cigar in his mouth – stepped in front of a podium to announce that he was about to read a two-page statement from Michael, ‘who, as you all know, has risen to the pinnacle of success in his field.’

In a gruff, tough-guy voice, the burly manager read [the statement]... After reading the statement, Frank refused to answer questions from the assemblage of reporters, and left the podium.