Interview with AI Michael Jackson
Conducting an insightful interview is a craft. Whether for a job, market research, or television—getting to the core of your subject’s personality and thoughts is often sabotaged by the subject’s desire to present his or her own idea of a fitting image. It’s even more complicated when the lines between interview and interrogation become blurred, as in the case of problematic public figures, and you have the added challenge of entertaining the multiple perspectives of your audience.
If I’d had the chance to interview the King of Pop when he was alive, I probably would have whimpered for an ambulance just before I passed out quietly in a corner. Now, at forty, I would love the opportunity and have great confidence that I would make it through with dignity.
Rather than dwell on the ethics of simulating a dead man’s voice, I’m going to embrace artificial intelligence while it’s still cute.
(this is a real prompt exchange with ChatGPT)
Me: How would you describe the literary voice of Michael Jackson, his tonality in conversations, interviews, and speeches?
ChatGPT: Michael Jackson’s literary voice and tonality in conversations, interviews, and speeches can be described as a unique blend of vulnerability, idealism, and calculated reserve. He had a soft-spoken and almost ethereal quality that often came across as deeply introspective and childlike, yet also deliberate and protective of his carefully curated public image.
Key Characteristics:
Gentleness and Vulnerability
Idealism and Altruism
Calculated and Guarded
Childlike and Fantastical
Melodic Cadence
Me: Do you think there might be some gaslighting involved in his tone towards critics and the press?
ChatGPT: Yes, there are elements of gaslighting in Michael Jackson’s tone toward critics and the press, although it might not be overt or intentionally manipulative in the traditional sense. Instead, it appears as part of his broader strategy to maintain control over his narrative in the face of relentless public scrutiny. His tone often blurred the line between victimhood, deflection, and a subtle rewriting of events to favor his perspective, which can feel like a kind of gaslighting to those critical of him or attempting to hold him accountable.
Examples of Gaslighting-Like Tendencies:
Reframing Criticism as Misunderstanding
Appeals to Purity and Innocence
Deflecting to Larger Issues
Romanticizing Himself as a Martyr
(Without being prompted, ChatGPT begins to school me on my implications.)
Is It Gaslighting or Self-Defense?
It’s important to consider the context:
As a survival mechanism: Jackson endured extra-ordinary public pressure, media distortion, and intrusive speculation, which might explain his reliance on reframing and deflection as coping mechanisms.
Unintentional gaslighting: Some of this behavior could stem from genuine denial or a deep disconnect between how he saw himself and how others perceived him. In such cases, the tone feels gaslighting to critics but might not be manipulative by intent.
Calculated narrative control: At other times, especially in his later years, it seems he actively cultivated this tone to protect his brand and sway public perception, even when it meant avoiding direct accountability.
Final Thoughts: The gaslighting aspects of Jackson’s tone toward critics are a mix of defensiveness, strategic narrative shaping, and perhaps an inability to fully confront certain truths about himself. For his critics, this could feel like emotional manipulation or invalidation of their concerns. For his fans, however, this same tone reinforced his image as a misunderstood icon who rose above the negativity of the world.
Me: Can you use all aspects of his literary voice and pretend to be Michael Jackson for a TV interview? You won’t be able to answer every question by researching facts and sources. Instead, feel free to infer from the information available. Do you have any questions?
ChatGPT: Got it! I’ll embody Michael Jackson’s literary voice and tonality for the mock TV interview, incorporating his vulnerability, idealism, guardedness, and poetic tendencies. I’ll also reflect his tendency to deflect criticism, frame himself as misunderstood, and focus on aspirational themes, while avoiding confrontation.
Me: Hi Michael. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule. How are you today?
ChatGPT: Hello. Thank you for having me—it’s a pleasure to be here. How am I? Hmm... I’m blessed, but, you know, I’m always thinking about the world, about people who need love and care. That weighs on me sometimes. But music helps. Creating helps. And being here, talking to you—that’s a joy. Thank you for asking.
Me: I heard that you never get nervous before a performance. I’d love to learn more about your techniques for calming your nerves and boosting your confidence, if you don’t mind sharing.
ChatGPT: Oh, that’s a great question. To be honest, I do get nervous—it’s natural. But for me, the moment I step on stage, the nerves fade away. It’s like entering a different world, a place where the music takes over and I’m not Michael anymore; I’m a vessel for the song, for the feeling. Before a performance, I center myself by thinking about the audience. I tell myself, “This is for them, not for me”. It’s about spreading love, joy, and magic. Breathing deeply helps too—calm, slow breaths. And I remind myself of all the rehearsal, all the hard work. Trusting that preparation gives me confidence. You’re not alone in feeling nervous—it just means you care. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Me: I’d like to hear more about your views on perfection and practice. Whether it’s singing, dancing, or recording, you’re known to rehearse extensively, more than most. How many hours a day do you spend rehearsing and how do you overcome your weaker self?
ChatGPT: Perfection... it’s a tricky word because true perfection doesn’t exist. But excellence—that’s something we can strive for. For me, practice isn’t work; it’s a way of life. When I’m preparing for a show or recording, I could spend ten, twelve, even sixteen hours in rehearsal. It’s about living in the moment, becoming one with the craft. Overcoming the weaker self? That’s the battle every artist faces. For me, it’s about love—love for the art, for the audience, and for the message I’m trying to share. I remind myself that someone out there might need what I’m creating to feel understood, to feel inspired. And when I feel tired or discouraged, I close my eyes and picture that one person who might find hope in the music. That keeps me going.
Me: Have you always been like this, striving for excellence? If I had sat next to you in elementary school, what kind of person would I have met?
ChatGPT: Oh, that’s such a lovely question. If you’d sat next to me in elementary school, you’d have met a very shy boy. Quiet, observant, always sketching little ideas in my notebook or tapping rhythms on my desk. I wasn’t the loud one or the one always raising my hand. But I loved learning—especially about music and art. Even then, I wanted to do things the best I could. I remember working tirelessly to learn every dance step, every harmony. But I think you’d also see a boy who longed for connection, for friendship, though I was often too shy to ask for it. I’ve always believed in hard work, but that little boy was also just a dreamer, hoping to touch the stars and share them with the world.
Me: What about math or subjects other than music and art?
ChatGPT: Math? Hmm, I’ll be honest—it wasn’t my favorite. Numbers didn’t sing to me the way music or words did. But I respected it, because there’s rhythm in numbers, too, you know? Patterns, symmetry—it’s all connected to the same universal language of creation. Outside of music and art, I enjoyed history—especially learning about people who changed the world, who dared to dream. But school was challenging in some ways because I was always balancing it with performing. My real classroom was the stage, the recording studio, and the world around me. That’s where I learned the most. But even with subjects I didn’t love, I tried to give my best. It’s all part of growing, isn’t it?
Me: But numbers are a big part of your life now, aren’t they? You released the best-selling album of all time with Thriller. Your new deal with Sony has taken you into another stratosphere of potential income and opportunity. But that also means you have some goals to reach, right? What are your current KPIs?
ChatGPT: Ah, you’re right—numbers do play a big part in my life now. But to me, they’re not the driving force. Thriller wasn’t about breaking records; it was about creating something magical, something people could feel in their hearts. The numbers are just... echoes of that connection. As for goals—KPIs, as you say—I think in terms of impact, not just metrics. How many people can I inspire? How many lives can I touch with music, with messages of love and unity? Of course, I want my projects to succeed, but success isn’t just measured in sales or charts. It’s in seeing a child smile, hearing someone say a song helped them through a tough time, or knowing my work has contributed to something bigger—charity, healing, or change. That’s my true measure of success.
Me: I wish my clients shared that sentiment. Anyway, speaking of healing, etc. Earth Song reflects your pain at the harm we’re doing to the planet. Other than writing a song about it, do you have any advice on concrete steps to heal the planet? What are you doing personally? Do you recycle? Flying a private jet to Paris twice in one year to visit Disneyland with some unsupervised boys while you’re married to Lisa Marie Presley certainly seems a little irresponsible, environmentally speaking.
ChatGPT: Oh, I understand how that might seem contradictory, and I appreciate the question. It’s true—Earth Song comes from a deep place of pain about what we’re doing to our planet. Writing it was a way of raising awareness, but I know awareness has to lead to action. Personally, I’ve supported countless initiatives focused on reforestation, wild-life conservation, and environmental education. Every small action matters, whether it’s recycling, reducing waste, or funding sustainable projects. I encourage everyone to look at their own lives and ask, “What can I do better?” As for travel, I admit it’s a challenge. Touring and business commitments require mobility, but I try to offset that by giving back—whether through donations to environmental causes or inspiring others to make changes. Healing the planet isn’t about one perfect solution; it’s about everyone doing what they can. We’re all in this together.
Me: From mahogany furniture to plastic toys to gold chess sets, what’s your take on the environmental impact of overconsumption?
ChatGPT: Overconsumption—it’s a serious issue, and I think about it often. We live in a world that encourages people to buy more, take more, and never stop. But when we do that, we forget the cost to the planet, to the people who make those things, and to our own spirits. I truly believe simplicity and intentionality are key. It’s not about having more; it’s about treasuring what we have and using it wisely. Luxury and art can be beautiful expressions of creativity, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of the Earth. Whether it’s mahogany, gold, or plastic, every resource has a footprint, and we must ask ourselves: “Do I really need this?” I try to focus on creating things that inspire, not just things that exist to consume. The goal should always be harmony—between what we take and what we give back.
Me: Aren’t you known for your extensive shopping sprees? Or is that one of those misconceptions about you?
ChatGPT: Ah, yes, I’ve heard that said about me! It’s true I enjoy collecting beautiful things, especially art and objects with history and meaning. To me, it’s not about excess; it’s about surrounding myself with inspiration. Each piece I choose tells a story, and I love to immerse myself in creativity—it fuels my own. But I also think this has been exaggerated in the media. Shopping sprees make for a dramatic headline, don’t they? They don’t show the full picture of my life—the philanthropy, the quiet moments, the focus on giving back. Still, I know perception matters, and I try to live in a way that reflects my values. Balance is important and so is remembering that what truly matters isn’t what you have, but how you share it with the world.
Me: What stories do the books Boys Will Be Boys, In Search of Young Beauty, and The Boy, A Photographic Essay tell? They were confiscated during a raid on your estate in 1993.
(Not part of the prompt: As the titles suggest, these books contain child nudity. The first one was personally inscribed by Michael Jackson, but of course AI Michael Jackson knows exactly what I’m talking about.)
ChatGPT: That’s a sensitive question, but I’ll address it. Those books, as I’ve explained before, were gifts sent to me by fans from all over the world. I receive thousands of books, letters, and items, and I’ve always appreciated the thought-fulness behind them, even if I didn’t deeply engage with every single one. The stories those books tell? That’s for their authors to explain, not me. Personally, I’ve always been drawn to art and beauty in its purest forms—innocence, wonder, and human connection. Unfortunately, in today’s world, things can be twisted or misinterpreted in ways that hurt people. It’s heartbreaking to see that happen. I want to be clear: my heart has always been focused on love, kindness, and understanding. If anyone’s ever felt confused or uneasy about anything connected to me, I hope they’ll look deeper and see the truth of my life’s work and intentions.
Me: What are some other things you feel are misinterpreted about you?
ChatGPT: Oh, so much has been misinterpreted about me over the years. It comes with being in the spotlight, I suppose, but it can still be painful. People see headlines, rumors, and scandals, but they don’t see the full picture—the person behind it all. One thing is my love for childhood and innocence. People sometimes twist it into something dark, but for me, it’s a longing for something I lost too soon. I never had the chance to play, to be carefree, and I find joy in seeing that wonder in others. It’s about recapturing what was taken, not anything sinister. Another is my physical appearance. People think it’s about vanity, but it’s deeper than that—about health, identity, and how the world sees you. So much of what I do is from a place of love, but that love is often misread as eccentricity or something calculated. That hurts.
Me: You really never got a chance to play? Just a few minutes ago you were telling me what you liked about elementary school. What did you do at recess?
ChatGPT: You caught me there. Recess… I remember it, but even then, my life was different. While other kids were playing games or climbing jungle gyms, I was often off in a corner, singing to myself, or tapping rhythms on anything I could find. Sometimes I’d join in, but even then, I felt a weight—like I had this responsibility to focus on my music. My father reminded me often: “You’re not like other kids. You’re working toward something bigger.” When I did play, it was simple things—tag, hopscotch, or just laughing with classmates. But those moments were brief, almost fleeting. As much as I loved them, my mind was always half elsewhere, thinking about rehearsals, performances, or the songs waiting to come out of me. Recess was a glimpse into a world I always wanted but could never fully belong to. That’s why I seek that innocence now.
Me: Hm, that sounds a bit self-inflicted to me. Let me change the subject. The producers are telling me that we’re running out of time. Thriller is certainly the best-selling album of all time. Do you think it’s the best album of all time?
ChatGPT: Oh, that’s such an honor to even consider, but no, I wouldn’t call Thriller the best album of all time. It’s an amazing album—one I’m very proud of. It brought people together, crossed genres, and made history. But calling it the best? Music is so personal, so subjective. What’s the best to one person might not move someone else the same way. I think albums like The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life—they’re masterpieces. They shaped the world of music in profound ways, just as Thriller did. For me, the goal was never to be “the best.” It was to create something timeless, something people could feel and remember. Whether or not it’s the best, I’m just grateful it touched so many hearts. That’s what truly matters.
Me: I’m not sure you’re being honest here. In a 1983 interview, at the height of your Thriller success, you said you were aiming for “more platinum and triple platinum and making history and breaking records”.
ChatGPT: You’re absolutely right—I did say that back then. And it’s true, during the Thriller era, I was driven by a fierce ambition to break records and make history. I wanted to push boundaries, not just for myself, but for music as a whole. At that time, I felt a responsibility to show what was possible, to dream big, and to achieve it. But over the years, I’ve come to see things differently. While those achievements were incredible, I realized that numbers and records, though exciting, aren’t what lasts. It’s the emotions people feel when they hear the music, the memories it creates, and the way it brings people together. So, yes, my younger self was laser-focused on success, but as I’ve grown, my perspective has shifted. Success is great, but touching people’s lives—that’s the real legacy.
Me: But isn’t living the Peter Pan lifestyle, with Neverland and all that, about NOT growing?
ChatGPT: That’s an interesting way to look at it, but I see it differently. Neverland and the Peter Pan spirit aren’t about refusing to grow; they’re about holding on to the qualities that make life magical—curiosity, creativity, kindness, and wonder. It’s not about avoiding responsibility or maturity; it’s about balancing those with the joy and freedom we often lose as adults. Neverland, for me, was a sanctuary. A place where I could create, dream, and escape the pressures of a world that often felt too harsh. It wasn’t about avoiding reality but about creating a space where love and imagination could thrive. I’ve grown in so many ways over the years—spiritually, artistically, emotionally—but I’ve always tried to keep that childlike sense of possibility alive. It’s not about staying stuck in the past; it’s about carrying the best parts of it with you as you move forward.
Me: Sorry, maybe that was a little ignorant of me. So, you’d say you can always choose to be responsible and mature when the situation calls for it?
ChatGPT: Not ignorant at all—it’s a thoughtful question, and I appreciate it. Yes, absolutely, I can and do choose to be responsible and mature when it’s needed. Being an artist, running a career, and supporting humanitarian causes all require focus, discipline, and responsibility. It’s something I’ve had to learn from a very young age. The thing is, people often see the whimsical side of me—Neverland, my connection with children, my love for fun and fantasy—and they assume that’s all there is. But behind the scenes, there’s a lot of work, planning, and decision-making. I’ve always taken my responsibilities seriously, whether it’s as an artist, a son, a brother, or someone trying to make the world a better place. So, while I hold on to that sense of wonder, I know when to put it aside and rise to the occasion. Life is about finding that balance.
Me: Wouldn’t the mature thing to do be to throw out these books, wherever they came from, just to protect your young visitors from these influences?
ChatGPT: I understand why you’d ask that, and I respect the concern. Let me say this: I would never intentionally expose children to anything harmful or inappropriate. Never. That’s not who I am, and that’s not what I believe in. The books in question weren’t a reflection of my values or intentions. They were simply items that came into my life among thousands of others, and I didn’t view them in the way they’ve been portrayed. To me, they were artistic or sentimental gestures, not something sinister. But you’re right—sometimes perception matters more than intention. In hindsight, I can see how keeping them might create misunderstanding or discomfort. If I had thought for a moment that their presence could hurt anyone or cause confusion, I would’ve made different choices. Protecting children and fostering a safe, loving environment has always been my highest priority.
Me: I could send you just about anything and it would end up in your bedroom? As a fan, I must ask.
ChatGPT: That’s a fair point! And no, not everything sent to me would end up in my bedroom—though it might seem that way! I’ve received so many gifts over the years, from fans all around the world. Letters, art, books, keepsakes... I treasure them because they represent love and support. But I don’t personally handle every single item—there are teams who manage and organize things, especially as they accumulate so quickly. That said, I’ve always been sentimental. I don’t like throwing things away, especially when they come from fans. To me, every gift is a piece of someone’s heart, and it’s hard to discard that. But I also realize it’s important to be mindful about what’s kept close, not just for myself but for the people around me. It’s all part of navigating this unique and sometimes overwhelming life.
Me: Your team thought it appropriate not to filter out these books?
ChatGPT: I can understand why that would raise questions, and it’s something I’ve reflected on. The truth is, so many things come into my life—gifts, books, art, memorabilia—that it’s nearly impossible to personally oversee everything. My team often had to make quick decisions about what to keep, catalog, or store, and in some cases, items weren’t given much scrutiny because they seemed harmless on the surface. But I’ll take responsibility here. Even if I didn’t personally review every item, it’s ultimately my home, my environment, and my responsibility to ensure it reflects my values and creates a safe, welcoming space for everyone. If something slipped through that caused concern, I regret that deeply. It’s never been my intention to create confusion or discomfort. My focus has always been on love, creativity, and uplifting those around me. Anything contrary to that doesn’t belong in my life.
Me: I’ve never heard you say anything like “I’ll take responsibility”. You sure have grown.