Michael Jackson’s name is synonymous with unforgettable dance moves—none more iconic than the moonwalk. But perhaps the most controversial and misunderstood gesture in his career was the now-infamous crotch grab. This provocative move became a defining part of Jackson’s stage persona, sparking debate and fascination around the world. But what was the real reason behind it?

The moonwalk first enchanted the world in the early 1980s, establishing Jackson as a mesmerizing dancer with a magical quality. It perfectly captured the whimsy and wonder of his Thriller era. However, after the album’s overwhelming success, Jackson’s image began to shift. The media turned on him, portraying him as a reclusive, childlike figure. In response, Jackson began rebranding himself—with a darker, more aggressive edge.

With the release of Bad, Jackson debuted a bold new look: black leather, zippers, and a sharper, more masculine energy. His choreography followed suit—tougher, more assertive, and sexually charged. Central to this was the crotch grab. No longer the innocent pop star from the Jackson Five, Jackson was now a grown man unafraid to push boundaries and claim his space.

This move quickly stirred controversy. Parents were shocked, the media criticized it, and commentators called it inappropriate—especially given Jackson’s massive young fan base. But Jackson was undeterred. The crotch grab became a staple in his music videos and live performances, performed with such frequency that it became an emblem of his identity.

So, where did the move originate?

Jackson was known for using dance as an extension of his emotions. In a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, he explained that when he danced, he felt taken over by the music—his movements weren’t always planned, they were instinctual. The crotch grab, according to him, was something he did because he was simply “feeling the music.”

Yet, others saw deeper motives. As media speculation swirled around Jackson’s sexuality, some theorized that the move was a bold assertion of masculinity. At a time when he faced persistent rumors about being asexual, homosexual, or even wanting to transition, Jackson may have felt the need to reclaim his sexual identity in the public eye. What better way to do that than through the art form he knew best?

The move also had cultural implications. In some cultures, grabbing the crotch is a taunt—a display of dominance, confidence, or provocation. This interpretation made perfect sense in Bad, where Jackson plays a character who must stand his ground among inner-city peers. Whether it was for artistic impact or personal expression, Jackson’s gesture was intentional and symbolic.

The shift coincided with Jackson’s departure from the Jehovah’s Witness faith, which had previously restricted his performances. His longtime makeup artist Karen Faye explained that once freed from religious constraints, Jackson embraced a more adult, sexual style, much like his peers—Madonna, Prince, and even his sister Janet. Songs like The Way You Make Me Feel featured not only the crotch grab, but an entire suite of flirtatious body language.

Journalists at the time noted the shift. Reviews of his Bad World Tour remarked on the “sexual tension” in his performances, with one even calling it a welcome change from his previously “androgynous” image. Still, criticism continued. Some argued the gesture was unnecessary and even insecure—“an overstated attempt at stamping gender on his image.”

International backlash soon followed. In Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan and Malaysia, Jackson’s suggestive moves clashed with local values. His 1996 performance in Brunei came with a $17 million paycheck—but also with strict rules: no crotch grabs or overt sexuality. Jackson complied, at least for one night.

His costumes, too, evolved to complement the gesture. Gold fencing outfits and tight pants emphasized his movements, drawing attention to his lower body. Designer Michael Bush once quoted Jackson saying, “Girls love cake, so we give them cake.” His costumes were strategic: allure for the women, strength for the men.

Today, the crotch grab is largely remembered as a signature Michael Jackson move—less shocking now in a world where explicit stage antics are common. What was once viewed as a scandalous overstep is now part of the King of Pop’s unmatched performance legacy.