Michael Jackson is one of the most iconic figures in music history, not only for his extraordinary talent but also for the eccentricities and myths that surrounded his life and career. Over the years, countless urban legends have circulated about the King of Pop, ranging from bizarre rumors about his lifestyle to outlandish tales about his personal habits.

In this article, we’re going to dive into 10 of the strangest myths about Michael Jackson and reveal the truth behind them, from his legendary moonwalk to the infamous oxygen chamber story.

1. Michael Jackson Invented the Moonwalk

One of the most enduring myths surrounding Michael Jackson is that he invented the moonwalk, the iconic dance move that became synonymous with his name. The moment he performed it during his 1983 Motown 25 performance was nothing short of magical. His seamless gliding across the stage left audiences in awe, and many believed he had invented this incredible move. However, the truth is far less sensational. Michael Jackson did not create the moonwalk; rather, he popularized it. The dance move, known as the “backslide,” had been performed by street dancers long before Jackson showcased it. In fact, legendary dancers like Jeffrey Daniel from Shalamar had been using the moonwalk in their routines. Jackson, however, took it to new heights, refining it and adding his own twist, making it one of the most memorable and mesmerizing movements in pop history.

2. Sleeping in an Oxygen Chamber

Another myth that spread like wildfire was the story of Michael Jackson sleeping in an oxygen chamber to prolong his life. This strange rumor gained traction after reports claimed that Jackson had purchased an expensive, futuristic-looking chamber where he would spend hours breathing pure oxygen. While it’s true that Jackson was fascinated with medical treatments and alternative therapies, the oxygen chamber story is largely exaggerated. Jackson did undergo oxygen treatments in the late ’80s as part of his ongoing efforts to maintain his health and skin, but the idea that he slept in one regularly is far from the truth. It’s important to note that the chamber, while real, was part of a broader interest in improving his well-being, not some bizarre obsession with immortality.

3. His Face Transformed by Surgery

Michael Jackson’s face transformation over the years sparked endless speculation and gossip. From his nose to his skin tone, fans and critics alike speculated about the extent of his plastic surgeries. One common myth is that Jackson had multiple surgeries to completely alter his face. While Jackson himself admitted to undergoing some surgeries, including a rhinoplasty to fix a breathing issue after a tragic accident, many of the changes to his appearance can be attributed to natural aging, makeup, and lighting. His skin condition, vitiligo, also played a major role in his appearance. The myth that he deliberately sought to change his face entirely to achieve a different look is mostly exaggerated.

4. The Bizarre Skin Whitening Rumor

One of the most talked-about rumors about Michael Jackson was that he deliberately lightened his skin to appear Caucasian. This myth has been widely debunked. Jackson’s skin lightened gradually as a result of vitiligo, a skin condition that causes the loss of pigment. Despite the public’s misconceptions, Jackson did not try to bleach his skin. Instead, he used makeup and treatments to even out his complexion and camouflage the blotches caused by vitiligo. Jackson was incredibly open about his condition, even discussing it in interviews. The myth that he was trying to alter his race reflects a deep misunderstanding of both vitiligo and Jackson’s own struggle with self-identity.

5. He Was a Recluse Who Never Left His House

Another persistent myth was that Michael Jackson was a complete recluse who rarely, if ever, left his home. The public perception was that Jackson lived a life of seclusion, hiding from the world. In reality, Jackson was deeply involved in various humanitarian efforts and spent a great deal of time traveling the world for his music, charity work, and public appearances. While it’s true that his personal life was often shrouded in mystery, Jackson wasn’t exactly the hermit people believed him to be. He frequently made public appearances, visited children’s hospitals, and took part in charitable events, showing that his reclusive persona was largely a result of his media portrayal rather than his actual lifestyle.

6. The Oxygen Chamber and Hyperbaric Chamber Confusion

While we’re on the topic of strange health myths, there’s also the myth that Michael Jackson lived in an oxygen chamber or that he even slept in a hyperbaric chamber to keep his skin youthful. While it’s true that Jackson experimented with various alternative health treatments, including the use of oxygen tanks, this was not a regular practice for him. The idea of him sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber is a gross exaggeration of reality. In fact, he was known to be a bit of a health enthusiast who tried many different approaches to stay healthy and youthful, but sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber was never his routine.

7. He Was a Vegan Who Never Ate Meat

Many fans believe that Michael Jackson was a strict vegan who refused to eat meat, but this is far from the truth. While Jackson did take a keen interest in healthy living and often advocated for plant-based diets, he was not a vegan. He was known to be a vegetarian for periods of time, but he also enjoyed non-vegan foods. Like many people who are passionate about health and nutrition, his dietary choices varied throughout the years, and the idea of him following a strict vegan lifestyle is more myth than fact.

8. He Had a Pet Chimpanzee Named Bubbles

While this one is indeed true, the myth around it is even stranger. Michael Jackson did have a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles, but the stories surrounding their relationship often painted a picture of Jackson’s eccentricities being out of control. People often believed that Bubbles was a constant companion, always by Jackson’s side. In reality, Bubbles was with Jackson for a few years before being moved to an animal sanctuary. The idea that Bubbles was with Jackson for his entire life is a complete myth, though their bond was certainly unique and a testament to Jackson’s love for animals.

9. Michael Jackson Was a Scientologist

Over the years, there were rumors that Michael Jackson was a member of the Church of Scientology. While Jackson had a variety of spiritual influences in his life, he was not a Scientologist. He was known for his deep connection to his faith, which was rooted in Christianity. Many of the rumors about his association with Scientology stemmed from the fact that some of his friends, such as actor John Travolta, were part of the church. However, Jackson never officially identified himself as a member of Scientology, and any rumors claiming otherwise are simply myths.

10. He Bought the Elephant Man’s Bones

Finally, one of the strangest and most disturbing myths was that Michael Jackson had purchased the bones of the famous “Elephant Man,” Joseph Merrick, as a macabre trophy. This rumor, which originated in the tabloids, was completely false. While Jackson did visit Merrick’s remains at the Royal London Hospital during a trip to the UK, he never purchased them, nor did he keep them in his home. The story was entirely fabricated by the media and has since been debunked by those close to Jackson.

In conclusion, Michael Jackson’s life was as extraordinary as his music, but many of the myths that surround him are more fiction than fact. From the moonwalk to the oxygen chamber, the King of Pop’s legacy is filled with eccentric stories that continue to captivate the imagination. But by separating fact from fiction, we can gain a clearer understanding of the true Michael Jackson: a musical genius, a compassionate philanthropist, and a man who, despite his eccentricities, remained grounded in his love for music and his humanitarian efforts.