Throughout his career, Michael Jackson remained a magnet for speculation, particularly surrounding his sexual orientation. From the height of his fame in the early 1980s through the remainder of his life, tabloids and gossip columns thrived on sensationalism, frequently alleging that the King of Pop was gay—a claim that Jackson repeatedly denied.

By the time Thriller became the best-selling album in history and Jackson embarked on the Victory Tour with his brothers, the speculation reached a peak. The rumors had become so invasive that Jackson felt compelled to address them directly—a rare move for a man famously guarded about his personal life.

In a statement read by his manager Frank Dileo in 1984, Jackson was forthright:
“It saddens me that many actually believe the present flurry of false accusations,” the statement read. “No, I have never taken hormones to maintain my high voice. No, I have never had my cheekbones altered in any way. No, I have 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.”

He further warned that legal action would be taken against publications continuing to spread such stories.

Rumors around Jackson’s sexuality weren’t new. Since his early days as the teen idol frontman of the Jackson 5, his reluctance to engage publicly in romantic relationships had raised eyebrows. While his brothers married young and openly embraced female attention, Michael remained reserved, further fueling speculation.

At just 19, wild stories emerged, including one claiming Jackson planned a sex change to marry actor Clifton Davis. Jackson laughed it off, recalling how a fan once approached him in a record store to ask if it was true he wasn’t “a girl.” The singer quickly corrected her, asking her to pass on the truth.

In 1979, Jackson addressed the rumors head-on in an interview, saying, “No, I am not gay. I’m not a homo. I’m not going to have a nervous breakdown because people think I like having sex with men—but I don’t. And that’s that.”

Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, Jackson adhered to conservative views on sexuality. Even when Hollywood beckoned with acting roles—like the effeminate character Sammy Williams from A Chorus Line—Jackson hesitated, fearing it might further fuel rumors.

Even his songwriting choices were scrutinized. The release of Diana Ross’s “Muscles,” a track written and produced by Jackson, was interpreted by some as reflective of hidden desires. With its overtly sensual tone, the song marked a departure from Jackson’s typical themes and ignited more gossip.

The early 1980s were a media frenzy. Jackson’s mysterious persona, lack of public romantic relationships, and androgynous style made him a target. Tabloids spun tales of hormone use, plastic surgery, and even gender transition. Comedians like Joan Rivers and Eddie Murphy mocked him on late-night television, cementing the rumors into public consciousness.

As Jackson’s fame soared, so too did the moral panic. Conservative commentators accused him of blurring gender lines and corrupting youth. Religious groups denounced his image, warning of its influence on traditional values.

Despite the mounting pressure, Jackson refrained from giving interviews, leaving family members like his mother Katherine to defend him publicly. “Michael isn’t gay,” she told Time. “It’s against his religion. It’s against God.”

When Jackson finally spoke out through his manager, his goal was to end the speculation. But the move backfired. While some viewed it as a necessary clarification, others accused Jackson of fueling stigma. Critics argued he missed an opportunity to express acceptance, saying he could have stated support for the LGBTQ+ community while clarifying his own orientation.

Later, Jackson was asked directly about his gay fans. “I’m sure we must have plenty of fans who are gay,” he said. “That doesn’t bother me in the slightest. But I’m not gay. You can print that.”

Ultimately, Jackson’s statement didn’t end the speculation. For some, it only deepened the mystery surrounding his identity. As journalist Clark DeLeon of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote: “So Michael Jackson is not gay? We can cross gay off the list of possibilities. However, the question remains—what is he?”

It was a question that would continue to follow Jackson for the rest of his life.