Michael Jackson: Unmasked The Final Years – Book Review

Unmasked The Final Years of Michael Jackson by Ian Halperin was the first book to rush to the shelves following Michael Jackson’s death. Although criticized for cashing in on the singer’s death, Halperin had, in fact, been working on the book for many years and was set to go to print when Michael Jackson died. Because of this, the book was held back and amended before finally being rushed to the printing presses.

Rating:

Halperin admits to starting this book to expose Jackson for what he believed at the time to be getting away with crimes against children. While researching the book’s content, Halperin admits his opinions changed completely because he noted the evidence clearly showed Michael was innocent of the accusations even if there were still those who did not agree with some of his choices on who he surrounded himself with.

Some of the facts uncovered by this book cannot be disputed while others are at best a bit laughable.

The facts that can now be supported are as follows:

He found evidence of MJ wearing wigs, more plastic surgery than had been previously admitted, skin bleaching (regardless of what you believe the reasoning for it), drug addictions and health issues later reported in the coroner’s report. What is still up for debate and much heated discussion especially amongst MJ’s fans is that Halperin claims Michael was gay and had many lovers who he met in rather seedy establishments.

The book goes over his career, accusations, trial circus and evidence in great length, obsessions, Scientologist’s desire to convert MJ to their organization, MJ’s children and their coming to be, celebrity friendships, drug dependency, etc.

In light of his death and the information obtained by family, friends, and media coverage we believe some of the claims in this book cannot be denied as being grounded in fact.

For example, no one can dispute some of the physical changes such as skin lightening (creams were found on his nightstand regardless of speculating why MJ used them…disease or desire), wigs are now being confirmed as being worn as his real hair was short, curly and balding, drug dependency is now well documented and discussed. The nature of his death and the administering of drugs is what it is and family have confirmed their interventions over the years. Lung issues used as proof of serious medical issues by Halperin in the book were noted in the coroner’s report as noting a longstanding inflammation of the lungs, etc. Was this part of a real disease or just another ailment that plagued MJ making him feel the need for medication can only be speculated on.

What can be disputed or makes this book not a good read are as follows:

Halperin’s claim that MJ’s marriage to Lisa Maria was a Scientology sham. She has since clearly stated her love for him and the marriage were real. Unconventional yes but for MJ’s sake we hope this piece of copy in the book is wrong. He often looked so desperately in love with her in pictures that it would be sad to think this was not real.

What seems to be outraging most MJ fans to Halperin’s astonishment is his claim that MJ was gay and had many lovers. I guess it would have to have been rather naive to assume some would not take offense to this. Micheal himself always stated his preference was women even though his sexual orientation has been the subject of much speculation for years. His religious upbringing has been used as defense but most know that may not ultimately persuade a person one way or the other.

Some claim the black community is particularly harsh on gay individuals and it is believed that is one of the reasons why MJ may have not confessed. The effect such disclosure could have had to his career can also not be understated.

What makes his gay references rather weak is the fact that none will be named, no pictures are produced to support such a claim, friends such as Liz Minnelli believed he was asexual and the notion that MJ after going through such great lengths to hide his meetings would allow himself to be photographed which is suggested.

Lets face it…we don’t know if Halperin is correct. His other facts (and they are many) are true and he goes into this book with a bias only to admit it later and clearly vindicate MJ on the most important rumour and accusation…that he molested children. The book provides so much detail as to the complete opposite that for every MJ fan that alone makes this work a piece supporting their idol.

The final years are documented as being rather heartbreaking.  Some of the struggles financially causing MJ to live so dismal in the final years according to this book may be grounded in some fact. We now know he was hundreds of millions in debt and was planning a massive selloff of everything from clothing, awards, furniture, etc. This does seem a desperate measure for a man known to house his career items in warehouses with a full appreciation of his legacy after his passing. Once the 02 concert deals were signed, he immediately sued the auction house and forced them to stop the sale. That in itself suggests that some of these measures were being done out of desperation due to money issues.

The picture painted in Vegas in particular now seems to be supported by many including family, friends and doctors who have stated that MJ was in terrible condition in Vegas and that drug interventions were in fact done. It does seem to suggest this particular period in his life was rather depressing.

What has to be said is that there is no proof either way on the one fact that is causing the stir regarding Michael sexual preferences. Many have opinions and at the end of the day, does it really matter. He was a man who had a right to his own preferences as long as the other partner was obliging.

Halperin’s claim to be able to pretend to be a model is rather comical and his statement that Michael came on to him because he ‘gazed into his eyes’ could probably be explained by the fact that MJ was sizing him up since he was distrusting.

The ranting about MJ wanting to become a Canadian, move to Vegas and buy some expensive house, etc. seem grounded in fiction.  This is one area of the book that seems laughable.

Another problem with the book is that it focuses only on the last 15 years of MJ’s life and is loaded with typos and publishing mistakes that should have been caught before going to press.

Although this book may not be popular by some MJ fans especially the ones who want no shortcomings of their idol ever reported, this book does offer insight, fact and appreciation for MJ’s life, career, choices and pitfalls especially those surrounding the trail, extortion and accusations. That is by far the best part of the research.

Regardless of why MJ agreed to the concert run, and much has been speculated on whether it was money related or that he wanted his children to see him perform while he still could, we hope that the preparations were a positive ending for him.

We only hope that regardless of the latter years portrayed in this book, that the ultimate acceptance of his fans for his This is It concert run reminded Michael Jackson that his support and love from his fans had never wavered. Maybe that brought him comfort and joy even with the added stress and sleepless nights it caused.

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