How did Michael Jackson react to Diana’s death?
Diana and Michael had one other thing in common: the paparazzi stalking. For years, they were among the most photographed people in the world.
Diana was constantly in the spotlight, and her controversial image within the royal family invariably attracted the interest of tabloids and reporters. Similarly, Michael Jackson, with his transformed appearance and eccentric lifestyle, was an easy target for the media.
Their friendship is said to have lasted until Diana’s tragic death in 1997.
When Michael learnt of her death, he was shocked. According to The Express, the news shocked him so much that he fainted and had to be revived with ammonia.
He also postponed his concert as part of his HIStory tour. Jackson was due to perform in front of 60,000 people in Belgium, but organisers said the singer was so grief-stricken he was unable to take to the stage.
Ironically, Diana passed away just two days after Michael’s 39th birthday.
Farewell to the Princess
Days after the tragedy, Michael returned to the stage and dedicated the concert to Diana’s memory.
He said:
‘In my heart I was saying, ‘I love you, Diana. Shine. And shine forever, because you are a true folk princess.”’
However, Michael did not attend Diana’s funeral in London. Instead, he attended a memorial service in Los Angeles, where he told reporters:
‘I came to honour my friend who is no longer here… I love her.’
Dressed in a black suit, with a black fedora and red armband, Jackson arrived at the church surrounded by bodyguards. He was one of thousands of guests at the service.
Michael Jackson on Diana after her death
Years later, Jackson warmly remembered Diana on more than one occasion.
In 2003, he spoke out about her again:
‘She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known because we understood each other.’
‘We shared one common problem – the press. I don’t think anyone was harassed the way she and I were. We had a special relationship: we’d call each other at night… Just complaining, crying into each other’s phones about how hard it was, how cruel the tabloids could be.’
These words clearly show that Diana and Michael Jackson were indeed bonded by more than just fame. They found support in each other in dealing with the media attention, which often turned into real harassment.
It is fascinating to watch the moments where Princess Diana and Michael Jackson are together. Unfortunately, they were both gone too soon and under strange circumstances. The photographer who captured this iconic moment probably didn’t even realise the historical significance of what would become Diana and Michael’s only meeting.
But looking back, this photo symbolises the first timid steps of a bond that has only grown stronger over time.