"Michael Jackson Tapes" Details Excesses

New Book by Former Spiritual Advisor Says Singer Feared Old Age; Described as Addicted to Fame and Drugs

(AP)  A new book by Michael Jackson's former spiritual adviser says the pop superstar feared the ravages of old age and appeared to be abusing prescription drugs and cosmetic surgery nearly a decade before his death.

"The Michael Jackson Tapes" doesn't break much new ground, but its author, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, provides firsthand detail in Jackson's voice about the excesses and obsessions the world glimpsed through the entertainer's public facade.

"The Michael Jackson Tapes: A Tragic Icon
Reveals His Soul in Intimate Conversation" (Vanguard Press)


Boteach says the book is based on 30 hours of taped interviews with the entertainer.

In it, Jackson is portrayed as an aging superstar, addicted to fame and drugs, who lacks the willpower to make changes needed to give his life new meaning.

Jackson died June 25. His death is being treated as a homicide.

[NancyJackson]

R.I.P Michael

[pickaguitar1]

RIP Michael

[spiritwalk]

One of jackson's complaints was that the media was racist against him. He said that the media was trying to portray him as weird for sleeping in a hyperbolic chamber and constantly changing his appearance.

As Hunter S. Thompson said. "If I don't want the media saying that I am an aclocholic then I shouldn't be doing the interview with a drink in my hand."

[Markie33tx]

This is such a silly comment to post for someone who "doesn't" care about MJ. There is a lot of racism still in this country. Do you live in a bubble? H Thompson has nothing to do w/this article either, please stick to the topic.