Michael Jackson's Complex Relationships with Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Ross
Michael Jackson's relationships with Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Ross have been well-documented and often analyzed. These interactions were not merely platonic; they delved into familial and even romantic territory. Let's explore these relationships, their backdrop, and the nuances that defined them.
Michael Jackson's View of Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor, a luminous figure in Hollywood, was a significant part of Michael Jackson's life. Despite their apparent empathy and mutual regard, there was a complex dynamic at play. Taylor was well-known for her tumultuous personal life, and there seems to have been an understanding, if not an implicit empathy, between her and Michael Jackson. Their relationship was more about mutual respect and support, rather than the emotional closeness that could be termed familial.
Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother, was highly critical of Elizabeth Taylor's influence on her son, believing that Taylor had stolen Michael from her. This suggests that Michael's relationship with Taylor was more than just a friendship. Elizabeth was not just a friend but a significant influence in his life, providing a maternal figure that filled the emotional void left by his own mother.
Michael Jackson and Diana Ross: A Special Bond
Michael Jackson's relationship with Diana Ross is among the most interesting and complex in his life. Ross, known as the Queen of Soul, was not only a musical icon but also a mother figure to Michael. The Jackson family had a connection with The Supremes in the early days of the Jackson 5, and Diana Ross had a significant impact on Michael's life.
In his book Moonwalker, Michael referred to Diana Ross as both his mother and his lover. The intensity of their relationship is underlined by Michael's claims that Diana took his virginity in 1977 and that they engaged in a sexual relationship when he was 19. This relationship was not just physical; it was emotional and deeply personal.
Michael had a deep, lasting love for Diana that persisted even after she married Arne Naess, a Norwegian multimillionaire. This in itself suggests that the bond between Michael and Diana went beyond mere infatuation. It was a love that survived the challenges of time and circumstances.
Concluding Thoughts on Michael Jackson's Mother Figures
Michael Jackson recognized the strong presence and influence of both Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Ross in his life. These relationships were about more than just love or affection; they were about finding the strength and guidance that a mother figure provides. Taylor offered a maternal presence that filled a void, while Ross provided a surrogate mother in both a physical and emotional sense.
Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson, sat back and watched as Joseph Jackson abused the family, which likely left a significant impact on Michael's need for strong, protective figures in his life. In both Ross and Taylor, Michael found the stability and affection that he may have lacked in his own family life.
Even after his death, the impact of these relationships with Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Ross is palpable. The bond they shared with Michael remained a significant part of his legacy, illustrating the enduring influence of these figures in his life.