Elton John, a close friend of the late Michael Jackson, recently revealed the toll that fame took on the entertainer’s mental well-being. In his recently published memoir, John described his experiences with Jackson as both charming and violent.

The 72-year-old vocalist reminisced about their initial friendship, which began when they met as teenagers. At the time, Jackson was an “exceptionally charming youth.” However, as Jackson’s fame skyrocketed, John noticed significant changes in his behavior. During their adult years, John consistently sensed that Jackson’s mental state had deteriorated. Additionally, the cause of Jackson’s drug overdose remained a mystery.

“We only discovered these things recently,” John stated. “In addition to his intense mental struggles, he had a propensity for becoming stronger. Jackson once found his way into one of my parties, and I later saw him playing with the housekeeper’s son.”

John also delved into Jackson’s peculiar fondness for the company of children, a subject he extensively addressed in his book. He acknowledged that Jackson’s preference for children was mysterious and concerning to many.

Furthermore, John candidly reflected on his own difficult upbringing and his relationship with his late mother, Sheila Fairbrother. Due to her relationship with David Furnish, John’s husband, Sheila never had the opportunity to meet her grandchildren. John believes that Sheila’s rejection of him likely contributed to her inability to connect with her grandchildren as well.

Overall, Elton John’s memoir provides valuable insights into the struggles faced by the legendary Michael Jackson. It serves as a reminder of the toll that fame and mental health issues can take on individuals.