6 celebrities who were Michael Jackson’s true friends, from Whitney Houston and Real Housewife Kathy Hilton, to Macaulay Culkin and Chris Tucker who stood by the King of Pop in court

Mar 26 , 2022

Michael Jackson is arguably one of the most famous people to exist, but did you know that he shared unexpected friendships with these celebs? Photos: fanpop.com; @brandy, @kathyhilton/Instagram

Aaron Carter performed at the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration concert at Madison Square Gardens, and was a regular at Neverland Ranch

Jackson was ‘obsessed’ with former child star Shirley Temple, who once cooked him a roast chicken dinner, and grew up with Paris and Nicky Hilton’s mother Kathy

As one of the most successful entertainers of all time, the late great Michael Jackson inevitably came to meet many of the world’s most famous and celebrated individuals. After several decades of rubbing shoulders with scores of high profile celebrities, the so-called “King of Pop” undoubtedly amassed a personal address book with an impressive list of famous names.

At his stratospheric level of success, however, it could be understandably tough to distinguish true friends from acquaintances wanting to take advantage of the superstar’s fame and fortune, using him for their own personal gain.

So did the King of Pop have genuine friends? Yes, he did! The six ing celebrities were some of Jackson’s most beloved and loyal friends.

1. Macaulay Culkin

Michael Jackson and Macaulay Culkin on set of the Black or White music video. Photo: @laoctavatv/Facebook

Most Michael Jackson fans are well aware that the pop superstar shared a special bond with Macaulay Culkin. The child actor was even given the honour of being godfather to Jackson’s daughter, Paris.

However, what some may not know is that their friendship was so strong that Culkin ultimately took the witness box in Jackson’s highly publicised child molestation trial where he vehemently defended Jackson’s innocence. Culkin testified that even though he’d often shared a bed with the world-famous pop star, no inappropriate or improper behaviour ever transpired.

2. Chris Tucker

Michael Jackson and Chris Tucker formed a friendship and would often spend time together. Photo: @christucker/Instagram

Actor and comedian Chris Tucker was another of Jackson’s famous friends. The two entertainers met on the set of the music video to the hit single You Rock My World. Thanks to Tucker’s sense of humour and ability to keep Jackson laughing, the two became fast friends. Tucker became a frequent sight at Neverland and even took the stage with Jackson at the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration concert.

Rush Hour’s Chris Tucker and pop superstar Michael Jackson became good friends, with Tucker defending Jackson in court. Photo: @christucker/Instagram

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x