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Lionel Richie Reveals Michael Jackson’s ‘Smelly’ Nickname Came From Hygiene Struggles
Lionel Richie explains Michael Jackson’s nickname stemmed from his hectic schedule and stolen clothes, causing him to wear outfits until unwearable, Richie’s memoir reveals.
- Lionel Richie revealed in his 2025 memoir Truly that Quincy Jones gave Michael Jackson the nickname 'Smelly' due to his habit of not changing clothes for days.
- The nickname arose because Jackson’s hectic touring lifestyle left him oblivious to his personal hygiene, which Richie described as eccentric and chaotic.
- Richie shared how he once drove Jackson home, gave him clean clothes, and encouraged him to shower, while emphasizing their strong friendship and musical bond.
- Richie and Jackson collaborated on the 1985 charity single We Are the World, which raised over $80 million for famine relief and featured many major artists.
- Richie insists these hygiene quirks did not affect Jackson’s brilliance or their friendship, highlighting the complexity of the pop star’s offstage life.
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“Stuck on You” singer Lionel Richie is facing some buzz after revealing in his new memoir that he once joked with a very famous friend about a personal
·Atlanta, United States
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Lionel Richie says Michael Jackson stunk so much, Quincy Jones nicknamed him 'Smelly'
Richie recalls working on the charity single "We Are the World" with Jackson — and the pop star's hygiene — in his new memoir "Truly."L. Cohen/WireImage Michael Jackson and Lionel RichieLionel Richie and Michael Jackson changed the world with the 1985 charity single "We Are the World" — but Richie wishes Jackson had changed his clothes."Michael was very close with his family, but once he went solo, making these monster albums, movies, and videos…
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left5Leaning Right2Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
12%
R 25%
Factuality
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