'A lot of everything...': Michael Jackson's bodyguard reveals what killed the king of pop

New revelations behind Michael Jackson's death (File)

Michael Jackson, an unparalleled musical icon, revolutionised the industry with his unique dance moves and powerful music videos addressing global issues. Decades after his death, his legacy endures, with timeless hits that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Recently, his former bodyguard shared his thoughts on the reasons behind the legend's untimely demise.

Bill Whitfield, who served as Jackson’s bodyguard at the time of the pop icon's death, recently offered his insights into what he believes led to the singer’s death. Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, due to acute propofol intoxication. His doctor was later charged with involuntary manslaughter. However, Whitfield, who has spent years reflecting on Jackson's death, suspects there may be more to the story.

In an interview with The Sun, Whitfield expressed his doubts about the circumstances surrounding Jackson's death. “Do I think someone made a mistake? Yes,” he stated. He also revealed that he had considered the possibility of foul play, though he ultimately concluded that Jackson's death was not intentional.

“I’ve tried to work on the thoughts of could this have been intentional,” he said, adding that Jackson had become “a little more frail than normal” in his final days. Whitfield noted the increasing demands on the singer during this time, particularly with the preparation for the "This Is It" tour. “There were more people in his life, and it became hectic. He was doing a lot of rehearsing. I could tell it was weighing on him,” Whitfield observed.

Despite his suspicions, Whitfield stopped short of blaming any individual for Jackson’s death, instead pointing to the cumulative pressures Jackson faced. “But the thought that [he died] at the hands of someone intentionally, that doesn’t weigh with me… I’ve often been asked, what do I think killed him? And I’ve told people, a lot of everything. And that includes a lot of us,” he reflected.

Whitfield emphasised the stress Jackson endured from those around him, saying, “So many people wanted not only to be near him but there were so many people who wanted something from him. And that can be overwhelming. He was definitely stressed out. And stress kills.”

Whitfield also addressed the long-standing sexual abuse allegations against Jackson, firmly rejecting them. “That’s not who he was,” he said, explaining that nothing during his time with Jackson ever suggested the singer was guilty of such actions. “He would never hurt a child. That wasn’t the man I knew,” Whitfield asserted, recalling Jackson’s vow that he would “slit his wrist before hurting a child.”

Whitfield lamented that Jackson was not alive to defend himself, stating, “I’m just sorry he wasn’t around long enough to tell his side of the story so people could get a better understanding of who he was.”