Macaulay Culkin, one of the most recognizable child actors in Hollywood, has extensively discussed his distinctive friendship with Michael Jackson.
In numerous interviews, Culkin has elaborated on their relationship, which developed during a period when both were dealing with the pressures of early fame.
Their connection, although subject to intense scrutiny, provided both stars with comfort and mutual understanding, as they faced the difficulties of growing up in the spotlight.
Culkin first met Jackson after his role in the blockbuster film Home Alone, which propelled him to international stardom.
Jackson was reportedly impressed by Culkin’s performance and arranged to meet him through his housekeeper.
What began as a meeting soon evolved into a close friendship, with Culkin often visiting Jackson’s renowned Neverland Ranch and joining him on vacations.
Culkin noted that their friendship was founded on their shared experiences of early fame. He mentioned that Jackson often found solace in their relationship, as Culkin was someone who could relate to the unique pressures they both faced.
While the world admired Jackson, Culkin treated him as an ordinary individual, a perspective that Jackson greatly valued. Their friendship also included many lighthearted moments.
Culkin reminisced about playful water balloon fights, pranks, and shared escapades.
In one memorable incident, they created mischief in Bermuda by tossing signed water balloons at fans from a balcony.
Culkin explained that these playful interactions allowed Jackson to experience the childhood he felt he had missed.
Despite the joy and laughter, Culkin also addressed the more profound elements of their relationship.
Jackson frequently confided in him about his feelings of loneliness and mistrust. He shared that Jackson appreciated the honesty and simplicity of children, having encountered many adults who sought to take advantage of his fame.
The public’s intrigue regarding their friendship took a troubling turn in 1993 when Jackson faced allegations of child abuse.
At the age of 13, Culkin expressedJackson’s bedroom, as he described it, resembled a multi-level suite, and their time together was entirely free of any inappropriate behavior.
The actor has consistently asserted that his friendship with Jackson was authentic and founded on mutual respect.
In a 2020 interview, he reaffirmed that Jackson never acted inappropriately and that their relationship was rooted in a shared understanding.
Culkin stated, “If there was something to discuss, I would absolutely do it. But no, I never witnessed anything; he never did anything.”
Culkin also addressed the public’s ongoing intrigue regarding their relationship, recounting an awkward interaction with actor James Franco about the documentary Leaving Neverland.
He dismissed the encounter, highlighting that people often sought his perspective solely because of his close ties to Jackson.
While recognizing the persistent controversies surrounding Jackson, Culkin has remained resolute in defending his late friend. He mentioned that he deliberately distanced himself from the media frenzy surrounding Jackson’s life and death.
On Thursday morning, Macauley Culkin was seen in fatherly mode alongside his fiancée, Brenda Song, as they were out with their two children.
The Home Alone star, 44, was spotted holding his son Carson’s backpack while the family was out in Los Angeles.
The former child actor donned a denim jacket over a white T-shirt and black joggers, complemented by pink Crocs and a backward-billed hat atop his short blonde hair.
