The Real Reason Behind Michael Jackson’s White Glove
Michael Jackson’s white glove became one of his most iconic fashion choices. According to actress Cicely Tyson, she knew the true reason behind it. Tyson revealed that Jackson wore the glove to conceal a skin condition, not just as a fashion statement.
Vitiligo: The Skin Condition Behind the Glove
Jackson’s white glove was originally designed to hide the effects of vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose color. He often wore the glove on his right hand. Vitiligo, which affects around 1 in 100 people, results from a lack of melanin—the pigment responsible for skin color.
Cicely Tyson Shares Her Knowledge
In 2009, after Jackson’s passing, Cicely Tyson discussed the glove during a memorial service. She explained that she and Jackson shared the same fashion designer in the 1980s, who had helped create the famous glove. Tyson recalled the designer saying, “I’m doing this glove for Michael,” explaining that it was meant to cover Jackson’s developing vitiligo.
Tyson added, “The glove was to cover it. That’s how it came about.” She also mentioned, “I was there when he was creating it.”
Jackson’s Own Words on His Condition
In a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Jackson spoke openly about his skin condition. Oprah asked him if his skin color had changed because he didn’t like being Black. Jackson replied, “I have a skin disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin. It’s something I cannot help.” He further explained that the condition began after the release of Thriller in 1982 and that he used makeup to manage the blotches.
A Sensitive Topic
During the interview, Oprah remarked that many people didn’t understand vitiligo in 1993. Jackson expressed how painful it was for him when people misunderstood his condition, and he denied ever bleaching his skin.
