Diana Ross, now 80 years old, has finally opened up about her close relationship with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. For years, rumors swirled about the true nature of their bond, but both stars remained tight-lipped. Now, Ross is ready to set the record straight, offering a candid look into their connection and shedding light on one of the most iconic friendships in music history.
A Bond That Began in the Early Days
Diana Ross first met Michael Jackson when he was a young boy, bursting onto the scene with the Jackson 5. As the lead singer of The Supremes and one of Motown’s biggest stars, Ross took Jackson under her wing, mentoring him during his rise to fame. Their bond quickly grew, and Jackson often spoke about Ross with deep admiration, even crediting her with helping to shape his career.
“Michael was like a little brother to me,” Ross said in a recent interview. “From the moment we met, there was a connection, something beyond just music. I saw his talent, his drive, and his heart. He was so special, and I wanted to protect him.”
Ross became a significant figure in Jackson’s life, and it was no secret that the young performer idolized her. Many saw their relationship as one of mentor and mentee, but over the years, rumors suggested that their bond may have been more than platonic.
Addressing the Romance Rumors
For decades, fans and media outlets speculated about a possible romantic relationship between Ross and Jackson. Their undeniable chemistry on and off stage fueled the rumors, and Jackson himself often referred to Ross as his "first love." However, Ross has finally addressed these claims, clarifying the nature of their bond.
“There was never anything romantic between Michael and me,” Ross explained. “We loved each other, yes, but it was never like that. He was much younger than me, and I always saw him as family. The love we had was deep, but it was the kind of love you have for someone you want to protect.”
Ross also shared that she was aware of Jackson’s feelings for her but insisted that their relationship was built on mutual respect, not romance. “Michael was very open about how he felt, but it never crossed a line. He knew I cared for him deeply, and that was enough for both of us.”
The Struggles Michael Faced
During the interview, Ross became emotional when talking about the challenges Jackson faced throughout his life. She revealed that behind the scenes, Jackson struggled with the immense pressure of fame and often turned to her for advice and comfort.
“There were so many times when Michael felt lost,” Ross said. “He would call me late at night, and we’d talk for hours. He was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and it broke my heart to see him in pain. He was constantly searching for peace, but it was always just out of reach.”