Comments on: Michael Jackson, Magic Johnson & KFC

By: Morgan

Morgan — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:48:13 +0000

I don’t doubt that the story is true (Jackson definitely is known to have liked KFC), but I also don’t doubt that Magic Johnson (a former pitchman for KFC and probably a shareholder in the company) saw an opportunity here to make a plug.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:18:14 +0000

Honestly, the world is full of cynics. I absolutely think Michael did eat KFC at least once in a while. There was an article about a man who acted as MJ’s temporary chauffuer while he was on the BAD tour in 1988, and he said one of the first places MJ requested to go from the airport was KFC. Just because he became a vegetarian at one point doesn’t mean he never ever ate meat ever again. Lots of vegetarians “break down” once in a while, especially if they were meat eaters before.

I thought the anecdote was refreshing and sweet, and exactly what a eulogy should be about. Al Shapton’s lofty comments about racial union fell flat compared to this sweet, personal story by Johnson that elicited laughs from the Jackson family and the rest of the audience. Was Johnson also trying to plug KFC? Hell maybe, but even so, who cares? I have no doubt that the story is true, and it humanized MJ, which I think is important when a star of this kind of fame passes on. What do you know? MJ had a weakness for KFC, just like millions of the rest of us.

By: GtownGuy

GtownGuy — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:24:10 +0000

A delightful, equalizing, humanizing moment!
–And a priceless, finger-licking-good, unintentional plug that made my Louisville, KY, heart SING with anticipation of increased Kentucky Fried (& grilled) Chicken sales. KFC Headquarters are located right here in the home of the Kentucky Derby. (No, I am not a KFC employee, but neither is Magic.)

By: Nuka

Nuka — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:46:32 +0000

I’d say it’s a one in a million years coincidence… of magic johnson starring in a KFC commercial some 10 years ago (you can look it up on youtube) and him having this ‘unique’ moment with Michael to share with the world. Definitely shameless brand endorsement.

@ Eslon T (commenting above): please get your facts right. The official site of KFC has “Kentucky Fried Chicken” written in whole everywhere, including on the homepage.

I realize talking about them only gets them more publicity, but at least maybe it will open some people’s minds: I saw people commenting that they would take their kdis to KFC as a tribute to MJ… outrageous!

By: Elson T.

Elson T. — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:40:54 +0000

Michael Jackson preferred to be vegetarian but he was not a strict vegetarian. In fact, according to his doctor, his last meal was chicken and romaine lettuce.

Also, KFC now markets themselves as “KFC” and not “Kentucky Fried Chicken” anymore. NONE of their advertising uses the original name of the company. A whole generation doesn’t even know what “KFC” stands for! Magic only referred to it as “Kentucky Friend Chicken” and not “KFC.”

By: The Bone

The Bone — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:01:29 +0000

Unless people are just tuning in to American, if not World, culture, all persons in the public eye are suspect of being straight up liars! Jackson being a big one! I think telling Journalist Martin Bashir that he had, “..two, NO, one surgery.. I’ve only had ONE surgery..on my nose”, should clue you in . The man was more made up than all the hookers on the planet!

By: Sean Kelly

Sean Kelly — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:35:17 +0000

Good observation, Chris

By: Charles Hansted

Charles Hansted — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:34:03 +0000

Well, now we know what stopped Michael Jackson’s heart – KFC!