Thanks to MJOne for posting this on the other board!!!!
One thing stood out to me like a sore thumb...as it did with other members...its in red in the next post of mine....ENJOY some insight into MJs life!!
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LoginBill Whitfield, MJ's bodyguard who was interviewed along with 2 other bodyguards on GMA awhile ago is answering fans questions on Facebook.
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Q: If you were the only people working for Michael at that time who did the cooking? I read somewhere I think it was Teddy Riley or Akon said that Michael would cook for his children when the recorded songs in London.
- MJ did prepare meals for his kids.
Q: So he cooked or opened a tv dinner?
- lol...Cooked
- We called MJ SIR and he would say "you guys dont have to call me SIR" we would then say ok SIR, he started laughing.
Q: Hello Bill, did MJ watch much tv? What were his favorite programs? We know he loved to read also...when he find time in the day (or nite) to read?
- He didnt do Much TV, if at all.
Q: Hi guys, was wondering, did you ever see or hear Michael working on his music or dancing. Either at home or in the studio? Did he work on his music a lot?
- Yes, we built his studio and dance floor in his house. We heard him personice all the time. It was amazing to listen to him, many times at 3am.
- We made the dance studio Sound Proof.
Q: I saw a vid of MJ shopping in moistmen menswear shop on melrose..he comes out alone with no Bguards and cant find his car...one of you guys is waiting in the car i think were you around then? Mj was so gracious do you remember this? Did he often shop alone?
- He would shop alone but security was always around.
Q: Hi Bill! I Have a silly question. Since MJ wasn't surrounded by a large entourage and/or staff, who took care of the small stuff like buying groceries, or shopping for everyday stuff? Did you guys help w/ that? I can't picture MJ shopping for his toothpaste, deodorant, etc LOL Have a good one!
- We did that, we also took him shopping a few times.
Q: Were there any down sides to the job at all?
- Not being paid for 4 Months!
- Not once did we ever think about leaving MJ and his kids, we knew it wasnt his fault. I cant get into who's fault it was right now.
Q: Hey Bill, I was wondering if you guys knew Dr Murray? There are several stories about how Michael got to know him, about when he got to know him and so on. Would you mind share with us about what you recollect (if at all)?
- Im sorry, I didnt mean to skip your question, Yes we know Dr.Murray however we can speak on that matter at this time but I will speak on it soon.
Q: I trust you Bill, but I don't understand why you don't want to answer some of the question here because you'll be talking about them in the book, however you don't mind answering other questions you also will be talking about in the book. To be clearer; why don't you want to answer here any question about his girlfriends?
- Questions such as what? I get questions every 2-3 minutes every day, I can't answer everyone or every question.
- Its not that we dont wanna answer questions about his female friends, its NOT about them, its about MJ. Who they are shouldnt matter.
Q: Did he ever pull pranks on anyone?
- Yes, he did pull pranks and we will mention in book.
Q: The story about the fan in the house and Michael's reaction made me laugh so much...thanks so much for sharing these little stories and bits of info.
- MJ told me this, it happened at Neverland while MJ was away, the fan was in the house while everyone was way.
- No, she couldnt get thru the house cause of the security system, she stayed in a closet in the kitchen area.
Q: Bill, do you know any of Michael's friends like Karen Faye, Michael Lee Bush, Frank Cascio, Omer Bhatti or Shana Mangatal?
- I know frank Casio, I've only heard of the other ppl.
Q: You mentioned about MJ that your book will be heartbreaking due to what you will write and how you will write it.
- It will only be heartbreaking when we talk about how lonely MJ was and how horrible ppl treated him.
Q: I think michael was a sweetheart. being portrayed as something he was not.
- Thats why we are going to clear things up!
Q: I have another one: When does the book come out? I mean are you still working on it? Is there a certain due date?
- We are trying for August 29..We are trying for August but we are waiting to see what mr.halperins documentry is about.
Q: Hi, Was easy to work with Michael?
- Yes, but his managers made hard sometimes
Q: One more question...when you worked for him, did he have a large entourage working for him? Or was it just you guys (security) and the nanny, and his cook? Thanks!
- Just 3 security, nanny wasnt around much, He prepared food for his kids...Differnt things, we'll get into that in the book. FYI there was a cook on occassion but MJ prepared his kids food at leaste 3-4 times a week
- Oh yes, we will have many stories about MJs sense of humor, he laughed alot and joked around. He once gave security some food but before he did he put exstremly, exstremly HOT PEPPERS on the food and watched security run around looking for water.
Q: What was it like working with MJ? I bet it was wonderful. Not because of who he is, but for his personality. I love Michael with all of my heart. He is a true person. He cared about everyone. And I wish he was still here. Sometimes I think he is because I can feel him around me at the times
- I cant answer that in detail because of writing a book, but i will say there was NOTHING like it in the world.
Q: After reading the little story about the fan I want to ask you if you are planning on doing a chapter with short little stories like that? I think that would say so much about his character!
- Of course, that's what it's really about. The true personal side of him.
- Thank you so much for that, I started working for him on December 22, 2006
Q: Yesterday was such a joke at court!
- What did you expect?..You must understand, its a High Profile case, they're going to drag it out....Either way its NOT going to bring MJ back, I also believe more ppl should be held accountable....To me MJs real justice will come from those that Defend his honor! No matter what happens in a courtroom only WE as fans and friends of MJ can bring him real justice by defending his name against those that continue to print stories about him that are 100% false.
- Yes I do. I also have a degree in Criminal Justice, Business Management and my Masters in Security Management. I graduated from the U.S.Secret Service training academy. I've coordinated security for: Grammy awards, Oscar Awards, American Music awards, MTV/VH1 awards, Motown and Bad Boys records. No other security detail compares to working for Mr.Jackson. He taught me alot..... MJ and his kids were in the best of hands. No one has ever breached my security detail, and it would have been a very bad day if someone tried.
Q: Hi Bill, did you know Elizabeth Taylor? You and your team will talk about her, mention her in the book?
- We don't expect to mention her in the book, however that may change. she was one of MJs close friends, we never met but we did speak via telephone.
Q: Bill, you and your team will speak in the book about the hobbies of MJ, his personal tastes, for example what are his favorite books, what he liked to read, what his favorite classic movies, you know what the movie of Elizabeth Taylor that he most liked?
- Yes we will talk about that.
- Hello to all the MJ loyal fan base. I just wanted to give everyone a update on the book, things are being put on hold for a minute so that we can see and hear what Idiot Halperin is going to say about MJ in his upcoming doc so we can clear the air and set the record straight about MJ.
Q: I just wanted to ask if you were going to include the topic of vitiligo in your book. theres a lot of ppl and sadly fans who believe mj wanted to be white and refuse to believe that he really had the disease.....even though the autopsy clearly states he did have vitiligo
- Honestly, we were not going to get into MJ's medical condition, its really not about that....... Everyone Please Understand. The book we are writing is about Mr.Jackson, not the figure the media portrayed. I want his fans to know when he was Happy, when he laughed and sometimes when he did cry. He was a damn good father, a caring and passionate man. I was not privy to his medical condition, even if I was I would NEVER speak of it.
- We were looking to release book around the anniversary of MJ's moving to another life, but since some idiot is releasing a doc on the same day we are putting things on hold to see whats its about so we can cover the false info with the truth. Maybe around his birthday.
Q: Will the Jackson Estate and the family be able to see the book first?
- We will seek Mrs.Jackson blessing when book is finished.
Q: You guys know that Haperin's book is a bunch of crap. Please straighten out the garbage he tried to sell about MJ and night trips out. I think that says enough and you know what I am talking about...
- That BS about MJs night trips is something I'm taking very personal. Not on my watch did anything like that ever, ever happen. I'm looking forward to meeting Ms.Haperin one day.
- I was with MJ everyday while he was in vegas, who ever is publishing that book needs to get a refund.
Q: Any thoughts on the firing of Alberto Alvarez by the Jacksons? We appreciate your insight so much.
- Honestly I do have thoughts and insight on that situation but due to legal reasons I cannot share them at this time
Q: So, i'm just curious about the book you are going to publish.. What will the income of the book go to?
- We have a list of 10 different charities that MJ supported. We also want to build a memorial display of him in Vegas because he loved Vegas....Yes the charities will be listed, as for being descete there is no other way to be in honor of my former boss, he deserves nothing less.
Q: Random question........dont have to answer if you dont want are you gonna talk about romantic interests? just curious who he was cheating on me with lol jk
- He was not cheating on anyone..lol... we never said dating two ladies, we said he had two friends that he knew. ppl took that as something else....
- Ok, I see many of you have different feelings on what we should or shouldnt write about in the book. Please understand , his children want this, they want the world to know and see the side of their father the press and media never took the time to acknowledge. Its not about his Love life, its about his being happy and real. He would have loved towalked thru the mall with a "friend" and not be bothered by the media. He didnt put his personal life out there because he couldnt without being hounded by the press. This book is for his fans too, if you beleive and agree great, if you dont we are sorry but I assure you, if your a true MJ fan you will Love this book!
Q: Hey...what is your favorite MJ song? I love SMOOTH CRIMINAL!
- We have something in common, again! Best Song Ever!
Q: Hey Bill did MJ ever mentioned he liked more any song in particular, i mean one of his cause i know his fave song is Smile
- He listened to Classical music alot, he talked about life in general, things he wanted to do, healing the world through his music.
Q: Hi Bill. What was Michael's favorite flower?
- Honestly I don't know if he had a favorate flower, however I did buy white and red roses a few times at his request for the house.
Q: What did Michael like to talk about most?
- Healing the world though his music.
Q: I hope that this question doesn't sound too weird or too sad, but Mr. Whitfield, did you ever see Michael cry? And if you did, why did he?
- Yes, when something was printed about him that was false he was hurt.
Q: Was michael very vocal about his feelings. like sharing all his past memories? you don't have to expose much, but was he ever reminisent?
- He didnt talk much about his childhood, we always wondered why.
Q: Did Michael ever go to Disneyland with his children while you knew him? If he did, did he wear a disguise.
- Not while I was with him.
Q: was just wondering if you had any views about MJ before you started working for him and did these views change during your time spent with him? Eg were you a fan of his music and were you nervous meeting him?
- Wow, what a great question, one I promise to answer in the book. Sorry.
Q: Did Michael want to bring out a new album? Did you listen to songs that were not released..new stuff?
- He was always working on stuff, yes we've heard alot of unreleased music.
LOVE your statement about 'defending him in Death as I so proudly Protected him in Life'. It is truly heartwarming to see such loyalty for Michael - I'm so glad he and his kids had you guys - I just know he appreciated it!!
- Thank you, and yes he expressed his appreciation everyday.
Q: What is your most memorable Michael moment?
- LOL...to many to list. Everything he has ever said to me or did stays as memorable.
Q: Bill, did Michael participate in any recreational sports; such as, swimming, bowling, snow skiing, etc?. Did he like to attend any sporting events under your watch? If so, what were his favorite teams?
- Ive seen him watch golf.
Q: He watched golf? I wonder if he was a Tiger Woods fan? I think I read he had a basketball court, tennis court and Swimming pool! He must have been too busy with his dancing to enjoy any of those. Did you guys ever just kick back, drink some beers and watch the superbowl, NBA Championship, World Series or Stanley Cup?
- He pretty much had every movie ever made (LOL) while we were away in Virginia, somewhere deep, deep, deep in the woods we sometimes kicked back and watched a few movies together....he had the loudest laugh...good times.
Q: I have been curious as to how you three handled coverage for Michael. You all had to have days off occasionally- did you rotate, do shift changes? Two on , one off? How did that schedule work?
- DAYS OFF? We were the only three that knew where MJ was, we were the only three MJ trusted, there was no days off.
Q: Did Michael Have any pets while you were working with him and what were the names? Your interview talked about the cat named Katie
- Chocolate Lab, Kenya.
Q: Bill, I've read before that Michael was afraid of dogs. Is there any truth to that?
- He had no problem with dogs as we knew, The dog was a XMAS gift to Prince.
Q: I have read alot of places that Michael read his bible alot in the thriller era and I was wondering if you ever saw him reading the bible or pray?
- He read the bible daily.
Q: Could you share what MJ's religious beliefs was? Was he a Christian?
- No comment on that. Oh believe me I know where he stood religiously...Im just not getting into that.
Q: Bill, when was the last time you saw and/or spoke to Michael?
- 2 weeks before.
Q: Bill I dont' know if people have done this question before but do you know which or some favorites movies of Michael. Do you know if he liked to see romantic movies?
- He loved action movies, Spider Man, Transformers. He liked special effects.
Q: I know that Michael knew how to drive, but I am curious to know if Michael would drive while you were working for him. Would hope in the driver side and just drive?
- The only car MJ drove (on my watch) was the bumper cars at the amusment park.
Q: Did michael have a favorite song? if so, i wonder what?
Another fan replies: Yes it was the song SMILE by Charlie Chaplin
Another fan replies: Yes the one that Jermaine attempted to sing at his memorial...
- Attempted? wow thats funny..lol
Q: Please ,can you tell me if Michael always have sad eyes?In "This is it", i saw this, sadness in his eyes ... i'm wrong?
- He was sad alot.
- Now I said he was sad alot, but there were many times he laughed until it hurt. He laughed so loud while watching a movie and ppl were saying "dude shut up" they didnt know it was MJ.
Q: Oh, so did he go to the cinema to watch the movie?
- Yes we took him and the kids to regular movies, though no one knew he was there( thats cause my team is good) He and his children laughed, smiled and played alot.....outside of his children MJ was sad and hurt from being accussed of those things, he had to defend himself, where in the HELL was his so called music & hollywood friends?! Its ok because in my book I'm going to put them ALL on blast!!
Tell it like it is Bill! All of those phony "friends" at his memorial - who did they think they were fooling???
- They didnt fool me, but they will get special attention in my book.
Q: I remember reading in a book that Michael requested Subway sandwiches at times some years ago. Was that the truth or is that incorrect?
- I took him to subway a few times, he loved it.
Q: did you saw MJ flirting with girls alot? was he a natural flirt or just avoided the whole thing cause of his shyness?
- I was not going to answer this but I'll give u guys a little. Yes, MJ was very charming, he did flirt from time to time. Sometimes he would ask me to get someones number or ask do I think someone is cute. It was so funny to watch dude flirt. I tell women I meet that I have a dog, I would hear MJ tell women he has a Zoo! how do you top someone that has a Zoo?
