Michael's Accident with His Famous Glove

On Friday 27 January 1984, the time had come to film the commercial. Three thousand people were seated in the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, in order to simulate a live concert audience. The Jacksons were to perform ‘You're a Whole New Generation’, which were special lyrics to the music of ‘Billie Jean’.

Prior to one of the takes, the brothers were preparing themselves for the shooting – adjusting their outfits, putting on their makeup – when Michael had to go to the bathroom.

‘Go ahead, use mine,’ director Bob Giraldi suggested.

‘Don't worry, I'll just be a minute,’ Michael said.

He went in and closed the door. Thirty seconds later, a bloodcurdling shriek came out of the bathroom.

‘Jesus! What happened?’ Bob Giraldi started banging on the door in alarm. ‘Michael, Michael. Are you okay?’

When Michael slowly opened the door, Bob and a bunch of others rushed into the bathroom.

‘I dropped my glove,’ Michael said, embarrassed.

‘Where?’ asked Bob.

‘In there,’ Michael said, meekly. He pointed down to the toilet bowl. Floating in the water was a lone, white, rhinestoned glove.

‘Oh, okay,’ Bob said, trying not to burst out laughing.

‘Somebody get a hanger or something. We'll just have to fish it out of there.’

Everyone scattered about in search of a hanger. Finally Michael said, ‘Oh, forget it.’ He reached into the toilet and pulled out the soaking-wet glove.

‘Anyone have a hair dryer?’





Source: "The Magic, the Madness, the Hole Story" - J. Randy Taraborrelli