Fans Divided as Emmanuel Lewis Reveals Untold Michael Jackson Stories

After decades of silence, Emmanuel Lewis, best known as the child star of “Webster,” has finally opened up about his close friendship with Michael Jackson.

His revelations, however, have left fans both fascinated and furious, reigniting debates about privacy, loyalty, and the legacy of one of pop culture’s most iconic figures.

Lewis first met Jackson on the set of the legendary “Thriller” music video. He recalls being invited by a friend, unexpectedly finding himself in the middle of a Hollywood spectacle, surrounded by zombies and cameras.

What began as a chance encounter quickly blossomed into a deep, enduring friendship. Jackson noticed Lewis in the crowd and sent an assistant to invite him over—an invitation Lewis only accepted if his mother could join. That night marked the start of a bond that would last for years.

Now, years after Jackson’s death, Lewis is sharing details about their relationship that he’s kept private for decades. He describes the pop star as having two sides: the global icon and the “big brother” he knew behind closed doors.

Their friendship included late-night drives around Los Angeles, dance-offs in living rooms, and holidays spent together. Lewis even claims that after Jackson’s infamous Pepsi commercial accident, Jackson moved into the Lewis family’s condo to recover, living with them for over a year.

Lewis’s stories are filled with warmth and humor—like the time Jackson secretly gifted the family a big-screen TV, or how he would disguise himself in outlandish costumes to avoid being recognized in public.

But as Lewis shares these anecdotes, many fans are questioning his motives. Some feel he’s honoring Jackson’s memory, while others accuse him of exploiting private moments for attention, especially since Jackson is no longer alive to confirm or dispute the stories.

The backlash is intense. Fans argue that “Thriller” and Jackson’s private life are sacred territory, best left untouched. They worry that Lewis, once a trusted friend, is now feeding into the endless media cycle that has long surrounded Jackson’s life and controversies.

The timing also raises eyebrows—why share these details now, so many years after Jackson’s passing?

Lewis insists his intentions are pure. He has always defended Jackson against the darkest allegations, refusing to let others use him to support their claims.

He says he’s telling his story out of love, not for profit or fame, and wants to set the record straight about their friendship. Yet, the more he reveals, the more fans debate whether some memories should remain private.

His account also touches on the wider Jackson family, describing how he became close with Janet, Jermaine, and other siblings, further blurring the line between friend and quasi-family member.

Lewis maintains he would never betray Jackson’s trust, but the public nature of his revelations continues to spark controversy.

Ultimately, Lewis’s stories humanize Michael Jackson, showing a vulnerable, playful side few ever saw. But for many fans, the cost of this new perspective is too high. They question whether some friendships—and the secrets they hold—are better left untold.

—