Michael Jackson ‘predicted coronavirus-like pandemic which is why he wore facemask despite mockery’, ex bodyguard claims
MICHAEL Jackson prophesied a coronavirus-like global pandemic sweeping across the globe and wore his trademark mask to avoid catching it, his British ex-bodyguard claims.
Matt Fiddes, who watched over the King of Pop for a decade, says Jacko realised the potential for a germ like to spread globally as he jetted around the world on tour.
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Fiddes, 41, was speaking as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, infecting more than 392,331 people and killing more than 17,156 — with many more expected to perish.
But he said his eccentric boss Jackson predicted such a virus catastrophe would one day unfold across the world.
He said: “He knew that a natural disaster was always there.
"He was very aware and would always predict that we could be wiped out at any time. That a germ that could spread.
"So he would go through four countries in one day sometimes and he was on aeroplanes with people all the time."
I know exactly what he would say to people now: I told you so!
Matt Fiddes, Michael Jackson's ex-bodyguard
Fiddes added: "I would joke, 'Michael please don’t wear that you’re embarrassing me I’m getting pap’d with you.'
"He would say, 'Matt I can’t get ill, I can’t let my fans down. I’ve got concerts coming up. I’m on this earth for a reason. I mustn’t damage my voice, I’ve got to stay healthy, I don’t know who I’m going to encounter today, I don’t know what I might pass on.'"
On what Jackson, who died aged 50 in 2009, would say about the outbreak today, Fiddes added: "I know exactly what he would say to people now and that's it. I told you so.
"Then he'd be moaning that no one is listening to him because when he used to say stuff like that people didn't take him seriously, they used to call him 'Wacko Jacko' and all this stuff.
"But you don't get to be the biggest superstar in the world and not be intelligent.
"That guy was super damn intelligent. But I knew him."
'I'M ON EARTH FOR THIS REASON'
But rather than being a germaphobe, Fiddes said Jackson simply wanted to protect his voice for his fans as well keeping them safe from viruses he may have picked up touring the world.
He said: "He could meet 400 people a day and has to interact with people, it’s not like he could do the elbow thing that they’ve got now — they don’t want to just shake his hand, they want to hug him."
Fiddes, who runs the most successful has also defended MJ after the bombshell documentary Leaving Neverland, where two men — Wade Robson and James Safechuck — said they were sexually abused by the superstar at his ranch when they were children.
Personal trainer Matt, who lives in North Devon, said there was no chance Jackson could have carried out abuse in his mansion with so many staff around.
Fans of the superstar also pointed out discrepancies in two men’s accounts to claim they have concocted their stories of abuse.Michael Jackson always denied all allegations of sexual abuse made against him and his estate has called the two-part documentary film "one-sided".
While alive the superstar was accused of child molestation but was never convicted.
Michael, who died in 2009 at the aged of 50 of a drugs overdose, had been trained in martial arts.
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Fitness expert Matt has launched a new online platform for all members including one free taster session for children and says exercising during the coronavirus pandemic is crucial.
He said his goal is to: "Keep these kids active, keep their immune systems up ... If you stay at home for two three weeks and don't go out that will do so such damage to your health."
He launched his online classes for parents worried about their kids' health and said: "Parents are begging me 'please keep your classes going."
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