Michael Jackson is unquestionably one of the greatest and well-known singers of all time, and his music has very much had an influence on a lot of artists today.

Whether that’s the iconic ‘Thriller’ or ‘Billie Jean’, his instantly-recognisable moonwalk, or the white glove that would appear in a lot of his performances.

The glove, for example, became part of the MJ brand after a while, as fans would not have recognised him without the iconic clothing accessory.

Many people presumed the glove was just part of Jackson’s image – something that made him unique in the music space.

Jackson found it hurtful when his condition was discussed in the media. Credit: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

While the one white glove was part of MJ’s image, there was apparently more to it than that. Credit: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

But the reason why Jackson wore the glove is actually quite a sad one, according to a friend of his, who claimed the glove was for Jackson to hide his vitiligo.

The skin condition is a long-term disease where pale white patches develop on the skin, according to the NHS.

It’s caused by the lack of melanin, which is the pigment in skin – and while it can affect any area of skin, it is most common on the face, neck, hands and skin creases.

Actor Cicely Tyson, who died in 2021 at the age of 96, shared a fashion designer with MJ in the 1980s.

She was made aware of a glove being made by the designer for Jackson so he could hide his vitiligo

Speaking to CNN in 2019, Tyson said: “All of a sudden, he [the designer] said, ‘I’m doing this glove for Michael.’

“The glove was to cover the vitiligo; that’s how that glove came into being.”

Jackson confirmed himself he had the skin condition in a rare interview with Oprah Winfrey, with the legendary singer even admitting he found it hurtful when it was being discussed in the press.

While the one white glove was part of MJ's image, there was apparently more to it than that. Credit: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

Jackson found it hurtful when his condition was discussed in the media. Credit: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

“This is the situation, I have a skin disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin. It is something I cannot help, OK?” Jackson said.

“But when people make up stories that I don’t want to be what I am it hurts me … It’s a problem for me that I can’t control.”

Over the years, many have questioned why Jackson decided to wear just one glove instead of two.

Well, as per The Independent, Michael himself explained: “I felt that one glove was cool… wearing two gloves seemed so ordinary.”

He has certainly got a point there, two-gloved Jackson would have been rather strange indeed.

Topics: Michael Jackson, Music