That Onstage Kiss: Michael Jackson, Tatiana Thumbtzen The Aftermath

That Onstage Kiss: Michael Jackson, Tatiana Thumbtzen The Aftermath

Tatiana Thumbtzen had always dreamed of being in the spotlight. Growing up in a small town, she often fantasized about the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Little did she know that her life would take a dramatic turn when she landed a role in Michael Jackson’s music video for “The Way You Make Me Feel.” The experience was exhilarating, and the chemistry between her and the King of Pop was undeniable.

The infamous onstage kiss during a live performance at Madison Square Garden was a moment that would forever be etched in the minds of fans. It was a spontaneous act that seemed to ignite a spark between them, but it also set off a chain of events that would lead to Tatiana’s downfall. After the performance, she felt on top of the world, but that feeling was short-lived.

As she returned to Los Angeles, waiting to hear about the next tour dates, whispers began to circulate. Members of Michael’s entourage were not pleased with her. Rumors spread, fueled by Karen Faye, Michael’s makeup artist, who claimed that Tatiana had complained about hotel service and demanded a suite. The whispers grew louder, and soon, Tatiana found herself isolated from Jackson’s inner circle.

On April 11th, Tatiana appeared on “The Tonight Show” with host Ross Shafer. When asked if she and Michael were dating, she responded, “No, we’re not. Our relationship is strictly professional.” However, her attempt to add humor to the situation backfired. She jokingly said, “Not yet,” which Michael did not appreciate. Shortly after, she received a call from a friend informing her that she had been replaced by Sheryl Crow for the tour. Her heart shattered.

Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, later recounted that the kiss was a strike against her, but it was her talk show appearance that sealed her fate. Michael’s manager decided that Tatiana’s public comments were too much, and she was immediately fired. The relationship, which had been a source of excitement for Tatiana, quickly turned into a nightmare.

Tatiana had never been in the celebrity world before, and she couldn’t comprehend why someone as famous as Michael would be interested in her. She had always been fiercely protective of his privacy, but now she was seen as untrustworthy. Michael was known for his preference for women who carried themselves with grace and loyalty, and Tatiana’s actions had painted her as the opposite.

The aftermath of her dismissal was devastating. Tatiana fell into a deep depression, suffering from hair loss and contemplating suicide. She recalled, “I went through a great battle with depression. I cried often and extremely hard.” The constant questions about her absence from the tour only added to her pain. She felt like a ghost, haunted by the memories of what could have been.

Years later, Michael spoke about the women in his videos, acknowledging the complications that arose from their relationships. He admitted that some of them developed feelings for him, which made things difficult. Tatiana maintained contact with Michael’s mother, Katherine, who was equally puzzled by the sudden cold treatment. Tatiana visited the Jackson compound in Encino, hoping to find answers, but the questions only multiplied.

Was she seen as a threat to the tour? Did Michael’s handlers view her as a crazed fan? Or had she simply misread his intentions? The uncertainty gnawed at her, and being fired from the tour had dire consequences for her career. Casting agents struggled to see beyond her association with Michael, and she lost numerous opportunities.

To make matters worse, Tatiana felt exploited regarding her payment for her appearances. She had only received five thousand dollars for the tour and even less for the video. Despite her image being used on the 45 single of “The Way You Make Me Feel” and in Michael’s 1988 calendar, she had not been compensated for those additional uses.

In a desperate attempt to revive her career, Tatiana briefly agreed to have Joe Jackson manage her. He promised her success, suggesting she could have her own clothing line or even a doll. However, Joe suspected that Tatiana’s motives were more about trying to catch Michael’s attention again. He claimed she had dated Prince and even tried to seduce other members of the music industry, but none of those relationships worked out because her heart still belonged to Michael.

When allegations of child molestation surfaced against Michael in 1993, Tatiana found herself in the spotlight once more. She appeared on various radio and talk shows, claiming to have had a romantic relationship with him that lasted over 18 months. Joe Jackson dismissed her claims as nonsense, suggesting that her financial struggles were the reason for her sudden public interest in Michael.

Prince, who had once dated Tatiana, confronted her about her behavior. He accused her of lying for money, knowing that she had once been deeply in love with Michael. Tatiana tried to explain that her words had been twisted, but Prince was unconvinced. The tension between them highlighted the complexity.

Over the years, Tatiana Thumbtzen continued to share her story, publishing two books and participating in numerous interviews that recounted her brief but intense connection with Michael Jackson. Despite the pain and controversy that surrounded their relationship, Tatiana remained intertwined with the narrative of the King of Pop, a complex chapter that held both glory and heartbreak.

When Michael Jackson tragically passed away in 2009, Tatiana attended his private funeral at Forest Lawn Park. It had been more than two decades since they last saw each other, but the bond they shared, however fleeting, had left an indelible mark. She remained on friendly terms with the Jackson family, and Katherine Jackson personally invited her to the funeral, signaling that the relationship, complicated as it was, still held meaning for those closest to Michael.

Tatiana’s significance in Michael’s life goes beyond just a fleeting romance or a cameo in a music video. She was the first woman with whom he physically interacted in front of a camera, opening a window into dimensions of desire and sensuality that had seldom been seen in his public persona. That iconic kiss on stage at Madison Square Garden was more than a moment of passion—it was a revelation. For the first time, the world glimpsed a new facet of the artist: a man capable of vulnerability, attraction, and bold expression.

Through the years, this moment captivated fans and critics alike, encapsulating a turning point both in Michael Jackson’s performance and public image. It marked the beginning of a new era of sensuality in his artistry, a visual language that echoed through his subsequent performances and music videos.

Yet behind the scenes, Tatiana’s story remained a cautionary tale about the price of fame and the fragility of trust in the entertainment industry. Her rise and fall—marked by whispered rumors, broken promises, and public scrutiny—served as a stark reminder of the complex dynamics that surround celebrity culture. She learned, sometimes painfully, that proximity to greatness does not guarantee lasting connection or security.

Despite the hardships, Tatiana’s resilience endured. She transformed her experiences into advocacy for mental health, openly discussing her battles with depression and the importance of seeking help. Her narrative has become a beacon for others facing similar struggles, proving that even from the depths of despair, strength and purpose can emerge.

In reflecting on Tatiana Thumbtzen’s journey, one sees the intricate interplay of dreams, love, ambition, and heartbreak. Her story is intertwined with the legend of Michael Jackson—a story of fleeting intimacy, shattered illusions, and the enduring human spirit seeking connection amidst the dazzling lights and shadows of fame.

Her legacy remains as complex and captivating as the man she once shared a stage with, a testament to the powerful yet often perilous path that lies behind the curtain of celebrity. Through it all, Tatiana remains more than a memory of a kiss; she is a symbol of vulnerability, hope, and survival.

Michael Jackson owed more than $500 million at the time of his death

Court documents filed in Los Angeles on June 21 and obtained by People confirm that the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson owed more than $500 million to more than 65 creditors just before his death.

Michael Jackson had “more than half a dozen lawsuits pending worldwide “ and more than “65 creditor claims filed against his estate that resulted in additional lawsuits,” the lawsuit states.

According to the new filing, Michael Jackson’s executors can “negotiate and restructure financial arrangements,” including an agreement with Sony over the rights to use Michael’s music for certain artists, at “significantly reduced interest rates” to avoid further losses and pay off debts.

The $750 million deal allows Sony to acquire Sony/ATV, which holds the rights to nearly 3 million popular songs by artists including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Taylor Swift …

According to the petition, despite resolving the financial issues, Michael Jackson’s estate still owes a significant amount of money because of “business, tax and legal issues that Michael’s executors and advisers must still resolve.”

The filing also notes a final decision pending in a 2021 court battle with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Jackson’s three children, Prince (27), Paris (26) and Bigi Jackson (22), who are beneficiaries of the singer’s estate, have been blocked from receiving money from their trust until the dispute with the IRS is resolved.

Court documents previously obtained by Page Six show that the tax audit identified “undervaluation of assets,” owing “$700 million in back taxes and penalties.”

However, a spokesperson for Michael’s estate told Page Six : “In the annual reports provided to the probate court, which are publicly available, anyone can see that the estate provides Michael’s mother and children with a very large amount of money to support them in their lives .

The estate has a close relationship with Michael’s children and whenever they need anything, the estate manager works with them to ensure they are well taken care of, just as Michael would have wanted.”

In February 2024, Sony Music invested more money into Michael’s management company by buying the music superstar’s music catalog, including hits like Beat It and Billie Jean – for at least $600 million.

The Los Angeles Times previously reported that Michael Jackson had “accumulated” a lot of debt partly due to his overspending habits.

Accountant William R. Ackerman testified in the Smooth Crime singer’s 2013 wrongful death trial that the singer spent a lot of money on charitable donations, gifts, travel, art and furniture.

Michael’s spending habits were revealed in a 2003 interview with Martin Bashir, where he was on a shopping spree at an antique store in Las Vegas.

In March 2005, just three months before his death, prosecutors in Michael Jackson’s sex abuse trial called him a “shopaholic” on the brink of bankruptcy.