Lionel Richie reveals un-flattering nickname for Michael Jackson | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleInga ParkelThursday 02 October 2025 18:34 BSTLionel Richie (Invision)Lionel Richie's debut memoir, 'Truly,' reveals details about his friendship with Michael Jackson.Richie states that Jackson had poor hygiene, which led Quincy Jones to nickname him 'Smelly'.Jackson's lack of personal cleanliness was attributed to his intense fame and constant touring, making mundane tasks like laundry difficult.Richie recalled Jackson often wearing the same 'smelly' clothes, sometimes received for free from shop owners.Previous accounts from five of Jackson's former housekeepers also described him as 'unsanitary', alleging he lived in filth and urinated on floors.In fullLionel Richie says Michael Jackson was nicknamed ‘Smelly’ due to poor hygieneThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in