I dont know if this belongs in the MJ thread or not? but whatever.

From Bebe Winans new book about Whitney

The seclusion of fame damages people the most. Fame causes its inhabitants to live afraid – to fear their reputation being marred – which makes seclusion seem the only real alternative. Look at how Michael Jackson faded into eerie reclusiveness, buying a monkey and other exotic animals as pets. For me, that seems far removed from reality and true human connection. But he also endured a level of celebrity that few people on earth can relate to.

One year Whitney threw an exclusive party – a BIG party. You may ask, who throws a party for their 26th birthday – complete with a who's who of attendees, loads of food, a beautifully decorated tent, and excellent music? Well, she did, because she was on the road during her 25th birthday.

The invitation had a spectacular picture of Whitney on the cover. You had to be on a list, and there were different security checkpoints. CeCe and I just stayed on the sidelines of the party, watching her enjoy the evening and all the love as she mingled with everyone.

That was also the night we discovered that Michael Jackson had given Whitney a monkey as her birthday present. Everyone seemed amused, but I'm sure they were all thinking the same thing I was – This is crazy! Who gives monkeys to people for their birthdays?

The thought is funny and ridiculous at the same time. Of course Whitney didn't need a monkey! It was all she could do to take care of her cat! But perhaps Michael was so far removed from people that he thought Whitney could use the companionship of a monkey.

Whitney couldn't believe it. She read Michael's card, looked at me, and said, "What am I going to do with a monkey?"

We both laughed.

"As soon as this party's over, that monkey is getting dropped off at the zoo!" Did this gift make sense to Michael? I don't know. Perhaps. The amount of fame that Whitney had garnered already as a 26- year-old had propelled her into a lonely way of life. But can you imagine thinking that another person would be so lonely that they'd need a pet monkey? This was someone's reality?

This is what seclusion does to a person. Whitney didn't struggle with the inclination toward extreme reclusivenes like Michael did, though I can see now how that gift from Michael was a foreshadowing of darker days ahead for Whitney.

http://www.rollingstone.c...z20AbIztsL

-I'm being a little bit stanish but I dont like his tone when talking about Michael. ....

I'd love to get a monkey from Mike

I want a monkey!

[Edited 7/10/12 22:52pm]

purplethunder3121 said:

As the famous Barenaked Ladies song goes: "If I had $1,000,0000 I'd buy you a monkey - haven't you always wanted a monKEY!?"

Side note - I just signed in and can see I've been registered at Prince.org for 10 years and 22 days Time flies.

Ellie said:

As the famous Barenaked Ladies song goes: "If I had $1,000,0000 I'd buy you a monkey - haven't you always wanted a monKEY!?"

Side note - I just signed in and can see I've been registered at Prince.org for 10 years and 22 days Time flies.

Aw man! I LOVE that song.

alphastreet said:

purplethunder3121 said:

I want a monkey!

[Edited 7/10/12 22:52pm]

Me too!

Wow well I guess Mike wasnt that crazy if there's people who also want a monkey ... My auntie had a monkey once lol, had to give it away when it was a teen tho cuz it got kinda aggressive lol.

couldn't Michael have just given her a cute puppy?

SoulAlive said:

couldn't Michael have just given her a cute puppy?

hahaha but why? ... a monkey is way cooler

Michael wasnt "the guy next door". Why give her a conventional gift?

GoldDolphin said:

SoulAlive said:

couldn't Michael have just given her a cute puppy?

hahaha but why? ... a monkey is way cooler

Monkeys can be fun,but I don't think it's a suitable pet for just anybody A dog is alot easier to care for.

dreamfactory313 said:

Michael wasnt "the guy next door". Why give her a conventional gift?

that is true

Bebe is a good writer. But off the mark perhaps with this: "But can you imagine thinking that another person would be so lonely that they'd need a pet monkey?" Michael may have thought that she was lonely, but I don't think the monkey had anything to do with that. Michael was just pulling an Anita Baker and "givng you the best that I got."

Monkeys have been known for turning on their owners. He gave her one hoping it would turn on her.

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[Edited 7/12/12 8:33am]

vainandy said:

Monkeys have been known for turning on their owners. He gave her one hoping it would turn on her.

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[Edited 7/12/12 8:33am]

Now, now Andy. We shouldn't poke fun at those who have passed on.

kitbradley said:

vainandy said:

Monkeys have been known for turning on their owners. He gave her one hoping it would turn on her.

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[Edited 7/12/12 8:33am]

Now, now Andy. We shouldn't poke fun at those who have passed on.

That was February and it's July now. Her fans around here have had plenty of time to grieve. If I suddenly became all nice and sweet towards her that would make me fake and ain't nothing fake about Andy.