Mark Ronson Recalls Reexamining a Memorable Childhood Moment with Michael Jackson

A Memorable Encounter with Michael Jackson

Mark Ronson, a Grammy-winning music producer, has shared a childhood memory involving the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. In his memoir titled Night KENAPANGGAK.COM: How to Be a DJ in '90s New York City, Ronson reflects on an unusual interaction that took place at the Dakota apartments in New York City. This experience, which initially seemed harmless, has been re-examined over the years due to the sexual abuse allegations that surfaced later in Jackson's life.

Ronson, now 50, recalls living just blocks away from the iconic Dakota building, which was known for housing many notable figures. Among them was John Lennon’s son, Sean Lennon, and Michael Jackson, who resided there during his Bad tour. The building was often filled with fascinating characters, making it a unique place for young Ronson to grow up.

During his time there, Jackson reportedly wanted to have some fun. He would throw "soggies," described as tightly packed mounds of wet toilet paper, out of his window. Ronson, who was fixated on getting a hit song from Jackson, tried to get him to sing a bass line for his stepfather, Mick Jones of Foreigner. He remembered shouting, “Michael, Michael, stand still for a sec and sing us a bass line!”

Jackson eventually hummed a few bars of “Smooth Criminal,” but he seemed more interested in running down the hallway and shining his laser pointer out the window. To Ronson, this behavior felt more like that of a child than a superstar, and he found the whole situation oddly normal.

At the time, Ronson didn’t tell anyone about his interactions with Jackson. Even as a child, he recognized how strange it would be to mention spending time with the King of Pop. He wasn’t sure what was more bizarre: “hanging out with Michael Jackson and throwing soaked Charmin balls onto the street or that it felt normal.”

Years later, after the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson came to light, Ronson reflected on the encounter. In an interview with The Sun, he admitted that the allegations made him re-examine the event multiple times. “Obviously, with allegations that came later, of course it made me re-examine that event many times,” he said.

He described the memory as one of the most memorable experiences of his childhood, though not necessarily a highlight. “I wouldn't say it's a highlight of my childhood, but it was certainly one of the most memorable experiences.” Ronson added that he had looked back at the incident through a different lens many times. “For whatever reason, there was nothing weird or untoward on that night,” he noted.

The sexual abuse allegations against Jackson date back to the 1990s. They were brought into the spotlight by the two-part HBO documentary Leaving Neverland in 2019. The film featured testimonies from Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who claimed they were sexually molested by Jackson when they were children. Jackson’s estate has consistently defended the late singer against these accusations.

Despite the controversy, Ronson maintains that his experience with Jackson was not unsettling. He emphasized that he never felt anything inappropriate during their brief interaction. His memoir offers a personal and reflective look at a moment in his life that has taken on new meaning in the context of Jackson’s legacy.

Night KENAPANGGAK.COM: How to Be a DJ in '90s New York City is available for purchase wherever books are sold. For those affected by sexual abuse, support is available through the Crisis Text Line by texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741.