Music producer Mark Ronson opens up about meeting Michael Jackson at age 13 in a hotel suite. Decades later, he admits the controversial legacy made him re-examine that night.
Award-winning music producer Mark Ronson has shared memories of a strange hotel meeting with Michael Jackson when he was only 13 years old—an encounter he says he has had to “re-examine” many times.
The King of Pop’s legacy remains highly controversial due to decades of abuse allegations, beginning in 1993 when Evan Chandler accused Jackson of molesting his 13-year-old son. Jackson denied the claims and later settled out of court for around $23 million.
Over the years, more accusations followed. The debate resurfaced after the release of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, in which Wade Robson and James Safechuck alleged they were abused as children. Jackson’s estate has always denied the allegations, but the controversy continues to shadow his name.
A Night With the “King of Pop”
In his new book Night People, Ronson—now 50—recounts meeting Jackson after one of his Bad Tour shows. The introduction came through his childhood friend Sean Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Ronson recalls joining about 50 other guests at Jackson’s hotel suite. Expecting a serious music discussion, he was surprised to see Jackson acting in a very different way.
“[Michael] was just obsessed with throwing these soggies out the window, like taking big mounds of toilet paper, soaking them, and tossing them at parked cars,” Ronson said.
“It’s so crazy to say it out loud.”
Re-Examining the Past
Ronson stressed that nothing inappropriate happened that night. But as later allegations against Jackson surfaced, he admits the memory has replayed in his mind “countless times.”
“Obviously, with allegations that came later, of course, it made me re-examine that event too many times. I wouldn’t say it’s a highlight of my childhood, but it was certainly one of the most memorable experiences.”
From Awkward Encounter to Global Success
Despite the odd memory, Ronson went on to become one of the most respected producers in the music industry. His work includes Amy Winehouse’s iconic album “Back to Black” and Bruno Mars’ smash hit “Uptown Funk.”
Ronson has earned nine Grammy Awards, as well as an Oscar and a Golden Globe for “Best Original Song” with Shallow from A Star is Born.
