Beneath the Makeup: Michael Jackson's Secret Health Decline

Disturbing details from Michael Jackson's autopsy, performed following his death in June 2009, unveiled the true condition of his body. The singer, who died at 50 from a Propofol overdose, weighed just 8st 10lbs, significantly below the average for a US male. His stomach contained only partially dissolved pills, indicating a severely restricted diet.

The autopsy detailed numerous puncture marks on his arms, hips, thighs, and shoulders, attributed to drug and painkiller injections. These were alongside scars from extensive cosmetic surgeries, including tattooed eyebrows and lips, and tattoos on the front of his scalp to blend with his hairline. His wavy hair was discovered to be a wig glued to a bald, scarred scalp.

Beneath the iconic persona, Jackson's body bore the marks of his struggles. Bruises on his knees and shins, and cuts on his back suggested recent falls. His feet, which he refused to let doctors examine, showed signs of agonizing callouses and a severe fungal infection, a condition detailed by his physician, Dr. Conrad Murray.

The autopsy also confirmed Jackson suffered from vitiligo, a skin condition causing patches of lost pigmentation, explaining his changing skin color. Chest bruising and cracked ribs indicated the desperate CPR attempts made by paramedics in a futile effort to save him.