Wesley Snipes and Michael Jackson collaborated in the 1987 Bad music video directed by Martin Scorsese. While this team-up was a huge surprise for fans, the Blade star also revealed he stood as the singer’s bodyguard during the production.
Jackson felt uneasy and frightened by the neighborhood of Harlem where they shot the music video. Snipes provided comfort and protection by constantly accompanying the singer and even holding his hand while walking.
Wesley Snipes Became Michael Jackson’s Bodyguard During Music Video Production
In an interview with GQ, The Expendables star Wesley Snipes recalled his days filming for Michael Jackson’s Bad music video. He revealed that the King of Pop was threatened by people around the neighborhood who believed he abandoned the Black community. Snipes said:
“I think Michael was a little scared being in Harlem. I think he hadn’t been there since he was at the Apollo. Some were happy that Michael was in the hood; some were like, ‘Yo, Mike, get the f**k out of the hood. We’re not feeling you, man. F****** Michael Jackson.’”
Jackson was widely loved by fans all around the globe, and he still had some supporters in the vicinity. Snipes, however, felt he should lend a helping hand and make his co-star feel safe. He remarked:
“Well, we held hands. We were holding hands walking down the street. I was like, ‘Hang in there, Michael. Don’t worry about it, brother – I got you.’ I went from being the actor in the scene with him to bodyguarding him.”
New York-bred Snipes was not scared of the neighborhood at all, and he was confident that nothing would happen because he was known around the place. Snipes further shared:
“And he turned to me, and he says, ‘Are you scared?’ I was like, ‘What? Scared of what?’ ‘You know, the people and everything. Aren’t you scared of them?’ I was like, ‘Nah, Mike. I grew up here. This is all good.’”
Jackson’s music video was indeed a success, even earning a Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album and a nomination for Album of the Year.
Wesley Snipes Believes Michael Jackson Was Underappreciated
Wesley Snipes shared his honest feelings about how people treated Michael Jackson during his lifetime. He thought the music icon deserved more appreciation than what the public bestowed. He called Jackson a blessing to the world, but the world did not return the favor. He said in the same interview with GQ:
“Somewhat perplexing. Sad and perplexing, because it felt like we were sent an angel. Not that he was an angel, but we were sent an angel. To heal, to inspire, evoke thoughts of beauty and love in this world of chaos. And we didn’t take good care of it. Collectively. That’s just my feeling.”
Jackson’s death in 2009 was mourned all over the world. He passed away due to acute propofol intoxication, but his legacy forever lives on as long as people listen to his music.
