Michael Jackson’s Friend ‘Knew the Real Reason’ He Wore Single White Glove on Right Hand

Michael Jackson’s single white glove became one of his most famous fashion choices during his career.

According to actor Cicely Tyson, she knew the real reason why he wore it.

Tyson shared that she had been aware of what motivated Jackson to make this iconic glove a part of his look.

Michael Jackson Wore His Famous White Glove to Hide a Skin Condition, Says Friend

Michael Jackson’s iconic white glove became a signature part of his look during his career. According to a friend, the glove was originally designed to hide signs of vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose color. Jackson, who passed away in 2009, often wore the glove on his right hand.

Vitiligo affects the skin, especially on the face, neck, and hands, and is caused by a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It affects about 1 in every 100 people.

Late actor Cicely Tyson, who knew Jackson, shared this detail about his glove during his 2009 memorial service.

Late actor Cicely Tyson talked about Michael Jackson’s famous white glove in 2009 after his death.

Cicely, known for movies like *Sounder* (1972) and the TV show *How to Get Away with Murder*, spoke to CNN’s Don Lemon in an interview. She mentioned that she and Michael shared the same fashion designer in the 1980s, who worked on creating the glove.

Cicely remembered the designer saying, “I’m doing this glove for Michael,” explaining that Michael was starting to develop vitiligo, a skin condition, on his hand. She said, “The glove was to cover it. That’s how it came about.”

When asked how she knew, Cicely replied, “I was there when he was creating it.”

Michael first wore the white glove in 1983. He later said, “I felt that one glove was cool… wearing two gloves seemed ordinary.”