I finally got to watch it. Lee is a great, great guy. Really sweet and brave. He was in the entertainment field as well, as a TV host, so I'm sure he can relate a great deal to some of what Michael had to endure, although not to quite the extent, because it was thousands watching Lee while billions are watching Michael. But it was great of him to vouch for Michael and talk in depth about observing the disease in him.
Its obvious Michael suffers from the exact same thing as Lee and it’s disheartening that people still don't believe him, despite extensive proof to back it up. Even some fans still don't believe him.
And what Lee mentioned too, about the people who suffer from universal vitiligo, in which it takes away the pigmentation over 80% of your body, that's real, and that's obviously what Michael suffers. Being the most famous person on the planet and probably in modern history and having this disorder is no doubt a heavy, heavy weight to bare. I can't even imagine it, because no matter where you go, people will know your face and physical appearance, and when that appearance is being disfigured by a disease you have no control over, god it must be frightening.
People don't stop to think of how much it hurts someone when they make fun of them over something like this. The reason Michael didn't talk about it or reveal that he had it for so long was, I'm certain, for fear of being ridiculed and made fun of. That's the exact reason people suffer emotionally from it, they are afraid of being ostracized and rejected by society. And then for that very thing to happen to Michael, to BE made fun of, it just must have made it all the worse.
I know people can say 'Well, Michael should have said something sooner, and then people wouldn't have made fun of him.' But can you blame Michael for trying to hide it, for trying to keep on like he didn't have a skin condition, in his profession, in SHOW business? I don't think so, I know I can't, not when your face and name are as prevalent in the world as Michael's is, and not when you shy away from the spotlight to begin with and are insecure about your appearance anyway. And even after Michael explained what was wrong with him, people still didn't believe him or accept it. Many today STILL make fun and claim he's bleaching his skin. It's really lame.
But hopefully, Lee's book will enlighten some folks and they'll be more understanding and compassionate towards Michael and anyone who suffers from vitiligo.