When MJ Went Goodwill Hunting

The singer wanted to be a UN Goodwill Ambassador, but wasn't chosen because of his controversial past

The singer wanted to be a UN Goodwill Ambassador, but wasn't chosen because of his controversial past

Michael Jackson had desperately wanted to be a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, but he was never chosen because of his controversial image.

After Jackson passed away, Shashi Tharoor, the minister of state for external affairs, wrote on his Twitter page, "Met MJ once in my UN hat.

In black or white: Artist Gonay Vijay draws sketches of the King of Pop at his gallery in Hyderabad yesterday.

Musical genius, but distinctly odd (like Mozart?) Wanted to be a UN goodwill ambassador but we cldn't (sic) recommend it."

'Not fit'

Tharoor had met Jackson once while serving his tenure at the UN.

When we contacted him to clarify his Tweet, Tharoor, who was out of country, replied via e-mail, "At the UN, we had to take various factors into consideration.

His personal and legal troubles would not have fitted in with the typical profile the UN looks for in goodwill ambassadors."
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UN Goodwill Ambassadors are usually famous musicians, sportspersons and actors (see box).

They are encouraged to use their high-profile status to advocate for much-needed attention and support for key issues.
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They must have a largely unblemished reputation, a proven interest in humanitarian issues and fame on a global scale, says the UN website.

Jackson's life, however, has always been controversial, including the alleged child abuse cases. Even his older sister LaToya had accused him of being a paedophile, a statement she later retracted.

UN GOODWILL AMBASSADORS

Amitabh Bachchan, u00a0u00a0Dr Rajendra K Pachauri, Lara Dutta, Angelina Jolie, David Beckham