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“The Simple Life” star Nicole Richie and her younger sister, model Sofia Richie, grew up with a famous father in “Hello” hitmaker Lionel Richie. Through him, they also gained a global superstar as a godfather — although Michael Jackson’s musical legacy has, as previously mentioned, been marred by allegations of child sexual abuse. Nicole defended the late singer in a 2003 interview with “Access Hollywood,” saying that she and other children would occasionally have sleepovers at Michael’s Neverland Ranch compound. “It was like, absolutely nothing more than just … an adult kind of wanting to be a kid again. Just, you know, enjoying the company of children,” she said (via Reality TV World). But by 2006, she was refusing to comment on Michael when The Guardian asked her about him.
In a 2018 appearance on “Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie,” Sofia said that she also visited Neverland Ranch. She said of Michael, “He was a really sweet guy.” However, Michael’s daughter, Paris Jackson, is who she spent the most time with. “Paris is the sweetest girl, and she’s like family to me,” Sofia shared.
Lionel first met Michael when they were still members of their respective bands, The Commodores and The Jackson 5. After Michael became a parent, Lionel revealed that he and his friend became even closer. “For Michael, I am now the wise old philosopher,” Lionel told WalesOnline in 2009. “He’ll call me and say, ‘Lionel, how do I do this?'”
If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
