Michael Jackson is widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers of all time, but some fans now believe the late King of Pop 'stole' several of his most iconic moves. The revelation came after a viral post on X highlighted the striking resemblance between Jackson's signature style and the choreography of celebrated screen legend Bob Fosse.
Bob Fosse's influence on Michael Jackson
Bob Fosse was a multi-talented American actor, dancer, director, and filmmaker whose moves and dress sense bore a striking resemblance to Michael. Posting a clip of Fosse, Brian Roemmele wrote: 'Bob Fosse in Little Prince movie, 1974 had a massive influence on Michael Jackson.' The performer is seen wearing a fedora hat, gloves and loafers, while executing heel kicks, spins, and a move bearing a remarkable likeness to the Moonwalk.
One stunned viewer responded: 'So this is where it all came from. The suit pants, the loafer shoes, the top hat. He completely stole everything. The quick kicks. That's crazy.' A second person admitted: 'I've rewatched this I don't know how many times. Astonishing. Thanks for sharing.' While a third asked: 'How is this the first time I am seeing this? That's literally his whole routine.' And a fourth X user declared: 'This is actually one of the most amazing things I've seen in a while. MJ literally copied all of it.'
Defending Jackson's legacy
However, others insisted that Michael had openly acknowledged Fosse as an inspiration. 'MJ literally called Fosse a hero and even wanted him to direct Thriller,' a fan said. 'It's influence, not theft, and that distinction matters a lot in dance history.' And another advised: 'If you think this is the same as MJ you are coping. MJ was inspired by many people, Fosse is one of them. Suggesting this was a secret, or they are a 1:1 is disingenuous or an IQ self-report. Fosse himself was inspired by Fred Astaire and others. It's common in every art.'
Michael Jackson's iconic dance moves
The late King of Pop was primarily celebrated for his music, enjoying a career spanning four and a half decades before his tragic death in 2009. Yet it was his extraordinary dancing that truly set him apart from his peers. From the unforgettable choreography in 1982's Thriller video, to Smooth Criminal's gravity-defying lean, and of course the Moonwalk - which he unveiled during a performance of Billie Jean on a 1983 TV special, leaving both the studio audience and viewers at home utterly spellbound.
Biographical film 'Michael' a box office success
A biographical film chronicling the late pop icon's life, Michael, featuring his nephew Jafaar Jackson in the lead role, is currently showing in cinemas and has proved a box office sensation, raking in $424.8 million (£311.9 million) globally within its opening 10 days. The movie provides an in-depth examination of Michael's childhood years and the formative period of his professional journey. Jaafar appears alongside a stellar ensemble cast featuring Laura Harrier, Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, and Juliano Valdi, who portrays a young Michael.
