ExCLUSIVE: Simon Newton, Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard, has spoken of a time when fans were trying to clamber through security’s legs to reach the pop star.
Former bodyguard to the stars Simon Newton has revealed what it was really like being on Michael Jackson’s security team – describing the job as ‘impossible’.
Recalling an incident which saw crazed fans attempting to reach the superstar by crawling through Simon’s legs, the security professional admitted it was ‘scary’ for late star Michael.
Jackson’s statement, “Working with him was impossible; it was just consistent.” As we sit down for an exclusive interview in Cannes during the annual film festival, Simon says that fans would place black cabs on meters all day so they could jump in them as soon as they left.
They even tried to crawl under our legs to get to him, he adds, adding that it was a whole new level. People kept coming back after we divided into four cars. He didn’t feel as scared because he was being pulled from pillar to post, Simon says of the late singer. “He had so many people around him that he didn’t feel as scared,” he continued.
Alongside Michael, Simon’s former employers include Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Rita Ora, Kendall Jenner and Halsey – all of whom he was solely responsible for as their bodyguard when they travelled from the US to the UK.
When asked whether Bella is down to earth or high maintenance, Simon describes the supermodel as “amazing” after working with her frequently, including during several London Fashion Week appearances.
He claims that “Bella was never very high maintenance, but she was always amazing.” Kendall was also incredible. We never had any issues, and I was quite liberal and wouldn’t let them do things, so they would always listen if I told them no when I told them.
Models and people like that are like you or me; they still get angry, they still laugh, and they still require food and sleep. The fundamentals remain unchanged, but they require more protection.
We’re curious as to whether he had a lot of downtime with the wealthy and famous. We didn’t get much downtime because the majority of it was photo shoots, but there would occasionally be a quiet day when we would shop or take a beach, “explains Simon.
Despite leaving his bodyguard job, Simon still runs his own security business, Askari Security, which provides security for major celebrity events, multi-million dollar homes, and TV streaming tycoons. While Simon Newton London, a clothing brand, is his main business.
However, Simon is currently trying his hand at acting and has recently returned to basics by studying in drama school, which he describes as “scary” as opposed to her potentially life-threatening work in the army and bodyguarding.
“I worked as a bodyguard and I worked in Afghanistan and Iraq for quite a long time, so obviously that’s quite dangerous, but it wasn’t as scary as acting school. Being out of my comfort zone used to mean It could get me killed, but now at least I know nothing is going to happen to me. I’m not a natural actor, but I’m not the worst and I really enjoy it,” he says.
However, Simon has just begun shooting his brand-new movie Retribution, which is scheduled to be released in November. He claims that because of his tough appearance, it’s difficult to avoid being cast as a “tough guy” character and wants to change.
I’m constantly typecast as a boxer, police officer, gangster, or something similar. I receive the same information, but I’m 46, so if they want to give me, “Simon continues.
However, Simon admits that he wants to “extend” himself and that James Bond is his career’s calling. And despite his overambitious leadership, he would prefer to play a smaller role in the franchise.
Source: Mirror
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