Macaulay Culkin, the actor famous for his childhood roles in movies like 'Home Alone' and 'Richie Rich,' has opened up about the tumultuous years of his childhood, revealing the mistreatment he endured at the hands of his father.
Culkin, now a musician and mostly retired from the public scene, delved into his troubled past in a candid interview on Marc Maron's 'WTF' podcast.
Recalling his challenging upbringing, Culkin shared that he was often confined to a room, describing his father as a violent and emotionally abusive person.
He characterized his father as a bully, making it clear that the relationship extended beyond just him, affecting other family members as well. Despite his fame as a child actor, Culkin ruled out any possibility of reconciliation with his father in the future.
As Macaulay's stardom rose, the father-son relationship further deteriorated. He recounted an incident at the age of 10 when his father forced him to host 'Saturday Night Live,' memorizing the entire script without any notes—a demand that none of the other cast members had to adhere to. Culkin described his father as "crazy" and reflected on the drastic decision to sue for emancipation at the age of fifteen after his parents' divorce.
Emancipation, according to Culkin, turned out to be one of the best decisions he made, providing him the freedom he desired. He expressed relief at distancing himself from a tumultuous family situation and taking a break from his acting career.
Currently residing in Paris, the former child star, now in his thirties, embraces a semi-retired lifestyle, occasionally taking on roles in independent films and pursuing his musical endeavors with the band The Pizza Underground.
Culkin also addressed his relationship with Michael Jackson, countering accusations of child abuse by emphasizing the genuine friendship they shared during his childhood. He reiterated his testimony from the 2005 trial against Jackson, asserting that their relationship was purely platonic and that he never felt uncomfortable or threatened.
Culkin's steadfast defense of their friendship extends to the present, as he continues to be the godfather of Jackson's daughter, Paris, whom he protects and cares for deeply. Despite his openness about his own life, Culkin remains fiercely protective when it comes to his bond with Paris Jackson.
