The "Betrayal" That Destroyed Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney’s Friendship

In the early 1980s, Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, two of the most iconic figures in the history of music, formed a very special and rewarding relationship. In addition to a true friendship, the tandem from different eras produced hit songs that would go on to become among the most memorable and popular duet performances of all time.

Jackson and McCartney combined their magic in 1982, recording tracks like "The Girl Is Mine,""Say Say Say" and "The Man." The first was featured on Jackson's monumental album, Thriller, with the remaining two on McCartney's Pipes of Peace in 1983. While "The Man" is a bit more forgotten of the three, "The Girl Is Mine" and "Say Say Say" are among the biggest hits of each artist's career.

Michael Jackson recording "The Girl is Mine" with Paul McCartney in the studio pic.twitter.com/XsqWxsw9Qu

— ???? Rock History ???? (@historyrock_) January 11, 2026

Though the two talents had such success collaborating as close friends, their personal and working relationship would soon come to an end due to what one felt was a betrayal from the other.

"'Say Say Say' – the 1983 hit by legendary duo Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson that dominated global charts." pic.twitter.com/59gre1956X

— ???????? Love Music ???? & Dance ???????????????? (@Tiana_Celine_23) April 24, 2026

According to McCartney, during the pair's recording sessions, a still-young Jackson asked him for general advice regarding the music business. The former Beatle advised Michael to look into music publishing, which is the ownership of the musical composition, controlling and earning from licensing for other media like film, TV and advertisements.

Jackson took this advice and, in 1985, bought the publishing rights to almost the entire Beatles catalog, outbidding McCartney during the sale of ATV Music Publishing. Due to an unfavorable deal the band signed in 1963 that did not grant them publishing rights to their own songs, McCartney had been fighting ever since to buy back the music credited to himself and John Lennon.

On top of losing his life's work once again, the music legend was upset about licensing of the Beatles' music for commercials under Jackson's ownership, as this was one thing the band never wanted.

In an interview with Howard Stern, McCartney recalled confronting Jackson about what he felt was a double-crossing of their friendship and said that Michael simply responded, "That's just business, Paul."

You can watch him tell the full story here.

Jackson went on to merge ATV Publishing with Sony, giving them 50% ownership. Sony would eventually take full control of the catalog, as the Jackson estate sold their half to the company in 2016.

Until his death in 2009, Jackson and McCartney remained respectful, speaking of one another publicly, but never had the same relationship again.