Digital footprints are real, and Beyoncé’s internet history is no exception. The singer found herself back in the headlines this week after old footage from her younger years resurfaced online. This time, the clip showed Beyoncé speaking with Michael Jackson while in an unexpected situation involving an older executive.
According to All Hip-Hop, the footage came from a 2001 studio session in which Beyoncé and producer Marc Schaffel got on a phone call with Michael Jackson. However, what caught viewers’ attention was Beyoncé sitting on Schaffel’s lap as she began talking to Michael.
“Alright, here we go. Come on over here. Here you can do it. You want to make this easier, you can sit on my lap,” Schaffel said in the clip.
Beyoncé was reportedly around 19 or 20 when the footage was recorded, and it originally aired on Schaffel’s show years ago. TMZ first brought the clip back into the spotlight a few months ago, but it has gained even more attention over the past few days. In the footage, Schaffel calls MJ and says, “Okay, we’re in the studio, and I have Beyoncé sitting on my lap, and I will put you on speakerphone.”
Fans were quick to point out that they felt it was inappropriate for an older executive to have Beyoncé sit on his lap just so she could speak with the King of Pop, who told her, “I really appreciate you doing this because we’re giving back.” At the time, the pair were preparing to collaborate on a charity song for people injured in the 9/11 attacks.
Beyoncé also made it clear just how nervous she was about speaking with Michael Jackson. After Schaffel pointed out that she was “shaking,” she responded, “Oh no, I’m gonna pass out.”
Marc Schaffel said the footage is part of a docu-series he is currently pitching to various streaming platforms. According to him, the Beyoncé moment appears in episode three, which centers on the recording of the benefit song.
