POOR Michael Jackson wept as he told the Oxford Union of his lost childhood, performing from the age of five and never being allowed to play like any normal little boy.

He says he and his Jackson Five brothers were pushed by a strict father who had difficulty showing any affection, never told his children he loved them or played with them.

He just drove them to the successes they are today.

It's no wonder the megastar acts like a little boy in his Neverland home.

Jacko was in Oxford to launch the charity "Heal The Kids" aimed at bringing parents close to their children -- and there's nothing wrong with that.

Children are growing up, or expected to grow up, too quickly today and that's sad. They should experience the joy of infant years and revel in it.

Jacko's early life must certainly have affected him very badly for him to want to change the handsome face of his teenage years to something that wouldn't look out of place in a horror film.

It's a pity he can't regain his looks and has to hide behind masks.

If striving for money brings such torment you can keep it.