The actress who played Michael Jackson's love interest in one of the most iconic music videos of all time has revealed intimate details about their on-set chemistry and complicated relationship that followed.
Ola Ray, a former Playmate and music video performer, sat down with TMZ's Charlie Neff to discuss her experiences working alongside the King of Pop during the 1980s production of the legendary 'Thriller' music video. According to Ray, the sexual tension between her and Jackson was unmistakable during filming.
The music video features a memorable scene in which Ray kisses Jackson. She described the flirtatious conversations that preceded filming that particular moment, painting a picture of genuine chemistry between the two performers. The professional relationship, however, extended beyond the video shoot itself.
Ray revealed that she encountered Jackson multiple times in the years following the video's release. During one such meeting, the pop superstar invited her to lunch. She declined the invitation but provided Jackson with her phone number, asking him to call. In retrospect, Ray characterized this decision as regrettable, though she did not elaborate on the specifics of why she felt that way.
Despite the apparent mutual attraction, the relationship between Ray and Jackson eventually soured over financial matters. In 2009, just one month before Jackson's death, Ray filed a lawsuit against the entertainer and his production company. The legal action centered on allegations that she had not received proper royalty payments for her appearance in the groundbreaking music video.
The dispute was ultimately resolved in 2013 when Ray reached a settlement with Jackson's estate. The agreement awarded her fifty-five thousand dollars, with an additional twenty thousand dollars allocated to her attorney. Despite the contentious legal battle, Ray emphasized that she harbored no ill will toward Jackson personally.
During her conversation with Charlie Neff, Ray also addressed the recently released biopic about Michael Jackson's life. She shared her candid thoughts and reactions to the film's portrayal of the legendary performer, offering a unique perspective as someone who worked closely with him during a pivotal moment in his career.
Ray's revelations provide a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics behind one of music history's most celebrated visual productions. Her account adds a human dimension to the making of 'Thriller,' revealing that the on-screen romance reflected genuine attraction between the performers. The interview offers fans and historians alike a more nuanced understanding of the creative process and interpersonal relationships that contributed to the video's enduring impact on popular culture.