What Happened to Michael Jackson's Key Bodyguards (Matt Fiddes, Bill Whitfield, and Javon Beard)?

Michael Jackson employed numerous security personnel throughout his career, but a few individuals gained significant public attention, particularly after his untimely death in 2009. Among the most prominent are Matt Fiddes, Bill Whitfield, and Javon Beard, whose post-Jackson lives have varied dramatically.

Matt Fiddes, often described as a former bodyguard and close friend, has leveraged his association with Jackson into a successful career as a martial arts entrepreneur. He founded Matt Fiddes Martial Arts, which has grown into a global franchise with over 2,000 locations worldwide. Fiddes has remained a consistent media presence, frequently commenting on Jackson's life, legacy, and ongoing controversies. As recently as April 2026, Fiddes spoke out about the new Michael Jackson biopic, 'Michael,' accusing filmmakers of 'whitewashing' sex abuse allegations and revealing details of an 'erratic' phone call he received from Jackson just two nights before his death. He also appeared on the Channel 5 and Netflix show 'Rich House, Poor House' in April 2026, showcasing his millionaire lifestyle. While Fiddes' claims of a decade-long close friendship have been disputed by some Jackson supporters who suggest his role was more peripheral, he continues to defend Jackson against abuse allegations and offer his perspective on the singer's struggles. Fiddes has since relocated from Devon to Cyprus, continuing to expand his business ventures globally.

Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard served as Jackson's personal security team during his final two-and-a-half years, from late 2006 until his death. In 2014, they co-authored the book 'Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days,' which offered a candid, first-person account of Jackson's secluded life, his financial difficulties, and his dedication as a father. The book was later adapted into the 2017 television film 'Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland'. Bill Whitfield has continued to speak publicly about his time with Jackson, often defending the singer against child abuse allegations and emphasizing the immense pressure Jackson faced, which Whitfield believes contributed to his premature death. In August 2024, Whitfield described Jackson as 'frail' and 'sad' in the weeks leading up to his passing, attributing his decline partly to the burden of the allegations. He has questioned whether Jackson's death was a 'mistake' rather than an intentional act.

Javon Beard's life took a tragic turn after Jackson's death. While he co-authored 'Remember the Time,' reports from September 2019 indicated that Beard was convicted of armed robbery with a deadly weapon and sentenced to up to 18 years in prison in Nevada. Friends close to Beard suggested that he struggled with depression and a 'huge come-down' after Jackson's death and the renewed scrutiny of the abuse allegations, leading to financial difficulties and involvement with the 'wrong crowd'. He reportedly appealed his conviction but was unsuccessful. The proceeds from their book, which initially provided a significant income, reportedly dried up quickly for Beard. As of April 2026, he remains incarcerated.