MJ been gettin hounded for 30+ years, by paparazzi, fans, kids, etc. I'm sure it must be annoying, and hit different, for him, at this point...moreso a nuisance.
With that said...
Kids (and specifically black kids), have championed you. Grown up, idolizing you. Sadly, died for you (in a sense), and your merchandise. He knows the significance and importance, of what it might mean, for a youngin just to get a glance from him. So in that situation...it was too difficult for him, to hit a....
"What's up, yall..."
Even drop some quick game, like...
"For y'all safety, and not to scare folks, y'all really can't be up in here, etc. Y'all good tho?"
Instead...he comes off a funny style cat.