In Michael Jackson’s iconic 1987 hit “Smooth Criminal,” the singer repeatedly asks, “Annie, are you okay?” sparking curiosity among fans about the identity of Annie. Contrary to popular belief, Annie is not a real person but refers to the Resusci Anne CPR training mannequin used globally to teach CPR techniques.

The song portrays Annie as a victim of violence, with lyrics depicting her tragic fate. Interestingly, the face of the Resusci Anne mannequin was modeled after an unidentified girl found in the River Seine in 19th century Paris. The girl’s death inspired romanticized stories, and she became known as the Girl from the River Seine.

The creation of the Resusci Anne mannequin began in 1958 when doll maker Asmund S. Laerdal collaborated with sculptress Emma Mathiassen to craft a lifelike face resembling the Girl from the River Seine. This led to the development of Resusci Anne, a training tool for CPR procedures.

Users have shared insights on the significance of the “Annie, are you okay?” phrase in CPR training. Trainees are taught to communicate with the mannequin as part of the training process. Additionally, fans have humorously connected the song’s lyrics to the concept of saving “Annie” from a fictional criminal encounter.

Questions have arisen about Michael Jackson’s involvement in CPR lessons, prompting discussions among users about the intriguing backstory behind the song’s reference to Annie. The revelation about Annie’s origins has sparked interest and fascination among fans and listeners.