More From the Michael Jackson Memorial – VIDEOS

I absolutely loved Brooke’s part in the Memorial Service. We know him as Michael the entertainer but she knew him as a person. It’s an insight that only a handful had the priviledge to experience.

I was crying before she even spoke.

Seeing that performance, I cant believe Mariah Carey used to be the greatest singer in the world at least in the 1980s and 1990s. WTF with the hand thing! It doesnt look like shes singing, as in genuinely singing, looks like she cared more about nailing the high notes

I forgot what a beautiful voice Jermaine has. I totally lost it when he sang. Mariah, I agree was not so great. Usher was really good. As much as I hate Reverend Al, and his speech today was way too longwinded, he really drove home some great points.

And I don’t know if it is just me being sentimental or what, but I swear Michael’s kids look like him. It’s the first time I have really seen them up close.

Sorry for not knowing… Who is the female lead singer in Heal The World? I love her voice!

And I don’t know if it is just me being sentimental or what, but I swear Michael’s kids look like him. It’s the first time I have really seen them up close.

I was thinking the same thing!?!?

Brooke Shields’ sincerity was very moving. I had no idea that they were still very close friends, though I remember them out on dates in the ’80′s. Mariah’s voice cracked, but that’s forgivable as she was obviously shaken up. I’m glad I watched this, as it is a moment in pop culture history to be remembered.

Blanket kinda looks like him a bit. Regardless all three are beautiful children.

mariah can be excused for being ”shaky”… not an easy thing for some to sing, or be asked to speak, at a memorial service when one is emotional…. i challenge anyone here to try it. she left immediately after her performance because she was so distraught… michael jackson’s passing has ripped the heart and soul out of many of those we saw on that stage, singing and speaking in tribute to him, and that in and of itself, from me, gives them passes from the usual snark and criticism we love to indulge in on ordinary days… this is no ordinary day… we mourn the passing of the greatest entertainer who ever lived. everything else seems kinda small when reflecting on that, and the raw emotions generated in the people called upon today in the staples center to honor him.

Am I the only person who hasn’t watched any of this? :embarrassed_ee:

That first singer looked a bit crazy in the WATW/HRW video. I don’t know a lot of the people singing this, but I think that first woman was Corinne Bailey

And I don’t know if it is just me being sentimental or what, but I swear Michael’s kids look like him.

I agree! I was thinking the same thing, especially the oldest one. Uncanny

Yes I think there’s a resemblance to Michael with the kids .. especially Blanket

They all look adoreable

The memorial seems like it was beautifully done even with the massive crowds. And I always thought Michael’s kids resembled him and I agree they are beautiful.

To be honest, I don’t see any resemblance to michael whatsoever on the children’s faces. The real Michael, Michael prior to the plastic surgery does not look anything like the kids imo.

Simon is probably already all over Shaheen( Britans Got Talent)

MJ –

Thank you so much for the threads about Michael. I think it’s been great for some of us here at the blog to have a place to post about him.

I can’t bring myself to watch Brooke, Jermaine or that sweet Paris again… too much emotion for me to go through it again.

RIP Michael… obviously you were loved. You were by me for sure.

NO U were not alone I thought the kids looked like him too! maybe it is because of sentiment or just because u never really get to get a good look at them. Either way Michael was there daddy and when Paris spoke I lost it!!!!

I thought it was Corrine Bailey Rae too at first but I think the people who sang We Are The World were performers that were supposed to be in his London shows with him, like the backup singers or something? I think the girl with the long blonde hair is his guitar player.

Either way Michael was their daddy and when Paris spoke I lost it!!!!

Thank you. I hate when people say ‘those are not his kids’ whether they carry his blood or not, they are his children.

ETA: And I’m not saying anyone here has stated that they were not his.

To be honest, I don’t see any resemblance to michael whatsoever on the children’s faces. The real Michael, Michael prior to the plastic surgery does not look anything like the kids imo.

I think that explains any resemblance. As a result of his myriads of plastic surgeries, Michael probably reshaped his face to one that looked more like their natural faces.

Thank you. I hate when people say ‘those are not his kids’ whether they carry his blood or not, they are his children.

I don’t think they are biologically his, however it begs the question, why was he so obsessed with denying his heritage, right down to having white children? And really, not just his heritage but his sexual identity as well.

Actually, all I wanted to post is that I don’t care one way or the other about this, I’ve just been hanging around all day looking for idol (Adam) news.

The only death of a hero last week was Farrah Fawcett. She was a genuine, sweet, caring person who loved life and those around her. She fought so hard for life, going through so much pain just to live another day. She is a genuine heroine and has given strength and hope to cancer victims and their loved ones. God bless her.

The Michael that Brooke knew and lost is the Michael that many of us mourn. I hope his children are allowed by the media to have the childhood that he never had.

Brook’s eulogy was extraordinarily beautiful. I’ve watched 3 times now and it gets more moving every time. It was truly a lovely speech, the one part of the ceremony, along with Paris’ words, that I wont forget.

Brooke’s eulogy made me absolutely break down. I felt like she struggled to keep it together throughout the entire thing. Nothing; however, prepared me for his family. First his brother and then his daughter? Lord, I was a bawling mess watching this today!

I agree Brook’s eulogy was heartfelt, waiting for the next cresant moon! I wish Adam would just break out with an impromtu MJ song tonight in Tacoma that would be awesome!!!!!

edit: please keep your posts on topic

however it begs the question, why was he so obsessed with denying his heritage, right down to having white children? And really, not just his heritage but his sexual identity as well.

That’s something we will never know the answer to or understand.

As for Farrah I wasn’t really a fan. I felt for her family and her struggle but her dying didn’t really affect me, just like the several other celebrities who passed in that time frame.

was I the only one who wished they would have voiced over John Mayers wonderful playing with Michael’s singing? I just really wanted to hear his voice at that moment!

Either way Michael was their daddy and when Paris spoke I lost it!!!!

Thank you. I hate when people say ‘those are not his kids’ whether they carry his blood or not, they are his children.

I had my tearful moments…when Brooke spoke, when Jermaine sang, when Usher broke down and knelt before Katherine are just a few…..but when Paris stepped up to tell her daddy she loved him that was it for me the tears really flowed. No matter what people think of Michael, he was their father and those children obviously adored him. My heart breaks for them. May God watch over them the way he didn’t over Michael and shield them from all the pain and ugliness that is no doubt still to come.

SparklesATL
Jul 7th, 2009 at 7:15 pm

I can understand your feelings of loss for Farrah and she was very brave in her final battle…but she, too, fought demons in her life like so many others.

however it begs the question, why was he so obsessed with denying his heritage, right down to having white children?

Since I’m not Michael I don’t know what his intentions were with regards to the ancestry of his children and I am sure that they are very few people that have information about their conception.

But to me…the bottom line is, based on what everyone has said and what we witnessed today, these children seem to be very “normal” (Prince must have chewed a pack of gum) and very much loved by their extended family. I have this gut feeling that they have been raised extremely well if slightly unconventionally. They interacted well, didn’t seem withdrawn or shy, smiled, laughed, were respectful and very loving to each other and their family. I’m hoping that they will continue to grow and blossom under the care of the Grandmother and the Aunts and Uncles that trully seemed to put their interest first.

By the way, I don’t think I have heard of any of their cousins having been in any kind of trouble or not doing well. They seem to be normal kids and young adults.

The most poignant moment for me was when Jermaine sang “Smile”. He has said that when he thinks of Michael, that is the song that comes to mind the most. He was very courageous to sing at his own brother’s memorial and he did a beautiful job. My heart breaks for the siblings. Who would’ve thought that Michael would be the first to go of the Jackson 5?

This was a beautiful, moving memorial to MJ. As it should be. Peace Michael.

Stevie was amazing, what I love the most about his performance is that he also did George Michael’s “they wont go when I go”. I love that song and it was so apt to Michael’s life and death. I shed my first tears tonight with Stevie.

I feel bad for the kids and the mother losing a father and son …Mj death really did not effect me…SparklesATl is right their was some that thought MJ seemed turn his back on a segment ..MJ the person lost at the things he said and was done .Yeah he was a lost soul that is not an excuse…

What I don’t get is that his kids look so much like him when he turned white. Aren’t they supposed to be half-black? I am so confused. There’s a disconnect somewhere.

Either way, I’m sure he was a good father to them.

It was a very touching ceremony, but I’m glad its over because I think his family needs to heal as best they can. Hopefully the burial or cremation will happen soon and the children will remain with Michael’s family. I also hope his long time children’s nanny stays on board as the children were very close to her and they don’t know their mother. I don’t think Debbie Rowe has a chance of getting anything but possibly visitation rights. I don’t care what anyone says about Michael, I wish him eternal peace.

We Are the World – Perfect!

Love to Paris and rest of the family,

RIP MJ

I was looking at the AP photos and there are some of little Blanket holding a Michael Jackson doll. Broke my heart, as did Paris’ final words. That brought it right down to basics, which is these children have lost their father, the siblings have lost their brother, and the parents have lost a son. Sure, he’s Michael Jackson, but loss is loss and this memorial was dignified and respectful.

As for Michael being their biological father, I think Blanket is definitely his child. You can see it in his eyes. As for the other two, who knows. And I agree, it doesn’t matter. He was their father and despite all the craziness surrounding his life, he loved those children and they clearly adored him.

So very sad.

But to me’ ¦the bottom line is, based on what everyone has said and what we witnessed today, these children seem to be very ‘normal’  (Prince must have chewed a pack of gum) and very much loved by their extended family. I have this gut feeling that they have been raised extremely well if slightly unconventionally. They interacted well, didn’t seem withdrawn or shy, smiled, laughed, were respectful and very loving to each other and their family. I’m hoping that they will continue to grow and blossom under the care of the Grandmother and the Aunts and Uncles that trully seemed to put their interest first.

I can’t even remember what network I was watching but they outright disputed Joe Jackson’s claim that the kids really hadn’t had much contact with other kids. The anchor suggested that the whole reason the kids wore masks in public while out with MJ was so their identities would be hidden. This allowed them to then take off their masks and intereact in the world and with other children without the stigma of celebrity (obviously something MJ was all too aware of). It was obvious that the kids have had lots of contact with their aunts and uncles. Whatever MJ’s demons, his siblings seem to have survived better and will be in a good position to help raise MJ’s children.

Poor baby Paris… I felt for those kids. I was watching, not really sure the kids would even be there. For the first hour or so, I was fine – it was a nice service, a nice tribute.

I saw Prince Michael I chewing gum like it was going outta style (a really good trick for when you don’t want to cry, btw) – a young boy on the verge of adolescence, trying so hard to be the big man, maybe even a little angry, a little nonchalant (on the surface), hiding his pain. Paris, ever the young lady, smiling at pictures of her daddy, singing his songs, hitting her feet as Al Sharpton defended her father – a daddy’s girl. And Blanket, still a baby in so many ways, playing with a toy doll of his dad, still young enough to be bewildered, ethereal in his beauty and childlike confusion.

Paris has her daddy’s iron will and her grandmother’s quiet strength, and I cried for her and her brothers when she preempted Aunt Janet to take that microphone and speak for her father. She was beautiful, fragile, and I just wanted to take all three of those kids home. I think many people watching felt the same way. Their futures must feel very weird and uncertain. They’ve lost their dad, their house, their bedrooms, all the things that are important – and they clung together in the face of the worst tragedy any child can endure in front of the world today.

No matter what anyone thinks of Michael Jackson, you’d have to have a heart of stone not to feel something for those kids. It doesn’t matter whether he was the sperm donor or not – he was, at the end of the day, their Daddy. I mourn his loss all the more for those beautiful children, and I only hope their lives will be easier than their father’s was.

Rolling Stone Magazine reveals the name of the Pasadena, California singer who sang the lead for Heal the World, Judith Hill. Apparently she was one of the singers Jackson hired for the show. I’m sure we will be hearing more from her, at least I hope so.

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/07/07/judith-hill-heal-the-world-singer-from-jackson-memorial-revealed/

It was a beautiful ceremony. Barry Gordy was like a father to Michael so it was touching to hear him speak. so many people involved knew Michael as a child. This whole event humanized Michael to me. He was human, and a father like so many. He was just immensely talented. lol Usher’s performance was amazing. I was hoping the family would ask him to perform because of the influence Michael had over him.

Also, I liked Kobe and Magic Johnson telling the world about Michael the humanitarian. I didn’t know Michael was in the guiness book of world records for giving to charities. Such a good heart.

And Al Sharpton usually gets on my nerves, but he brought it home tonight!! Great job!! And of course the Congresswoman brought it to church too.

As far as the kids go, they are his. I don’t see how anyone can look at Paris and tell that little girl that Michael was not her father…. He was and always will be. nuff said!

It was just done so nicely and tastefully.

Thanks for all the Michael Jackson threads MJ, it’s been great to have a place to post.

I loved J Hud and Usher’s emotional singing (and John Mayer playing) because it felt like a tribute to the musical legacy and influence he has had on today’s artists, and I loved the spoken and musical tributes of his colleagues and contemporaries. The parts that really got to me though, were Brooke’s eulogy, Jermaine singing “Smile,” Marlon tearfully speaking of his brother, and Paris’s heartbreaking goodbye to her daddy, because they showed Michael as a friend, a brother, a father…a real human, not just an icon, brilliant performer, or tragic story.

I’m confused too, isn’t Michael the real father? If not, who is the father?

They Wont Go When I Go

It was a blessing to be able to see one of the world’s greats honoring the world’s greatest performer. I agree with you Sunn and MJ. They wont go… was a brilliant choice of songs for a number of reasons. It was haunting and beautiful. I just want to give you a heads up on the song. The song has been a favorite of mine for almost two decades. It was first released by Stevie Wonder in 1974 on his Fullfillingness album. George Michael’s version is a nice cover but the original…OMG. Check it out. I think MJ would want you to know.

It was a tasteful, lovely memorial service. There were so many precious monets, one to treasure. Brook made MJ seem more human than anyone else could.

Everyone has mentioned moments which highlighted the ceremony, but it was Paris who brought tears to my eyes. I would like to see Jermaine release “Smile”. What a beautiful version, one to be heard again and again.

ETA: The TV Guide station is showing uncut versions from the ceremony (with commercials.)

Rest in peace Michael Jackson.

John Mayer was on Larry King and talked about being so honored to be asked to be part of the service by the family when he had never actually met Michael. It was a touching interview. Larry had quite a few worth watching interviews on regarding the service.

Does anyone know the significance of the yellow ties? I’m glad that the kids didn’t have to wear sunglasses. It was nice to see them look like children.

I thought Jermaine’s song was lovely. He has a very nice voice.

I think Paris looks like Debbie Rowe and that Prince looks like the dermatologist. Blanket sort of resembles Michael. They are definitely beautiful children. I hope the freaky media pictures of them over the years in no way resembles the private life they lived with their beloved father.

I thought it was Corrine Bailey Rae too at first but I think the people who sang We Are The World were performers that were supposed to be in his London shows with him, like the backup singers or something? I think the girl with the long blonde hair is his guitar player.

I agree that those are probably the backup singers who were supposed to do the London shows. I know that the guy who had the lead in the WATW/HTW medley is Dorian Holley, one of the vocal coaches on AI. The others, I don’t know.

I would love to have a copy of ‘Smile’. Jermine has a beautiful voice. I wish he would record.
A very respectful memorial service. Millions of tears must have been shed today.
I feel sorry for the mother and the kids. All the children were so well behaved. It speaks a lot about how they have been raised. Michael was a wonderful Dad, a great singer and dancer.
RIP MJ
I forgot to mention, that I loved the yellow ties with the white shirt and black suits. A good look for a funeral or where ever you have to go.

Thanks for posting the various Michael Jackson threads and videos, MJ. And thanks to all of the posters for sharing their reflections.

The memorial was extremely well done and very moving. I had not expected to weep as much as I did. The musical performances were all very good.

Michael’s three children look like such sweethearts.

I have developed a renewed appreciation for Michael’s music over the last 12 days. I only wish that it were under other circumstances.

I am sitting here in a nice little resort in the Poconos watching BET’s airing of the service. I have been avoiding it until now…..I am freaking slammed about this. I’ve cried so many tears, i don’t think I have many more…..

The highlight for me was Brooke, Usher, and Jermaine. Brooke Shields just broke my heart…..Usher is just precious….his love and loss were palpable. Jermaine, Jermaine…I just want to hug him, hug them all…….those siblings….Michael would be proud…his friends and family did him soe justice today. I will never forget this day……sad, but beautiful and dignified, and totally fitting. If he is seeing this…….

Paris is angelic……all of his children, surrounded by love, not oddities, just kids who willbe embraced by this very loving family.

RIP my brother, for all that you meant to me, and my family all these years…

MJ, thanks for covering this event so well. I knew I would be able to fire up this crappy laptap and vent and commisserate with other fans.

Did anyone see the little one, Blanket? He was holding a Michael Jackson doll. Seven year-olds barely understand the concept that Daddy died and he won’t be coming home. Sad, indeed.

Here’s a photo of Blanket holding the Michael Jackson doll.

http://blogs.babble.com/droolicious/2009/07/07/the-michael-jackson-memorial-what-was-blanket-holding/

I was bawling my eyes out during Paris’ impromptu speech. She really reminded everyone that MJ was a wonderful father and not the “freak” that the media made him out to be.

I’m thinking that Paris’ speech might go down in history similar to JFK Jr.’s salute to his father’s casket in 1963 (not that I’m saying that MJ’s death was as historical as JFK’s death…not at all). It’s always the kids that remind us how precious life is.

MJ, thanks for covering this event so well. I knew I would be able to fire up this crappy laptap and vent and commisserate with other fans.

I know. God bless our MJ for giving us these threads. I know it sounds crazy but it’s almost been like therapy for me.

I was so happy when my daughter came home from her jazz class tonight. The instructor had them dancing to MJ music the whole class and then showed them the Beat It video and taught them some of his dance moves. My daughter was wired when she got home… practicing over and over.

The service today was absolutely beautiful. Thank you especially to Brooke, Jermaine and Paris for showing us the tender, human side of Michael Jackson.

That was one of the most beautiful and dignified services I’ve ever seen. I liked how the mourners (and fans) were so incredibly respectful.

The children are beautiful – inside and out. They held up much better than I would have, given the circumstances. I watched an interview this evening with Kenny Ortega and he said that Paris is definitely a daddy’s girl and Michael’s biggest fan by far. Awww. I also believe it was Glady’s Knight said the kids are all incredibly polite, kind and well mannered. It seems Michael did a great job raising them.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for them. They’re obviously well loved.

Some random thoughts:

-I wish that we had gotten to hear from Janet. I think that she was supposed to speak when Paris asked for the mike. (And contrary to what I’ve seen on other blogs, it’s very obvious that Paris had asked to speak on her own accord.)

-And did anyone else think the sound mix on Shaheen’s song was a bit off? Especially in the beginning, he was drowned out by the backup singers.

-Brooke Shields’ eulogy humanized MJ in a very real way for me. The Michael she described was very different from the Michael we saw in the media.

- Jermaine’s performance was extremely heartfelt.

I also think that Jermaine should record and release “Smile” as a tribute to Michael and give the proceeds to charity, much the same way Elton John released “Candle in the Wind”, with the special lyrics for Princess Di, after singing it at her funeral.

I was so glad to see people who truly knew and loved Michael at the memorial. I feared it might be turned into some smarmy, insincere tribute filled with self-promoting young stars who had very little connection to MJ, but were only there because they are currently popular.

I live close enough to LA that I could have tried for a ticket, but I would have felt like a hypocrite if I had gone. MJ’s “tabloid image” made me kind of forget about MJ “the entertainer”… This week with all of the coverage I was just blown away by the clips of his singing and dancing, it was like he was reborn in my mind. But the best part was the memorial, because there we did not just “see” Michael as the King of Pop; we saw Michael as son, brother and most of all father. I’m so sorry he had to die for some of us to come full circle. And no, its not like I ever hated him, or even believed half of what I read, it was just that he didn’t seem real to me, and now he does. This in itself was a life lesson. And I think his kids are going to be okay, they “inherited” the best part of Michael.

Revcat wow……what a full circle moment for sure. I think many had a similar experience.

I would love for jemaine to record Smile for a momento……and for charity. I remember Michael saying how much he loved Jermaine’s voice….

An absolutely beautiful memorial service as we have lost one of the greatest. It would be so awesome if Michael was remembered by everyone as he was by his family and friends and those adorable children. We will never forget Paris’ goodbye to her father. RIP Michael

I also think that Jermaine should record and release ‘Smile’  as a tribute to Michael and give the proceeds to charity, much the same way Elton John released ‘Candle in the Wind

I immediately thought the same thing. Jermaine’s version was so sad/stirring. I’d buy it in a heartbeat.

If this is an AMerican Idol fansite, where is the post of Jennifer Hudson singing “WIll You Be There?” First of all, the song has a sadness to it, and I thought she sang it well. But when the dancers started signing the song behind her, it hit me deep. I grew up with Michael Jackson, wearing the glove, wearing the jackets, breakdancing and watching his videos. It was a HUGE part of my childhood. As an adult, my life and career has focused on Sign Language. So this performance was the most emotional for me. Al Sharpton’s speech, although I am not a fan of his at all, was amazing…chills.

Sorry, guess it helps to scroll down to all the articles before replying. I found the J-Hud video. Thanks for posting it!

I wanted to say a couple of words about the media vs. Michael Jackson. First, MJ was acquitted of all charges, and the last time I checked, you are considered innocent unless proven guilty here in the U.S. Personally, if I was a part of the Jackson family, I would sue anyone who spoke out ignorantly since I believe this is what contributed to his early death. MJ possibly needed to numb himself, had trouble sleeping, and had a broken spirit due to the media’s ignorance. Second, I stopped listening to MJ a while back because I believed the media back then (which was my mistake, because I have since learned you can’t believe everything the media puts out there because it is most always biased). Third, when MJ passed, I cried. I have not stopped crying since I heard the news. I did not expect to react the way I did when I heard the news, but I did, and I still am. I now totally believe that MJ was innocent. Michael was abused as a child, but that does not make him an abuser. Michael has tried to get back some of his lost childhood. Michael lived in a different world than most of the rest of us since he had the means to separate himself from the world. He was able to create a “Neverland” where he could indulge himself as a child, without forethought, without having to think first about appearances. He made some bad decisions that he probably would not have made under “normal” circumstances, but this still does not make him an abuser or pervert. Michael made some comments that he saw innocence and God in the faces of children, so WHY would he want to destroy that by abusing a child? I can’t think of a reason. Michael didn’t try to hide anything, which made him totally vulnerable to people, especially people who wormed their way into his life, interviewed him on tape, or people who wanted some of MJ’s money or payout by media (and didn’t care how they accomplished it). And as a parent I can tell you that I would not personally accept any amount of money in exchange for allowing ANYONE to molest my child, and anyone who would accept money for this cannot be trusted, and their child is unavoidably using this parent as an example for their own life, and therefore, that child cannot be trusted either. I don’t believe any of it. Michael paid out money to these people to get rid of the bad publicity and strain on his energy. He could never get over the constant media harrassment. They wouldn’t stop. But Michael was doing the best he could to come back to us, and he almost accomplished it. I’m not sure right now exactly how he died, but I can tell you that he was not a pervert. If I thought he was, I couldn’t listen to his music now. I love Michael, I believe, Michael, and I have apologized to Michael since his death for my lack of faith in him. He never lacked faith in his fans, and he never gave anything but love to his fans and the children of the world. Per his will, 20% of his worldly possessions will go to charity, and another 40% to his children. All Michael wanted was for his fans to love him right back. God told us we must become like children to please Him, and Michael did just that. Michael made some bad decisions, but he never deserved to be treated the way he was. Also, I will never side with anyone who makes fun of an individual because of their body. No matter his reason for his surgeries, that was his business and nobody elses. I have to say that I have not seen the media attack anyone like they did Michael when he was alive, and even in his death they continued their attacks. I may not like anything else that Rev Sharpton has to say, but at the memorial one thing he said rang true: (paraphrased) “There was nothing strange about Michael, but it was strange what Michael had to deal with.” Paris did not need to look at anyone else, but this child knew the truth when she heard it. She immediately stood up and clapped her hands. I listen to Michael’s songs, and realize how much he had an impact on my life. I was a child when I first heard him, and he comforted me with his songs. I was a poor white child back when there were riots in the 60′s, and I was the minority because I lived among the blacks, and I was discriminated against (I guess we call that reverse discrimination). Although I was picked on as a child, and had many stomache aches thinking about having to go to school to take more abuse by the other children, cried at school, and yet I found comfort in Michael’s music (also Aretha’s and Gladys’, as well as other black artists). Though I have many stories of being ganged up on by people of color, I have managed to still believe that people can change and that God does not see the color of our skin, and I know that everyone has the ability to love and grow and even confess their sins and start anew. How ironic it was that people of the same color that abused me were also the same color as the people who ministered to me in music. I will never forget Michael and his family, and I will always appreciate the healing and joy in their music. I hope everyone thinks again before attacking Michael and anyone else who has been abused by the media. I believe that Michael is teaching God the moonwalk, and that God is smiling upon him. The media can’t hurt Michael anymore.–Squirrellygirl (by the way, I’m not the other poster who uses “Squirrely” as their username. I’m “Squirrelly” with 2 “L’s”–thanks.

–Everyone please note that Squirrellygirl is not the other poster who uses “Squirrely” as their username. I’m “Squirrelly” with 2 “L’s”–thanks.

Well Michael was like most human beings, he was complex and multi faceted, he had flaws along with all the talent, in fact geniuses seem to have more flaws or quirks or eccentricities than the average person to balance out the genius and to some extent, Michael, for whatever reason, purposely propelled his image as a freak which came to bite him back – which is why you should never play games with the media, it will always come back to haunt you, but I digress…….however yesterday the memorial service was about celebrating the good and great parts of his life, which were many, and that seem to be respected by most of the media all the way around as far as I could see.

What a beautiful memorial service — very touching. Jermaine’s performance just broke my heart. I would buy a recording of that lovely tribute in a second. Actually, I would buy a DVD of the memorial, but if they were to release that for sale, everyone would scream that they were exploiting MJ for money, so they probably won’t. That was just a beautiful, heartfelt send-off for MY musical icon.

They could sell the DVD with proceeds going to one of the named charities in the will or one of many charities or causes that Michael supported. Look at all the money Elton’s Candle in the Wind raised for Lady Di’s Foundation. I think that was the biggest selling single of all time or pretty close – 37 million copies sold worldwide. But yes maybe a single would be more apropos.

Squirrelly with 2 l’s, Thank you! It takes courage to speak out. I was never sure about MJ’s guilt or innocence, but since MJ’s death I have done further investigating. In the case of MJ tabloid fiction was (and is) reported as fact and if you examine just the facts, the balance swings toward innocence.

I am really, really angry with Rep. Peter King of Long Island who has been shooting off his mouth just to get media sound bytes (while at the same time railing against Michael and the media). Yes, we have free speech in America, but we also have a judicial system which rendered a verdict. And to shoot off his mouth like that when Michael’s family is grieving is shameless.

The media dehumanized MJ, but the memorial service and a heart breaking message from his beautiful daughter brought us back to the real MJ. On another note, I am happy that the children returned to Los Angeles several months prior to their father’s death. It gave them a chance to get to know MJ’s large family; the children will be surrounded with love.

And despite all the “blather” on the media regarding the children, I think they will be fine. They seem to have a very firm foundation, thanks to MJ and their nanny. IMO there is no way in hell Debbie Rowe will get anything but visitation rights and I base that on the fact that Paris and Prince are old enough that the judge will take their wishes into consideration.

You did good Michael, the children are beautiful. RIP

Well on the other hand, powerful people have ways to keep people quiet and the truth hidden. Hard to say whether those who have kept quiet out of fear will shed further light now or if Mr. Jackson will be more fully exonerated. I will leave it at that for now.

I found it touching that both Anderson Cooper and Larry King spoke about how they too lost their fathers at around the same age as the Jackson children and the reality is all children react differently to this kind of loss. So hopefully there will not be a custody battle so they will have stability and family and love and professional grief counselling. It is going to be tough enough dealing with the circumstances of their father’s death which is still shrouded in a degree of mystery.

Someone was asking about one of the female singers RS investigated her name is Judith Hill

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/07/07/judith-hill-heal-the-world-singer-from-jackson-memorial-revealed/

Squirrelly Jul 8th, 2009 at 11:21 am

‘“Everyone please note that Squirrellygirl is not the other poster who uses ‘Squirrely’  as their username. I’m ‘Squirrelly’  with 2 ‘L’s’ ’“thanks.

From one Squirrel to another – I loved your post and may Michael rest in peace and no they can’t hurt him anymore.

Thank you Revcat and Squirrely (with 1 L) for your kind words.

I don’t know everything, but I can’t see any harm in allowing Debbie visitation rights, and I suspect allowing her regular visitation could keep her from seeking total custody, as long as the Jackson family is easy to work with regarding custody, respectful and cordial to her as they should be. I can’t fathom having a child and giving it up to someone else to raise and telling them not to call me mother. I have trouble believing that Debbie doesn’t care anything at all about the children, and I saw her tears after her daughter, Paris’ words at MJ’s memorial service. I suspect that she never entertained the idea that MJ wouldn’t be there to raise the children, that he would die so young.

I don’t think Debbie should get any more money in any case, however. MJ has a right to say where his money goes.

Also, I don’t mean to cause any discord, but I’m surprised that no one in the media has discussed the possibility that MJ is not the birth father of the children and this impact on how the court will decide the children’s fate. I think like a lawyer, and I believe that if DNA tests were done on the children and they were found to have a different father other than Michael, together with the possibility that Michael did not formally adopt them, that his will wouldn’t matter to the court regarding where the children go, plus Debbie is the actual birth mother. Also note that Debbie was probably concerned about Joe Jackson having the ability to abuse MJ’s children as he did MJ, and I wonder if MJ ever thought about this possibility. If Michael did actually adopt the children, then it’s a whole other story. If Michael is the actual father, then of course there was no need for him to adopt them. Also, they were married when she birthed the children, and this may lawfully have given Michael rights regardless of whether or not he was the birth father. So many legal questions to look at. Obviously, the Jackson family is comforting to the children, but I think there needs to be safeguards to ensure that Joe Jackson doesn’t get unsupervised access to these children, especially after the way he talked right after MJ died and he was trying to make money and get publicity for his new record company or whatever (I was floored when I heard him speaking). MJ went out of his way to make sure the children could make their own choices about what they want to do with their own lives, and everyone involved should be make sure that no one gets in the way of these lovely children’s happiness.