Michael Joseph Jackson Memorialized
Yesterday morning, here in Los Angeles, CA, thousands of family, friends and fans of Michael Jackson paid tribute and homage to the late King of Pop in a respectful, somber yet mostly celebratory memorial service at the Staples Center in downtown LA (which you may have watched online HERE). David and I were at yesterday’s memorial service and I will share my personal experience from the event a little later on today … but I will say that it was a very beautiful, very fitting tribute to Michael Jackson. Family and friends eulogized him with words and songs as his shining casket, reportedly with his body inside, stood at the front of the venue for those in attendance to pay their respects. Here are a few photos and some info about the event itself:
His was a tumultuous life and a chaotic death, but Michael Jackson’s funeral and memorial Tuesday were orderly and celebratory, moving and bittersweet, as family, friends and fans around the world joined in lamenting the loss of the King of Pop. It was one of the most-watched celebrity sendoffs in history, telecast across multiple channels and streamed across the Internet. But the predicted traffic and crowd-control nightmares did not materialize. Thousands of police officers helped keep the ticketless crowd to a minimum — about 1,000 people vs. the 250,000 feared — and the motorcade with Jackson’s hearse encountered few problems traveling blocked-off freeways to downtown. The goodbye to Jackson started early with a private service for family and close friends at Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills. (A crash was heard as drivers slowed to watch the procession leave the cemetery). A star-crowded memorial program followed, at the downtown Staples Center, that was spiritual, smoothly entertaining and jubilantly roof-raising as Jackson was hailed as a superstar and humanitarian. “The King of Pop has gone to meet the King of Kings,” intoned the Rev. Lucious Smith, pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena. It was a day filled with touching moments, perhaps the most poignant when Jackson’s daughter, Paris, 11, took the microphone. “I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much,” she said, breaking into tears. That followed two hours of farewell tributes from musicians, athletes and friends of Michael Joseph Jackson, who died suddenly June 25 at age 50. The crowd of 20,000 was alternately reverent and boisterous. They watched in solemn silence as the likes of Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey sang sweetly, and older brother Jermaine crooned Smile, the theme from Charlie Chaplin’s classic film Modern Times. Usher sang Jackson’s sadly prescient Gone Too Soon as he caressed the golden casket spotlighted in front of the stage and draped in flowers. But when Kobe Bryant walked in, many jumped to their feet and started cheering and taking pictures; some reached over for high-fives. They cheered loud approval for the Rev. Al Sharpton’s fiery eulogy and laughed at a story Magic Johnson told about fried chicken. And they snapped photos with phones and rained shout-outs of “I love you, Michael!” during lulls … Other celebrities in the crowd: Cicely Tyson; P. Diddy; Rick, Kathy and Nicky Hilton; Lil Kim; Chris Brown; and Tatum O’Neal. Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela sent messages. Also absent: Jackson’s longtime pal Elizabeth Taylor, who said in a Twitter post she couldn’t bear to be part of the public hoopla, and Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s ex-wife and mother of Jackson’s two oldest children. Outside the Staples Center, the mood was festive. Vendors hawked T-shirts, buttons, photos and other memorabilia … As the memorial service ended, Jackson’s three children and eight siblings — his brothers were all wearing one beaded white glove in his honor — gathered onstage to say thanks. “We will never understand what he endured … being judged, ridiculed,” said brother Marlon, choking up. “Maybe, now, Michael, they will leave you alone.” The Rev. Smith closed by noting: “All around us are people of different cultures, different religions, different nationalities. And yet the music of Michael Jackson brings us together.” After the memorial, the family went to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel for a private reception. It was unclear whether Jackson’s casket would be returned to Forest Lawn for burial or taken to another final resting place.
I have to tell you that I was touched by the service more than I thought I would be. As I’ve tried to make clear, I’m not the biggest Michael Jackson fan in the world (there are plenty of uberfans all around the globe who are more fitting of that title than I) but I really wanted to pay respects to such an icon of pop culture. I didn’t count in being as affected by the memorial service as I was. Mariah Carey’s performance brought the first tears to my eyes … Brooke Shields’s eulogy brought them back. When Paris Michael Katherine, MJ’s 11 year old only daughter, spoke at the end of the service I absolutely burst out crying. There wasn’t a dry eye anywhere in our vicinity. Paris’s comments were so heartfelt, so honest … so raw. I’m sure it was difficult for most to keep from crying as she declared her love for her daddy. She said, “I just want to say… ever since I was born…. daddy has been the best father you can imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much.” In case you missed it, you can watch Paris’s short speech after the jump …
I realize that this clip has been played over and over again all day long yesterday and even today … but, for me, it was THE most touching and humanizing part of the entire memorial service. If you see anything from the service, it should be this:
Yesterday’s service was so incredibly touching … I am so happy that I was able to be a part of it. As I said, my personal comments and reflections from the service will be posted later on today. Where did YOU watch the service yesterday? What did you think of the whole service? What parts affected you most?
[Photo credit: Getty; Source]
Tags: Brooke Shields, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Jermaine Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Mariah Carey, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, Prince Michael Joseph 'Blanket' Jackson II, Prince Michael Joseph Jackson, The Staples Center
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July 8th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Glad it’s over, can we get some goss now?
July 8th, 2009 at 7:21 am
I too was touched by the entire service… I am a Michael Jackson Fan!! I loved that his friends and family were able to huminize him! He will be missed by all.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:23 am
I tried to the office TV but the disrespectful comments from co-workers made me go to my office and try to watch online but it was hard. I turned the radio on and closed my door and silently cried. When I made it home I watched the highlights on E and really cried. John Mayer’s Human Nature was amazing but yes, Paris eulogizing her dad in a brief statement was absolutely touching. No parent, no older sibling or young child should ever have to do this and I applaud them for doing it and for sharing it with the world. It was a beautiful ceremony for the King. I’m officially ready to move on and let the man rest in peace.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:27 am
ok i will admit i said i had no intention of watching the memorial service of mj but of course i saw all of the updates at work so i decided to watch some of it brook sheilds and his daughter paris brought tears to my eyes, i honestly thought that the service would have been gaudy and over the top, but i humbly apologize for jumping to conclusions it was tastefull and repectfull. something anyone could be proud of.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Yesterday was such a sad day. The ceramony was beautiful.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:32 am
I wasn’t planning on watching but it was on a tv at work and then I ended up streaming it at my desk. Brook and Paris had the most moving speeches, the were so emotional and showed a different side to him the public didn’t get to know. They reminded us he was human and had emotions….does anyone know what/if Usher had a relationship with the family? I’m sure he looked up to Michael and respected him, but he seemed very emotional (although it almost seemed insincere and sort of like a show) and the family’s reaction at the end made it seem as if they knew each other. It was touching to see them greet everyone as they came off stage, and can only imagine the emotional stregnth it must have taken for them to sit through that.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:41 am
paris made me cry….
also at the end when they sang “you are not alone”.. made me cry because it made me think of my father whom i lost 6 months ago at the age of 52…
emotional day! guh
July 8th, 2009 at 7:43 am
The ceremony was tasteful and all the performances were appropriate, well done, and respectful. The songs were incredibly well chosen, too. I’m sorry it took being there to make you realize how touching it would be, Trent. It seems like too many people were treating this as a media event and forgetting that family, friends, and really, really deeply connected fans would be feeling a great sense of loss… I have to hope that if people could have known what would happen at the end with Paris, they would have approached the ceremony a little more seriously (i.e. no Twitter!).
July 8th, 2009 at 7:46 am
@Bebe — I chose to Twitter the service for the many, many people who were not able to watch the service on TV. I was happy to do it and would do it again. If you think I was twittering “just for fun”, then you are sorely mistaken.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:46 am
The memorial service was amazing. I didn’t think that I would cry, but I did. Listening to the stories of Michael’s friends.. and myself just recalling what I remember from his career and how it affected my life.. I was so touched. You can really see the strong bond that the Jackson siblings have with each other. They are so lucky and blessed to have each other through this time. His children are blessed to have such a strong supportive family to guide them now that their father is gone. And obviously as I was switching through the dozens of networks on tv, he really changed the world in his own way. He inspired so many legions of fans, helped, and was loved so many people all across the globe, its sad that he couldn’t get that in return. He surpasses the titles of Icon, King of Pop, Greatest entertainer. He was more than all those things combined. There are no words. As I look back, I agree with everyone that there will not be another like Michael Jackson. May he rest in paradise and find peace.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:47 am
So tragic that MJ spent his last years professing his desire to “never grow up,” since his childhood innocence was lost to the public so early. As a child who lost her dad at the age of 9, let me tell you, those children have now lost a major piece of their innocence. When you are thrown in to such a sad reality so young, you have no choice but to “grow up” and begin accepting the harsh realities of the world. I know most people have a sob story, that’s what makes life… life. But when as I see it unfolding on TV before my eyes… I ache for her…for them. I hope this is the first real pain they’ve felt, as he seems to have been a good father. I pray they will have a somewhat normal road ahead of them. I hope they come out of it all and are able to say they are proud of their dad.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:48 am
“There wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy. What was strange was what your daddy had to deal with.”
That needs to go down in history that quote.
Not matter what Michael did or was accused of doing. There was nothing more wrong than what people put him through. His father, paparazzi, the public. We are to blame for making this man even more shy and secluded.
Michael Jackson – yes he wasn’t normal. But what is normal. We have such a narrow image of what is right & what is wrong. He grew up in the public eye – we can easily turn around and say, well thats the price of fame. But no, it isn’t.
I can realize he did things such as wearing masks & putting them on his children. Dangling his baby over a balcony. These aren’t things he did to cause harm – that incident was a mistake that he probably regretted so much. But it was blew way out of proportion.
It’s hard to try and make my point in these words. But what i’m saying is, Michael Jackson wasn’t a freak. He endured so much in his short life. Success but backlash.
We will continue to always include the negatives of his life when we think of him. But those negatives will never change my opinion of the most talented and successful musician we will ever know. The King of Music! Michael Jackson.
“Maybe now Michael, They will leave you alone.”
July 8th, 2009 at 7:53 am
paris made me burst into tears that just proves to people in doubt he was a loving father and could never hurt any child.she was so brave god bless her and the rest fo the jackson family.thanks for posting
July 8th, 2009 at 7:55 am
@J – well said.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:56 am
@trent You seem as though you only went to this because it was the biggest thing happening that day. Not because you wanted to pay your respects. The twittering was absolutely ridiculous. How would you feel if someone was twittering throughout your mother or fathers memorial or funeral?
July 8th, 2009 at 7:57 am
I think John Mayer took such a classy approach to the ceremony. I was mucho impressed with him. Jennifer Hudson was powerful-& Lionel & Stevie. The only downer for me was Usher making the moment about Usher & not MJ; I found that a little disrespectful. Also disrespectful-a friend of mine wondered if Paris was pinched from behind to make her cry. He thought that Paris was so composed & then freaked when the family jumped all over her to speak up-& someone pinched her to make her cry because she was grabbing her neck after that. Weird!
July 8th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Honestly, the news media had the event covered, including minute-by-minute feeds. I’m not sure why you twittered… I don’t think for fun, but maybe because you got caught up in the whole thing. I guess I’m a little sick of people thinking their need for information comes before anything else just because we have tools like Twitter. If they couldn’t watch the service, they could follow the news, read various websites after the event, or watch it later on many, many outlets. I guess I don’t understand the need for everything to be so instant. Why does that override common etiquette? I’m disappointed that you would do it again, even after seeing how his children are hurting. Would you do it sitting next to Paris?
July 8th, 2009 at 8:05 am
@Bebe — Honestly, it’s not for you to decide what people do or how they get their information.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:07 am
I don’t see a problem with Trent twittering. He said he wanted to keep in touch with people who were not there or had access to TV, etc. He was sharing with all of us who couldn’t be there. He was representing. Ugh, forget it. BLAH!
July 8th, 2009 at 8:09 am
@julez — Very obvs you are trying to assign “normal” behavior to a very extraordinary experience. At a “normal” funeral, of course it would be unnecessary to share the information with others … but the death of Michael Jackson, a world wide icon, is no “normal” circumstance. If you cannot understand the implications of such a major world wide event then I don’t know that any explanation from me will make you understand.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Trent, I have read people coming down on your for Twittering (not just Bebe), but I must thank you. I had planned to watch online yesterday because I was at work, but the stream kept buffering, or not working at all…so I took to listening to cnn radio online. It had a bit of a delay, so I also had your twitter page open so I could “see” firsthand what was going on. Thank you. I was able to actually watch the tribute last night when I got home.
So much word to J. Well said.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:11 am
I watched from home. I agree with those that mentioned John Mayer’s contribution was beautiful. When he first went on, I wondered why he was there… but it was beautiful. I also liked what Al Sharpton said. I think it was important that the kids heard not only what he said, but the crowd’s reaction to what he said.
I also agree with Margie that I’m officially ready to move on.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:15 am
This man was the biggest celebrity in recent history. His death and memorial has been followed by millions and covered by every news media outlet. This wasn’t just any funeral, it was an historic event and like it or not, it will be remembered for many years to come. In this case, Twitter was appropriate and I appreciate Trent’s updates as I was at work and the internet was clogged.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Fair enough… I do feel a little horrible now, because I realize I rarely comment on any of the things you do that I LIKE (for example, the new Britney post is absolutely adorable!). That’s kind of messed up on my part. I will try to be a little less negative from now on – or at least be equal parts positive, haha. I admire that you’re standing by your decision (though I stand by my beliefs on the matter, too).
July 8th, 2009 at 8:20 am
@Trent why do you care what some hater has to say, it’s your blog feel free to do what you want to do, if people don’t like it then there are plenty more blogs out there for them.
You have my full support on this one, you did a great job, you should be proud of yourself.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:20 am
@Bebe — It’s all good, Bebe. I do understand your perspective and opinion. On my end, I was able to attend an event that millions were not able to … I wanted to do my best to share the experience with those who had no other chance to experience it.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:21 am
@J. My sentiments exactly!
July 8th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Its not about being negative, its about sharing your opinions people! I understand WHY Trent decided to twitter, it makes sense. What I don’t get is why we all can’t just STOP for a minute, and have nobody twitter or give minute by minute coverage of a funeral. Have the live feed & if you are WORK, then wait until you get out & watch it online. When you are at work, I think you are supposed to be WORKING. At ANY funeral, there should be more respect paid then this circus is has become. For example, it became a public spectacle where people were commenting on the performances (like Mariah being “pitchy”) instead of touching moments like Paris & Brooke gave. Hopefully putting the state into $5 million of debt was worth it to MJ fans.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:27 am
@ J and Taylar — well said! Bravo! MJ may have been an odd duck, but it obviously stemmed from a lot of messed up stuff from his childhood. Despite all that, he was able to entertain and inspire the entire world for decades. RIP.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:31 am
this is the best tribute i have seen on MJ……ode to mj
July 8th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Can someone not say one thing they did not agree with on the site? This section is called comments, not only positive feedback section.Trent I love your blog, I was only saying the twittering because it seemed disrespectful to me. And yes perhaps I was comparing this to a “normal” funeral, but it was a very respecful, very quiet, almost serious memorial. For all the craziness in MIchael’s life, and his childrens, this seemed like a nice quiet end to all that. And I think it deserved the kind of respect that anyone normal or not’s funeral would get. I am in no way a “hater”. Just my two cents…won’t happen again!
July 8th, 2009 at 8:51 am
I cried the entire way through, watched it on television, alone, in my room. Must have used a whole box of tissues, I was a huge MJ fan, not obsessed fan though I must add.
I cannot imagine loosing a parent in such tragic circumstances, for paris at 11 years old to go on stage and bid farewell to her father must have been devestating.
Even if it is proven MJ was not the biological father nobody can argue that he was their dad, he loved them more than anything, a wonderfull insight to the man behind the fame.
May he find the peace in death he was unable to find in life.
Rest In Peace.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:23 am
@ la princess – how did Usher make it about him, cause he couldnt hold the tears back?? how unthoughtful of him.
i wasnt planning on watching it – but it was so many channels that i gave in. im kinda glad i did, it was sweet. the performances were on point, (and hello j-huds glow – how amazing did she look!) and i cant lie..when his lil girl started to cry, it struck a nerve.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:24 am
The WORST part about this whole funeral was the cynicism of Michael Jackson’s so-called “friends” and “family” there for the funeral making appearances. Where in the HELL were they when he needed them? I feel so terrible for him. He was a sick man. His family and “friends” needed to get him help, they needed to get him the right types of mental health attention and help him to get on the right medication for his very obvious ill state. He was a DRUG ADDICT and addicts need help. instead his friends and family allowed him to continue to use doctors perscribing him medication illegally.
Geraldo Rivera was one of Michael Jackson’s very best of friends and he tried as hard as he could to help him. He refused to attend this over the top and expensive (for the citizens of California) “memorial” in respect. I applaud him for that.
And listening to Al Sharpton speak made me sick! He is a ridiculous racist, a liar, and a disgrace to the entire event.
I sincerely hope his Children will be well taken care of and not pulled and yanked in the different directions of “where the money will be”
Godbless you Michael Jackson, I hope you are in a much much happier place
July 8th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Trent- (or anyone that can answer this)
Do you know where I can watch the full memorial online? I’d like to hear what Brooke Shields said.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I have to say, I thought it was more odd than touching, because I thought it was inappropriate for a family funeral to be combined with a concert. I thought that the idea was decent enough, but I thought that because very few of the people involved in the memorial were not around when he needed them, so I think it would have been more suitable for there to be a family funeral, and then, perhaps a week later or so, a memorial concert, involving the “friends” that were present the other night…
July 8th, 2009 at 9:46 am
@anna: I think there is only so much that family and friends can do to help someone. It’s been stated that the family staged numerous interventions to no avail, so I think they did as much as they could. You have to want to help yourself in those situations, and if he thought he was doing nothing wrong then, in his mind, what is there to help? It’s sad but unfortunately will power and defiance on the part of the sick person cannot be always be overcome.
The ceremony was perfect the way it was. I agree that there were some people involved that didn’t need to be, i.e. musical performers who didn’t really have a relationship with Jackson, but overall, it was very touching. I think my favourite part was Brooke Shields’ tribute, it was so personal. The comment about the KFC was great too, it really lightened up the mood and it brought MJ down to our level of humanity.
Anways, on a lighter and less relevant note, Paris looks so much like Debbie Rowe, I don’t know how other news outlets can claim she isn’t her biological child.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Just to add… I can never really understand the hoopla about the cause of death surrounding celebrities like MJ. He’s dead and gone, why does it matter so much what the cause was? I suppose it brings some closure but it’s sad that they focus so much on how he could have survived if he hadn’t done this or that, but when it’s all said and done, nothing can change the situation that has occurred. It think it causes more negativity than necessary because once the cause of death is discovered, people are going to be pointing fingers in a million directions.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:52 am
I watched the memorial, when Paris spoke, I cried..I don’t like Al Sharpton..or Jesse Jackson..or Joe for that matter. I thought the memorial was much classier than I expected. I don’t think having MJs casket on display was the right thing.IMO I only hope those children get the love and support they need..and that they are kept as far from Joe as possible. MJ was most definitly a musical genius.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:55 am
@Nicole I can explain my two cents. He comes out to sing and says “we miss you…especially me.” I think that’s a little disrespectful to MJ’s family. Also, it’s not HIS show, so why he left the stage is just silly. THEN, he touches the casket. The crying by that point to me was just part of the Usher show. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
Maybe I’m just being cynical because Usher is not my favorite person in the world, but were he and MJ close friends? I liked it when he sang, but once he left the stage like everyone was there to see him…it was just blah.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I cried when Mariah sang, the vid after J.Hud sang & we could hear MJ’s voice, when Usher cried, when MJ’s brother Marlon spoke I was sobbing & when little Paris spoke, I was FULL ON weeping!!! He was the Greatest Entertainer that Ever Lived!!!!! I’m also praying for all of the ppl who make rude, disrespectful comments (here or elsewhere)…you are God-less & pathetic…may your memories not get soiled in YOUR deaths like the garbage you’re trying to sling this great man’s way! MJ still beat the critics, cynics & mudslingers…because the amt of ppl that were there for MJ yesterday (in person, wtching on tv/online) will never be there for them like they were for Michael. He WON!
July 8th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Trent, I want to thank you for your updates both before and during the service I quite enjoyed them and your pictures (sweet jacket btw!).
I thought the memorial was beautiful and truly fitting for the king of pop. I was already crying once everyone started singing We are the world and then heal the world but as soon as Paris spoke I fell apart. I was sitting at my desk at work watching the coverage and I could not control my emotions at that point. What Paris did was incredibly brave and having lost my father suddenly at the age of 14 I was able to relate to her. I couldnt bare to speak at my fathers funeral. Everytime I see the footage on the news channels I continue to get choked up. Rest in Peace Michael Jackson.
July 8th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Considering how much MJ tried to hide his kids faces in public do you think he really would have approved of Paris standing up and talking about him like that?
The whole “performance” leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The fact the city of Los Angeles a city already in debt and handing out ious had to pay millions so that self indulgent fans/family members could partake in this ceremony is insane. If his family/friends really thought this was the best way to remember him they should have coughed up the money. And the twitter thing….totally inappropriate…really there should have been no cell phones/computers/cameras other than perhaps one or two so the networks could broadcast it. If people couldn’t be near a computer/tv at the time they could catch up later the attention should not be on getting the scoop it should be on remembering the person you are there to remember.
July 8th, 2009 at 10:28 am
The twitter debate is an interesting one. Please don’t take it as an attack on you, Trent. Since it’s a new technology, I think debate on ethics and appropriate use is to be expected. I do think Twitter at a funeral is a little tacky, but it’s Michael Jackson! I’m glad the memorial was classy, but really, could it have been over-the-top enough for MJ? Seems like a big, splashy, star-studded musical extravaganza is exactly what he would have wanted.
July 8th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Hannah, I absolutely, 100% believe that MJ would be PROUD of his daughter for standing up there, voicing her UNCONDITIONAL LOVE for her DAD. That’s all he wanted was to be loved, and he got it with his kids. For her to have the courage to WANT to say something in front of all those people, yeah. VERY PROUD. That’s just my opinion.
July 8th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I CRIED AND CRIED AND CRIED!!!!
I NEVER THOUGHT WATCHING YESTERDAY WOULD HAVE SUCH AN EFFECT ON ME. THE MEMORIAL WAS VERY VERY CLASSY, AND VERY TOUCHING.
GOODBYE MICHAEL JACKSON, YOU WILL BE SOOO MISSED, A TRUE TALENT, A TRUE TALENT!!!
July 8th, 2009 at 10:38 am
HERE HERE Allie!!!! I TOTALLY AGREE!!! All you have to do is roll your eyes at ppl like that…no matter what they’ll always find something wrong with everything!
July 8th, 2009 at 10:40 am
I’m definitely in the “huge fan of Michael Jackson” category and I am still so deeply saddened by his passing. I was just remarking to my friends the week before how it seems like it’s not cool to call yourself a Michael Jackson fan anymore but that I was still so proud to say I was one because I am such a music lover and his music, along with the Jackson 5 stuff, is simply some of the best music that was ever created and I never get tired of listening to it.
I never believed any of the criminal allegations against him and always just found him to be a very lonely, unconventional and tortured soul. I don’t think anyone can really imagine what it must have felt like to basically live your life like a hunted animal. I know all celebrites have cameras and attention but the closest I’ve seen to the Michael Jackson frenzy was with Madonna back in the day, but she always seemed so strong in the face of it like she was in total control of it, and Britney. I feel so grateful that Britney had enough loving and supportive people around her to get her over her prescription drug problem because I think if they hadn’t, it would have been a matter of time before we were having this discussion about her funeral.
I always saw Michael as a human being first and all I can hope is that he is resting in peace now and that his family and friends are finding some comfort in the genuine outpouring of love that is coming out for him now. It’s just sad to me that it took this for a lot of people to express their true feelings for this remarkable artist.
July 8th, 2009 at 11:22 am
It was a big tearfest for me from the moment I got home and turned it on (right after Mariah) up to and especially including little Paris Jackson’s words. I could not stop crying after that. I think the twittering was very respectfully done and helpful as it kept me imformed when I could not be at home for the beginning of the service. And in my opinion Twittering is no different then those who were taking pics and shouting things… And regardless it’s all what Michael would have wanted!
July 8th, 2009 at 11:23 am
“Twittering is no different then those who were taking pics and shouting things”
And those people were disrespectful too.
July 8th, 2009 at 11:38 am
@Hannah — At a public memorial service for one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever seen, which was broadcast to every corner of the world — are you serious? People just want to complain about everything. I’m sure your idiotic complaints are the right way to be respectful? STFU.
July 8th, 2009 at 11:43 am
I felt that the memorial was for the fans. I feel that if the family didn’t want him there in the casket, he won’t have been there. The man had LOTS of fans, it was nice of the family to do what they did.
Furthermore, we aren’t with these celebrities 24/7 behind closed doors, we don’t know who they have a relationships with so for some of you to say that some people shouldn’t have been there, is not for you to say. They chose to be there because Michael Jackson touched them, in a way that we will never know.
I loved what Rev. Al said, the man is dead yet people still talk about the fact that he “touched little kids”. He was never proven of it and if it was true, no amount of money would shut me up. So no I don’t believe it.
I feel that we should all just LET IT REST, hater’s should be happy the “monsters” dead and his fans like me, while very sad should be happy that we have his music to live on with. Sorry I just had to vent
July 8th, 2009 at 11:49 am
@ Heather — I completely agree. It’s a necessary debate, and it’s good to question this new technology. I think my earlier comments were taken as more of a negative personal attack than I meant them to be, because what you’re saying is really at the root of why I commented. Our ethics, our philosophies, our etiquette, even our laws (though I’m NOT saying Trent’s tweets should have been illegal by any means) just haven’t addressed this technology yet. I’m just wondering where we will draw the line because we got along perfectly fine without Twitter up to as recently as a year ago. We made it through many important events without it; we’ve all been at work/school when we really wanted to see something on TV or in the news before, yet now we all need instant updates? People are acting like it’s their right… and maybe it will be.
All that said, I do see where Trent’s coming from with his comments on how extraordinary this entire circumstance is. This memorial is probably not a good indicator of what will be considered appropriate in the future. I suspect that if we ever see an event like this again, the family will request no cell phones, ect. At least, they should if they’re serious about the service being a memorial, not a social event. To that end, since the Jacksons didn’t, I suppose it’s up to interpretation what kind of communication was appropriate during the service.
July 8th, 2009 at 11:56 am
I thought the memorial was well put together. The only negative thing I have to say was about Mariah and that is that the dress she was wearing was inappropriate for a funeral. There was just too much cleave going on there. Not really sure on my feelings about Usher though, on one hand I’m like “oh wow I didn’t know they were so close” but on the other hand I’m like “What a tool, you sang with him one time years ago! Give the boy an Oscar for his acting abilities”
July 8th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
As for Trent twittering, Barbara Walters actually had a spy-cam going and she was only a few rows behind the family. From the looks of it Trent was to the side and in the balcony. Even if the Jacksons were offended at least it wasn’t right in their faces.
July 8th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Lets just hope for MJ’s sake, there were more people there who were ACTUAL fans and wanted to celebrate his life…rather than those who wanted to be there simply because it was the place to be. Don’t say you wanted to pay your respects, when you never respected him during his lifetime. I think he was exploited enough already. Rest in peace MJ. You will live on through your beautiful children.
July 8th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
So touching! She’s very courageous, because I know how difficult it is to speak in public when you’re sad.
It’s a tragic death. I’ve watch the documentary “living with MJ” the other day. How can you build yourself a normal life after all he’s been through?
July 8th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
My one complaint…I did not think it was appropriate of Al Sharpton to bring up the molestation allegations at the memorial service. The children are still too young (IMO) to be hearing that about their father. And it was a memorial service, to honor his greatness, and not this “mark” on his life. It was inappropriate content for a memorial service in which not even teenage children were in attendance. I’m sure they never want to hear those allegations against their father, let alone at his memorial service.
July 8th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Re the twittering. People are confusing this service with an actual funeral. The service held yesterday was a memorial service…held to celebrate and commemorate the life of someone special. And because it was MJ’s mem service, it was bound to be different to other such services. There is no set formula for memorial services other than they are determined by the sort of person being honoured. I feel certain that Trent was not the only person twittering yesterday. Why isn’t anyone getting upset that the whole shebang was televised around the world. It’s all media, which ever way you look at it. And we’re all curious about it.
Had this been the actual funeral, then twittering and maybe even televising it, is disrespectful and tasteless…although when Michael Hutchence died 12 years ago, his funeral was televised. And out of morbid curiosity we watched.
July 8th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Kitty50: I thought the same thing! I’m a big Mariah fan, but jeez, I think she could have found a classier outfit than her standard Jessica Rabbit dress in black.
Usher and I share the same birthday, so I’m a bit biased! I got the impression that he wanted to give the very best performance he could for MJ, and he didn’t give a sh!t if it looked contrived or not. I’ll agree though, it did seem a little too ’showy’, but Usher is kind of a misunderstood dude. Like MJ, a lot of things the guy does gets judged or second guessed, when it seems like he’s trying to be sincere.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
That is so sad.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
@J – That is exactly the point so many people fail to see. You took the words right out of my mouth. I hope more people are introduced to this viewpoint not just in regards to Michael, but to any person who’s quick to be judged “strange”. WELL SAID.
July 8th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
I hope they all find peace with the way they treated michael over the years…jealousy is a terrible thing!!!! Joe Jackson is just a PIMP!!!!!
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July 29th, 2009 at 6:51 am
AL SHARPTON AND EVERYBODY WHO STOOD UP THERE AND SAID SOMETHING ABOUT MICHEAL DID NOT ONLY A GREAT JOB BUT OUTSTANDING JOB IN HONOR OF M J… I WISHED THAT DURING HIS TIME OF TRAILS & TRIBULATIONS THAT THEY ALL WOULD HAVE DID SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR HIM TO SHOW HIM HOW MUCH HE WAS LOVED, BECAUSE IT REALLY DON’T MATTER BECAUSE HE CAN’T HEAR IT OR SEE IT. THAT’S WHY IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO LET PEOPLE KNOW YOU LOVE THEM. STEVIE WONDER WROTE A SONG CALLED THESE 3 WORDS SWEET & SIMPLE AND SHORT & KIND (I LOVE YOU)… I WAS A HUGE FAN OF MICHAEL JACKSON & LOVED HIM DEARLY, IN FACT I WISHED AT TIMES HE WAS MY HUSBAND SO I COULD HAVE HIS BACK WHEN PEOPLE LIKE THE PRESS,MEDIA,LIARS LIKE GAVIN & HIS FAMILY, THE POLICE OFFICERS WHO MISTREATED HIM,TOM SNEDEN NEGETIVE PEOPLE ETC. SO I COULD CHECK THEIR STUPID ASSES BUT NO MATTER HOW MUCH I AND MANY OTHERS LOVED MIKE, MIKE HAD TO LOVE HIMSELF………
August 11th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
michael you walked away when the world needed you most,but like i do tell everyone,you are sent by the Lord Almighty for a short duty on earth,that which you have achieved,17years ago,but you still showed the God in you by defeating death,thus spending that extra years.you showed us love,michael we can’t just stop loving you.i will never forget you until am out of this wicked world,good night michael
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:51 pm
We support the irrevocable vindication of MJ by the media. MJ was exonerated by a jury. Not good enough. For his children’s sake, the media must become more responsible. We discuss how truth can compel the media to publicly admit it wrongly accused MJ of despicable crimes. Many people still believe MJ was guilty. They were influenced to believe the allegations were true by a biased media. Please join us. No links allowed here, so search at Yahoo Groups for “vindication better than tributes.”