DISQUS

KarenMrsLloydRichards · 5 months ago

And Mark Sanford whispers, "Thank you, God."

nicho · 5 months ago

I hate to say it, but that was my first thought. Mark who?

KarenMrsLloydRichards · 5 months ago

He'll benefit from wall-to-wall MJ and Farrah coverage on most national 24/7 outlets for the next 24 hours, and certainly on the 3 network breakfast shows tomorrow.

In fact, his ass is in very hot water in the local media in South Carolina, with the Spartanburg paper demanding he resign.

tlsintx · 5 months ago

Some top GOPer with the RNC is calling for his resignation too.

leliorisen · 5 months ago

The scary thing is that there are going to be some in the GOP who will think that this was God's way of answering their prayers.

Blueflash · 5 months ago

Tell me about it. Prayers to Jeeesus are sometimes answered or so it seems.

pjkool · 5 months ago

I hope Michael was able to spend father's day with his kids. All else aside he defined an entire era of American pop music.

KarenMrsLloydRichards · 5 months ago

If MJ had been born in 1988, instead of 1958 (and to a different father), I like to think he'd be a happy, talented, Diana Ross-lovin' openly gay winner of American Idol this year.

Sigh.

spreadmaster · 5 months ago

Another person with a sense of humour!! Keep it coming.

jenjen64 · 5 months ago

I think you missed the point. I know, I went back on my word. So sue me.

Don · 5 months ago

RIP Michael. Still remember the Jackson Five vs. the Osmonds battles for who was the best group in our neighborhood in the 70's. BTW, the Jackson Five always won.

For those commenters who are gleefully dancing on his grave...you are really rotten human beings.

One Butch · 5 months ago

Jackson freely admitted to a long-term, wildly inappropriate, exploitative attraction to young male children. While he tried to spin his admitted obsession into some eccentric benign regressive social urge, the facts undoubtedly show a wholly unhealthy habit of sharing his bed with the male children he so vociferously pursued, even after multiple public and civil claims and allegations by purported molestation victims.
Here's a tip: If one is accused of child molestation (even once), it may be time to stop manipulating little cancer victims into sharing one's bed.
It really creeps me out that so many prefer to believe that countless parents, small children, detectives and prosecutors dedicated themselves to malevolently and abusively coercing their own children to falsify molestation charges against one particular celebrity (one who admittedly fostered grossly inappropriate, unequal, obsessive, coercive involvement with young male children), rather than accept the fact that it is far more likely that Jackson abused his wealth fame and power by enabling his pedophillic impulses at any cost- the same as any standard-issue FBI-profiled pedophile does routinely.
We're not talking McMartin type witchhunt here, people, but a lifetime career of firmly patterned and widely established exploitation of children.
Michael was a brilliant prodigy and talented genius, who in some ways had a really hard life. But we must all take responsibility for what we do with the hand we are dealt.
I am troubled by the "free pass" I see given Jackson in the absence of a criminal conviction. And especially dismayed by the whole "talent", "celebrity", and now, "death pass" given to him, especially when I consider all those victims, the children- some now grown, their wives and husbands, their children, their parents, the law enforcement officers who saw a failure to prosecute lend a free hand to his continued exploitation of children, etc., and what they must be thinking and feeling watching this parade of accolades for this perpetrator.
In short: Yes, what talent we have lost today. Too bad he parlayed that talent into a vast swath of damaged and destroyed lives.

offspring · 5 months ago

I know i am going to catch hell for this, but I am confused about something, this crowd fan sadness, and tears for a man why? Because he could sing, or be on tv? This man no matter what he did in life talent wise, was and is a child molester, he manipulated, took advantage, and raped childern period. I will not be sad that this sick bastard died, instead i will be sad that the kids that we dont know about go on in life with the scares of this, "icon", it reminds me of when pro wrestler christ benoit murdered his wife, and baby boy, there where people that missed him, that said, well aside from his personal life, bla bla bla , hey the thing on tv is fake the personal life is real life, reality check, we are feeling sad for a guy who snuck in rooms of kids at night, put his hands down their pants wacked them off while they laid there in total fear, and then he progressed, and we are sad for him hell no. Sorry but I just dont understand how being a celeb and what he did as far as talent forgives him, where is your sympathy for phil spector, or gary glitter then. sorry i know I said something bad here and people are not going to like it just wanted to be voice of the other side for a second.

Indigo · 5 months ago

Celebrities are public figures who absorb the attention, the sorrow, the sympathy and the concern that we're too shy to give in person to our families, our neighbors, and our friends.

An_American_Karol · 5 months ago

And you know this how? Please tell us how you "know' he was a child molester?
Your answer will determine your credibility.

spreadmaster · 5 months ago

How do you know he was not a child molester? YOUR answer will determine YOUR credibility.

SoLeftImRight · 5 months ago

Oh yes, that's a brilliant retort.

JeepTreats · 5 months ago

The truth will come out soon. Grab the pop corn.

Phil · 5 months ago

Do you really not understand how the sudden death of a young musician, whose music you associate with good times in your life, may affect people?
I have one CD if his, Thriller. That's all. Was I a fan? I never went to see him, I don't have his t-shirts.
But I'm sad because he was a brilliant musician, we were almost the same age. And I remember him on TV as a little kid and I'm sad that his life was a circus and now he's dead.

lauren1959 · 5 months ago

Were you people even around in the 70's and 80's? The world is full of tragic people with tragic stories, but that doesn't give license to be insensitive, or dismissive of incredible talent. There is a fine line between genius and insanity, and many blur and cross them. Empathy and compassion are good virtues... Maybe a study of that and history would enable you to understand that this is more than a 15 minute story.

devlzadvocate · 5 months ago

. . . it's Human Nature.

Harry_R_Sohl · 5 months ago

What is: "Why? Why? Tell them that..."

devlzadvocate · 5 months ago

Well, you win, but you are still an ass, Harry.

devlzadvocate · 5 months ago

The category was Pop Music Hits. You win!

Harry_R_Sohl · 5 months ago

"There's a white lady on the porch with a chimp on her shoulder, a bag of Elephant Man bones in one hand, and two dozen pairs of slightly musky Underroos and Garaminals board shorts in the other" goes a tad beyond "a fine line between genius and insanity, and many blur and cross them".

But, maybe that's just me.

jenjen64 · 5 months ago

A few famous artists and composers come to mind.....
Unfortunately Americans suffer from short-term memory loss. :(
Loved your comment, by the way....

Jim Olson · 5 months ago

I fail to see why NBC news had to spend the first 15 minutes of their newscast this evening on these two deaths. A mention would have sufficed. Farrah has been having a reality show death for months, and Michael should have been in jail years ago. This was information for the entertainment gossip shows, not the evening news. The helicopter shots over the hospital in LA were particularly unnecessary.

leliorisen · 5 months ago

Broadcast news (and, to a slightly lesser degree, print journalism) is entertainment. It always has been and always will be.

This story will be the lead everywhere, because these outlets are driven by profit and they know that this is the story that people want to hear (and read) about.

It will be every newspaper's cover story tomorrow as well (Michael, not Farrah).

Anytime an icon dies, this happens. Why does this surprise you?

Please don't be shocked when you get tomorrow's newspaper and notice the extraordinary amount of coverage this will get.

Jim Olson · 5 months ago

Fortunately, I don't buy newspapers anymore. :)

leliorisen · 5 months ago

Well then, I saved you the trouble of what you would find on the first few pages.

Sanford will be relegated to a corner of page 10 (or some obscure place like that).

stewartp · 5 months ago

He molested children, but was acquitted because he had a lot of money (the American way).

Leo Cuevas · 5 months ago

Your comment is sick. He was acquitted due to the fact that the jury found him not guilty. Unless you were there, you have no right to say that. When you are that wealthy, people will say and do anything for $$$$. Besides, after being found NOT guilty, you would think he would stay here in the US. He left to the United Arab Emirates to get as far away from people that were going after him. That says a lot.

Jophus · 5 months ago

Unfortunately if you're in the public eye you have to deal with a criminal court and public opinion which usually results in a much harsher sentence. You win some, you loose some.

Gridlock · 5 months ago

... was it a children's hospital?

leliorisen · 5 months ago

Not funny. I expect to see that kind of comment from right-wingers, who are gonna be all over that part of his life.

I am not saying that it was an acceptable part of his life, but...the man just died.

mmedefarge · 5 months ago

he should have been in jail, where he undoubtedly would have died a lot sooner,

An_American_Karol · 5 months ago

The only truth we knew of Michael Jackson was his talent. All else is gossip.

leliorisen · 5 months ago

I am not saying that he did some things that I didn't find downright creepy, but, as has been pointed out here, he was not found guilty of molestation.

If you remember, in the case that brought those charges, the behavior of the boys parents were extremely suspect. If Jackson did molest the boy, it sure looked like he did it with the parent's complicity.

But, he was found not guilty of abuse.

Yeah, it was odd...as I said, creepy...that he shared a bed with those kids. But nothing beyond that was ever proven.

In America, we don't jail people just on suspicion of doing something. Well...maybe at Guantanemo Bay.

Gridlock · 5 months ago

Yeah, everybody else I said it too found it hilarious so take off your pervy jacko fantard hat and join the fun!

spreadmaster · 5 months ago

Opps!! Obviously the fun police didn't like that joke! Been censored already!!

wellstoner · 5 months ago

Before the doctors got there his plastic surgeon was there sayin', "Dude, i can totally fix this!"

johnkerry · 5 months ago

Who the hell cares!! The guy had no talent no matter what the media will have you believe. This is the best news I've heard all week!

spreadmaster · 5 months ago

AT least you say it like you see it. Not like half the pathetic whimps on here, OH poor Micheal the child molester. I bet they would feel different if it was their kid.

leliorisen · 5 months ago

If you don't care, why spend a few seconds of your life to say something so incredibly nasty and mean-spirited?

If this is the best news you've heard all week, I feel sad for you.

johnkerry · 5 months ago

Because I'm just that way!

Thanks.

High Crimes & Misdemeanors · 5 months ago

Prick?

MsJoanne · 5 months ago

Dick! Big time.

threadmonitor · 5 months ago

johnkerry, it's your bedtime. Now scoot.

maildude39 · 5 months ago

I am still stunned at the news of the passing of a music icon. Though he was amazingly talented, famous worldwide, and made more money than I could ever conceive, Michael Jackson was a tortured lost soul. It's times like this that help to put life in perspective.

Life is not about fame, fortune, or popularity. Life is indeed about the love, peace and the kindness we share with one another.

To the haters, I send you my pity and pray that you may somehow find some love in your heart. To the many friends, fans and family of Michael Jackson, I send my prayers and condolences.

RIP Michael.

spreadmaster · 5 months ago

We do not hate. We are realists. If you pity us you look down on us which makes you no better.

Harry_R_Sohl · 5 months ago

She was all, "I ain't gonna let that other skinny white bitch, Farrah, grab all my headlines!"

bluebear · 5 months ago

Very classy.

High Crimes & Misdemeanors · 5 months ago

Rest in Peace - a beautiful man, with a timeless voice. Tragic and he was trying to make a come back.

offspring · 5 months ago

ps for all those that say he was never convicted, correct he wasnt, but also if he wasnt guilty thing of all the money he could have made suing ever newspaper, every comedian ever body period that call him a child molest, didnt file one lawsuit, because he knew what he did, just as deep down others do to. and if we are on the road of hey someone isnt guilty of something until the court decides then we better be laying off of all the obama and bush criticizism, such as bush led us to war with faulty intel he wasnt found guilty of anything by acourt, hell noone ever guilty got away with not getting convicted not in america.

Leo Cuevas · 5 months ago

Bush should and better be prosecuted for his war crimes ... but only some one like you would change the story from MJ's death, to standing up for W!

mirth · 5 months ago

Your reading comprehension skills need work.

Indigo · 5 months ago

The King of Pop!
R.I.P.

mozziekiller · 5 months ago

MJ beat it

MichaelS · 5 months ago

Sad and also now it will suck all the oxygen out of every other news event -- including the LGBT traitor fundraiser

ace · 5 months ago

That's ashame. He had some good music. More and more people are dying young.

May Michael Jackson rest in peace despite some of the negative things said about him.

jimfromthefoothills · 5 months ago

When my mom was weeping for Elvis i thought she was koo koo, i mean she didn't know Elvis.

I am really upset...

ndtovent · 5 months ago

My mom cried for elvis, too.. she grew up w/his music, and danced to it when she was in high school. He was like the MJ of the 1950's. It's more about the loss of an incredible iconic talent who altered our music culture than the just the person.

terrya · 5 months ago

I'm sorry for the family and his fans, but...

I'm fucking pissed about reading this. I'm sorry to intrude on this thread, but...

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/11709/sens-...

And meanwhile, they had a big luau on the White House lawn. How fucking nice.

An_American_Karol · 5 months ago

May he finally find peace. I loved my Thriller album. I can't think of a greater single talent nor a more troubled soul.

spreadmaster · 5 months ago

If you cant think of a greater single talent than MJ you must have been living in a cave for most of your life!!

RainbowPhoenix · 5 months ago

Feh. My sympathies to his family, but I'm not going to waste tears on someone like him.

KerrynowCampau · 5 months ago

I'll never forget what a big deal it was when his "Thriller" video premiered on MTV....

saml · 5 months ago

anotlher important part of my life is gone. sad

Dave of the Jungle · 5 months ago

Farewell.

jenjen64 · 5 months ago

I am crying right now..
sad, sad day.
:(

spreadmaster · 5 months ago

Get a grip!

jenjen64 · 5 months ago

Just because you don't care doesn't mean others are like minded. It doesn't give you license to slam those with differing views. (That's pretty ignorant.) Now, as I have seen with your other replies, I expect your typical rejoinder.
Why are you so concerned with other posters' reactions to MJ's death? What difference does it make to you? I don't know you, nor you me, so it's not like these comments are going to have a direct or adverse impact on your life.
As I respect your right to voice your opinions on the topic at hand, I expect the same courtesy, as, I am sure, the other posters do too. This is the only comment of yours I plan on responding to as I am not going to get into a keyboard war. Take care, now.

KarenMrsLloydRichards · 5 months ago

TMZ is why the mainstream media is dying in a new age of rapid response news-gathering. MSNBC and the LA Times needed an extra hour to confirm what Harvey's sources said at 5:20 EST.

jenjen64 · 5 months ago

Watching nightly news they didn't even give TMZ any credit; they instead stated that the LA Times first broke the story.
You are absolutely right about the MSM.

Jophus · 5 months ago

I think the readers of TMZ aren't interested in real news, so I have a hard time equating this "journalism" with the downfall of the media. Although, I think it could have contributed.

I don't see anyone on here pissed that they announced it without confirming that the family already knew. If I were Janet Jackson and I found out my brother died because of TMZ, I would be pissed. I don't know if that is illegal, but it should be. I know I'm assuming they didn't check before airing, but I'm pretty sure that is how it went down.

nicho · 5 months ago

Weird guy, but a great entertainer.

Hanna Jokel · 5 months ago

I live in sweden and i was crying and crying, now i am listening to You are not Alone and the tears are like wather comming down fom my eyes.

PLEASE READ THIS

An_American_Karol · 5 months ago

Europe always loved him.

spreadmaster · 5 months ago

Oh come on now. You will be fine in the morning. Just play your MJ albums and buy another box of tissues.

FunMe · 5 months ago

This is terribly sad.

Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson.

Indigo · 5 months ago

They always go in threes.

Sage24 · 5 months ago

It is sad indeed. Apart from his personal problems, he was a great musician, talented, and was very popular in the old days. Unfortunately, he had demons in him that haunted him, and he did get a bad rap from the media, who made him out to be weirder than he was. Hope he has found peace. I hope his kids are okay.

mirth · 5 months ago

A tragic figure. It's difficult not to see his death as a blessing.

leliorisen · 5 months ago

How is his death a blessing?

mirth · 5 months ago

His profound health issues, if for no other reason.

I intended no insensitivity. It is a sad day and I extend sympathy to the Jackson family and Michael's children and wish them comfort.

leliorisen · 5 months ago

It's okay...it just caught me off guard.

According to the concert promoters, he passed his comprehensive health exam with flying colors.

I am curious as to how they could have missed this, if it turns out to be something that could have been detected.

mirth · 5 months ago

Well that what's promoters do, isn't it? A frail performer, likely physically unable to fulfill his concert obligations, is less likely to raise necessary funds.

Recently Michael was photographed wheelchair-bound because of a reported life-threatening lung ailment, and also recently it was reported that he was battling a serious infection from another cosmetic surgery, this time to relocate his ears.

Michael was, to me, a tragic figure. My initial reaction is that his death is, perhaps, a blessing.

Now the msm will recoup some of their lost viewership as they milk the very last drop of his blood.

Like most promoters...

leliorisen · 5 months ago

I was not paying attention to the health issues you just mentioned. Thanks for the information.

As for your comments on promoters, and the msm...you are spot-on.

tlsintx · 5 months ago

peace, Michael

leliorisen · 5 months ago

My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael's family, along with the families of Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon.

If anything, it serves to remind us that life is indeed too short.

Ironically, on the train this morning I was listening to "ABC" by The Jackson 5 on my IPod (it was in shuffle mode and I have a ton of stuff on it) and I was reflecting on how strangely his life turned out. So it was especially creepy for me to read this, this afternoon.

One side note, that is a bit off topic, but which I was reminded of when I saw that 2 of his surviving sons were named "Prince."

I believe the morning tabloids in New York on a certain notable date, were all buzzing about a Michael Jackson concert at Madison Square Garden where he referred to himself as the 'King of Pop.'

It was the watercooler moment on the morning of 9/11/01, the morning that many in New York lost their lives. I often thought of the fact that, for quite a few of those who perished, that concert may have been their last significant cultural event.

For what it's worth.

Jophus · 5 months ago

I've thought for a long time that a Michael Jackson movie would be epic if done right. Oscar winning.

Jim Olson · 5 months ago

Ugh. Can we wait until after the funeral before someone makes millions on the rights to his life story?

Jophus · 5 months ago

Like I said, I thought that for a long time. Could have been before his death, like Ray Charles. I'm sorry you think I'm a jerk for saying that someone lived the shit out of their life. We should only be so lucky to have people say that after we die.

Jeff_in_Laguna · 5 months ago

Two icons in one day. Farrah was a force in the 70's

Butch1 · 5 months ago

He was the last person I would have thought of dying today especially after Farah died this morning.

nicho · 5 months ago

Who was first on your list?

leliorisen · 5 months ago

I have to admit...that was clever.

Steve_in_CNJ · 5 months ago

i'd like an answer ;)

Jophus · 5 months ago

Dick Cheney?

Butch1 · 5 months ago

I think Jophus hit it on the head. Dick Cheney.

Jophus · 5 months ago

What an asshole, right? Always having to one-up everyone.

Mateo1970 · 5 months ago

Lesbian Donna Brazille was just crying on CNN over Michael. She seemed to have really loved him.

Blueflash · 5 months ago

Why does it matter if she's a lesbian? Lots of people loved his totally vacuous music.

hrh · 5 months ago

Music? How could anyone with a functioning brain voluntarily listen to that Gawd awful garbage?

Only in America: a poor black boy grows up to be a rich white woman.

Jim Olson · 5 months ago

Ugh. And the drama begins. I am not unsympathetic for their families. But the histrionics that are going to occur are going to be just horrific to watch.

tlsintx · 5 months ago

don't watch, jim

Jim Olson · 5 months ago

Nope, I'm not. The Sox are on, and tonight is John Smoltz's first start. :)

Leo Cuevas · 5 months ago

How very very sad ... Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna were all my favs in the 80's.

He was too young, on the verge of a comeback.

What an, oh so sad sad day. I was busy gardening when my partner walked outside in my garden to tell me the news. I will have to plant a flower in his honor! :(

Mateo1970 · 5 months ago

Now CNN is having another lesbian, Hilary Rosen, comment about her love for Michael. Strange coincidence that CNN has on two lesbians right after one another.

mmedefarge · 5 months ago

OMG--- Olberman was just talking about the crowd outside the hospital and described mj as a "seminal" figure for many of those people!!!!

Jim Olson · 5 months ago

An unfortunate choice of words.

mmedefarge · 5 months ago

very Freudian---time for the Sox game yet?

Jim Olson · 5 months ago

Yes, and Smoltz is not having a good start.

NMRon · 5 months ago

I know it's cold, but when I first saw the lead, "Michael Jackson is dead," I started looking for the punch line to the joke. Never a fan - don't know if he was guilty - I wonder who'll play him in the movie?

Jim Olson · 5 months ago

Britney Spears?

mooresart · 5 months ago

Sheesh! What a tacky way to upstage Farrah.

mmedefarge · 5 months ago

She is a bit too zaftig---someone else who needs the work like Winona Ryder?

mmedefarge · 5 months ago

oops meant to reply to the comment about who would play Jackson. Britney too well-nourished.

Dateline_Molly · 5 months ago

I'm guessing long-term overuse of painkillers for his multiple cosmetic surgeries or other chronic pain state.

ndtovent · 5 months ago

probably that plus his eating disorder. He had bouts with anorexia over the years.

wellstoner · 5 months ago

off the wall. so awesome

Roy · 5 months ago

You can read more about the condition behind Michael Jackson's death here:

http://bit.ly/E8ie7

clara · 5 months ago

A song dedicated for Michael Jackson

rest in peace Michael.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dtl-aEeqic