The media scrutiny is atypically at it's worst when a celebrity dies at a young age; we all remember the sudden deaths of Daniel Smith, Anna Nicole Smith, and Heath Ledger. Yet, it seems as though the media can't learn from their past mistakes: case in point, the relentless hyper media coverage that has ensued with the unexpected death of singer Michael Jackson.
Jackson passed away June 25, apparently from cardiac arrest; yet, ever since the singer's untimely death, there has been at least one news report---if not more---per day on everything concerning the singer. I've read all the articles, watched all the clips myself, yes----however, I don't give much weight to almost a full seventy-five percent of what I've read, what I have watched. My reasons are many, but I'll just give a few examples.
First and foremost, I believe as a bystander to this bizarre media circus, that almost anyone that has ever been tied to Michael Jackson (other than his family and lifetime friends such as Diana Ross) is coming out of the wood work to cash in their 15 minutes or so of fame.
Body guards, private nurses, "close" friends such as Uri Gellar & Deepak Chopra have all come out stating Michael had a prescription drug addiction. Not one of these people (who have stated they had close ties to the singer---"knew him well") have kept their mouths shut until the official autopsy results are announced, which could take up to 6-8 weeks.
Instead, they feed the media fire, telling the whole world that Michael was a consumate prescription drug user/abuser, didn't know when to break his habit, etc., etc. It's quite a disgusting display, almost beyond disturbing to see that these "close" associates refuse to let the family mourn the loss of a son, a brother, and a father in peace---a simple request by Jackson's family that was made on the tragic afternoon of June 25, 2009.
Second, though TMZ/TMZ.com was first to break the news of Michael Jackson's death---I disagree with their so-called MJ coverage that borders on wild speculation, rumor-mongering, and total disregard for actual fact. Where are they finding their facts in regards to who mothered MJ's first two children? This vital information is included on children's birth certificates from the day they are born into the world----yet, they have "sources" that are saying that Debby Rowe was only a surrogate. Oh, really? Is that why Michael Jackson and Debby Rowe settled out of court in 2006? And, if this is so---why would she even make an attempt at custody of the children (when she's supposedly not the biological mother)? TMZ's owner stated the other day that they report the celebrity news just like a regular news media outlet, and, gather their information in the same manner. I differ with that view/opinion: I don't watch TMZ or visit their website because I view their idea of news as trash, to be taken out with the day's garbage.
Finally, I must get the following off my shoulders: I am tired of hearing/reading/seeing in the news about the infamous child molestation accusations and charges. The first accusation levelled at Michael Jackson settled out of court (this does and did not admit any guilt on Michael Jackson's part; this was legal maneuvering by Jackson's attorneys---something any celebrity can do); the actual child molestation trial ended with an acquittal. Was Michael Jackson a pedophile? Only a higher being knows for sure....I don't, neither does the media, neither does the average human being on the street. Bringing up Michael Jackson's trials and tribulations every day in the media is yet another disturbing aspect of this media circus: has no one ever heard that one (or in this case, everyone) should not speak ill of the dead/departed? I think it is quite fair and about time that Michael Jackson, his children, and his family be shown RESPECT and DIGNITY that so eluded him during his lifetime; and it's ludicrous what has happened in regards to the family's request that they be allowed to mourn his passing in peace.
In closing, it should be noted that I am not an "Ultra/Uber Fan" of Michael Jackson; did I like his music? Yes, I loved his music but never seen the star in concert; I grew up on The Jackson Five; I matured into a young adult and more while Michael Jackson's star catapulted him into the celebrity stratosphere. He was a very talented singer/choreographer/entertainer to a couple of generations (my children also grew up with his music); his contributions to music will and does resonate through the years, just like Elvis and The Beatles before him. This is the way the world should be remembering him---without re-hashing his painful and tragic life's circumstances. The court of public opinion is not necessary, nor should the family be made to endure any more pain during the grieving process. I'd say they have suffered enough!
My only hope now is that Michael has found the peace in death that has so eluded him during his fifty years on earth. And may the family and children of Michael take solace and comfort in the fact that he's an enduring legend in the world's eyes.
post script: cover photo of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album was obtained from music-memorabilia.net---through an image search @ Bing.com.
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