Husker Fan | 8:53 p.m. June 25, 2009
No need to tromp on the mans grave, he's a real american ICON who gave so much for his country and the entertainment world. Somewhere between heavan and paradise is a rockin party going on!!!
Off The Wall | 8:56 p.m. June 25, 2009
For my generation, we won't remember Michael for Thriller or MTV, we will remember him for Off The Wall (1979). That was a GREAT album. I don't think there was anyone in my High School (class of 1981) that didn't have that record.

Thank goodness we can remember Michael when he was young, innocent, and immensely talented--before he became the King of Pop.
RIP | 9:02 p.m. June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson:

Tons of talent.

Some really, REALLY weird ideas of "normal".

Personally, I wish he would have worked more dilligently at staying what really was "normal". All that plastic surgery where his nose got narrower and more pointy and his skin got whiter and whiter. And the facial makeup. Then there's the whole fantasy land thing (or whatever he called his home) and having kids sleep over at his house, and reportedly, in his bed.

Not normal, people, not normal.

I sometimes felt bad for the guy because he had, through his own choices, put himself so "out there" it was hard for himself to shed the image of "weird former superstar."

Well, Mr. Jackson, I hope you are more at peace....

Comments continue below
Dara Lynn | 9:03 p.m. June 25, 2009
NO ONE really knows the truth around the alleged
molestation charges, so it is ignorant of anyone to even bring it up at such a devasting time , he will be missed deeply, he was still a loving father and had a family and fans that loved and stood by him, let them have their privacy with no
talk of the past allegations......in our hearts forever, may your soul find peace as you reside with our heavenly father....God Bless you Michael
rdha | 10:51 p.m. June 25, 2009
What can I say? Michael Jackson was a musical revolution. "Thriller" was arguably his very best effort. The music video for "Thriller" is still the best music video ever made. It's unfortunate that he struggled with many issues for many years and that he died before making the big comeback. Even though I'm not his greatest fan, I'll remember alot of Michael Jackson's stuff with fondness. Thank you, Michael Jackson, for the memories, We'll miss you here on earth, and be at peace. You too, Farrah Faccett. May The Good Lord with with all of their families and loved ones in this challenging time.
What I think is sad. | 11:04 p.m. June 25, 2009
I think it is sad that Ed McMann died broke. He was having to do cheesy commercials the last year of his life, and he was 86.

I think it is sad that Farrah's son is in jail, that she never knew that he was in jail. How sad that this boy and his father were busted a while back for drugs and their son ended up being behind bars the day his mother died.

I think it is sad that Michael Jackson had gotten into financial problems. I also think it is sad that fame destroyed this young man, look at the progressive pictures. To start out, he was a cute charming little boy at the end, his eyes are so sad and I would bet that he suffered from a few mental illnesses.

But from these three people, we can see that fame is not all it is cracked up to be.
Bruno | 11:57 p.m. June 25, 2009
"he will be missed deeply, he was still a loving father and had a family and fans that loved and stood by him, let them have their privacy with no"


Oh, ok, let's just talk about the good stuff shall we? The man had flaws and when you are a public figure you get both sides of fame.
surprised | 1:18 a.m. June 26, 2009
I was angry at the injustice of Jackson being acquitted of the charges of molestation. Other than that, I've had no emotion regarding him since I was 11 years old and obsessed with his dance moves. So, I was quite surprised that I felt so sad when I heard the news. He was a huge part of my upbringing and that of all my star-struck girlfriends, even though he didn't know us personally. I'm not sure that this fact was a good thing. It is a crying shame what he did with his life and his talent. Many people who had tough childhoods do not become sexual perverts. Let's miss him, but not idolize him. He was just a human being like the rest of us. He let all of his supporters down, but he owed no responsibilty to them. We all have the freedom of living out our private lives and dysfunctions, but we get to do so without world-wide knowledge. That being said, those who preach that he's up there singing with Jesus are as bad as those who say that he's rotting in hell already.
Anonymous | 1:29 a.m. June 26, 2009
He and Elvis can continue their long relationship now
Lamar Cole | 3:13 a.m. June 26, 2009
The passing of Michael Jackson is like a star being plucked from the sky. The sky becomes a little dimmer.
he was innocent | 3:48 a.m. June 26, 2009
michael was a good man and that his how he should be rememembered.rest in peace with your heavenly father.you will be missed.my thoughts are with your children they have lost a loving father.
Tony. | 4:07 a.m. June 26, 2009
He is gone too soon.He was once maaried to Elvis' daughter.Elvis went away so young.Any coinsedence.
Michael RIP.mY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND THE CHILDREN HE LEFT BEHIND.
awsomeron | 5:11 a.m. June 26, 2009
I Love Rock and Roll, Michael Jackson could Rock and Roll.

I never cared what a Star said or did, who they Voted for or what caused they supported or did not support.

All the Stars that have died in the last few days have done some good for their fellow man.

I am sad for all their families. Ryan O Neal most of all.

I like Michael Jackson for his Music and for his Dancing Ability. His ability to bring people of different Races and Cultures Together. Helping US all to be Americans.

Michael Jackson had issues, Picasso had issues, Psycho Babblers have massive issues. The Statue Of David is Anatomically Correct and some of you have an issue with that. We all have issues, but does it take away from our Talent.

If our issue is all we are Judged on then we are Judged to harshly. Sometimes We are good at Beating Our Selfs up badly, along with others.


CP | 5:47 a.m. June 26, 2009
I grew up on the music of the Jackson 5 and I really enjoyed the albums of Michael Jackson. I was saddened to hear of his passing, hopefully now he will be able to have some rest and peace that he didn't feel while during his mortal life.
Need the T-Shirt | 5:50 a.m. June 26, 2009
I want a T-Shirt that says, "I out lived Michael Jackson".

Never thought I'd live longer than the guy who could afford those special life pods he used to sleep in every night. All that money and fame must be good for something in preserving long life, right?

Oh wait. I guess not.

Meh.
areyouforgettingthis | 6:22 a.m. June 26, 2009
Matthew 18:6
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Sorry, as a mother, I just can't praise a man who harmed little children, even if a pop idol. While found not guilty, some of the jurors allegedly regretted that decision soon after the trial. Hmm, I wonder if there is a scripture about false idols too?
It amazes me how our current society turns a blind eye to horrific crime so long as a celebrity commits it.
areyouforgettingthis | 6:27 a.m. June 26, 2009
I am sick of seeing things like "the man had flaws" and equally ridiculous statements. Is pedophilia a "flaw"? This is the same group of people going ape-nuts over gay marriage. Go figure.
why | 7:17 a.m. June 26, 2009
he was a pillar of the community..why not every else getting felonies in utah is held up to be. Forget about his pedophelia why that is what made him Michael.
RR | 7:20 a.m. June 26, 2009
I love how people say,"He will be missed." Oh please! Few people truly were friends with him and everyone else knows him for his music and questionable morals with children. If he died and no one knew, his music would live on, and no one would give a hoot if he was dead or not.

People are so funny when they pretend to care about a "celebrity."
Waste | 7:21 a.m. June 26, 2009
What a waste of talent and money. He had everything going for him, had great opportunities to help others, but because he was so self absorbed he wasted it all on drugs, weird obsessions, all about himself. Three kids without a father, those three kids never had a father.
ask yourself this | 7:23 a.m. June 26, 2009
would i let my child sleep over? Case closed!
He Was Talented | 7:28 a.m. June 26, 2009
Yes he was but just like all the other talents out there in our world many of them have issues in their lives that just seem to be overlooked only because they have the "big bucks". It's sad to me that the "almighty dollar" rules and is the measuring stick in someones life as to what kind of a person they really are! I will just leave the whole "Drug" thing alone for now but that and other lifestyle choices do determine your life longevity.
Mark | 7:32 a.m. June 26, 2009
Good riddance.
Talent for a generation | 7:51 a.m. June 26, 2009
He was the talent of a generation. There was no one better. He was also disturbed and damaged.

I will miss him.
Elvis | 7:51 a.m. June 26, 2009
The King &
The King of Pop

The sad untimely death of an Icon -
the birth of a new industry:

Michael Jackson Impersonators!!!

Viva Las Vegas....
Re: just keep pointing the finge | 8:02 a.m. June 26, 2009
thanks for the right perspective. Everyone is quick to throw stones. If he was a molestor God will judge him. No one is praising him but music is important in peoples lives. I remeber when Billie Jean was popular about the time my son was born. It was a good time in my life. Music is a powerful tool and can take us to a places we've long forgotten.
Sad life | 8:10 a.m. June 26, 2009
It seems, in an odd way, a fitting end to a troubled existence. I was never a fan, but could not deny his talent. He was never seen with friends. Elizabeth Taylor? Please. A grandmotherly figure, at best.
I never saw him in the company of guys his age. In every interview he seemed distant and apart from reality. He was the richest guy around, and one could assume one of the unhappiest as well.
All kinds of allegations, UNPROVEN, to be sure, of questionable contact with kids. Just a weird scene all the way around. I hope his soul rests in peace, because it sure seemed like his worldly existence was anything but peaceful.
Mike
walk in his shoes | 8:21 a.m. June 26, 2009
nobody really knows what/why jackson did, what he did. I bet he had a really messed up child hood. lets not judge! I dont think we will ever know unless we have walked in his shoes. He was pure talent so lets just say we wil miss his music. he inspired all with it!!
simmer down | 8:24 a.m. June 26, 2009
People, the man was found innocent of any crimes by the law of the land. It's not your place to judge.

I hope that, when each of you die, all your neighbors go over to your house, and tell your children about all the mistakes you made in life.

The man is dead, so it's time to let go. Whether or not he did bad things is moot at this point. He needs salvation just as much as any poster here does. He was a great musician, and deserves, for just one day, to be praised for the good he contributed to the planet.

The only fitting punishment for the callous attitudes of so many here is that you are judged by the same standard by which you judge.
Anonymous | 8:37 a.m. June 26, 2009
"I bet he had a really messed up child hood."

Its a known fact that he had a messed up childhood. Go look up the kind of stuff his father subjected him (and his siblings) to when he was a kid. It was cruel, its no wonder he was so screwed up.
tigerlily | 8:49 a.m. June 26, 2009
re: and::: Michael was never charged with molesting anyone. i believe those people only wanted his money
Hey! | 8:50 a.m. June 26, 2009
Where is Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Oprah Winfrey, and Obama in all this turmoil?
JJ | 8:52 a.m. June 26, 2009
I'm not sure how people can idolize Jackson. Sure, he had some good songs but I don't think that is reason to idolize someone. The people I look up too are positive role models. Jackson was hardly a positive role model. However I did feel sorry for him. He was a very confused and messed up person.
Great music | 8:54 a.m. June 26, 2009
from an extraordinarily talented, once-in-a-century kind of entertainer. Unfortunately, like most people who achieve stardom at an early age, he grew up to be a total fruitcake.
Why? | 8:54 a.m. June 26, 2009
Why is there so much worship of Michael Jackson on this and other comment boards? You would think he was on track to be granted sainthood by the pope himself the way people are talking about him. He got paid to sing. Woo-hoo. Millions of people who led more meaningful lives die every year without this much fanfare. STOP WORSHIPING HIM. I am sick of people trying to make a weirdo tabloid icon into some kind of angelic figure.
He Didn't Do His Race Any Favors | 9:05 a.m. June 26, 2009
By surgically reshaping his nose to make it look like a white person's. That's an unforgivable slap to his own race.
JAYEG | 9:09 a.m. June 26, 2009
Re: AZMom...they are his children. He fathered two with his second wife, Deborah Jeanne Rowe. These children are Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr. (also known as "Prince"), and a daughter, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson.

He fathered an additional child, another son whom he named Prince Michael Jackson II (nicknamed Blanket) via artificial insemination from a surrogate mother and his own sperm cells.

It is possible that his first two children will return to the custody of their mother, while the third child might be raised by family.
JAYEG | 9:12 a.m. June 26, 2009
Re:RunForrestRun:

Michael Jackson was acquitted of all charges of child molestation.

Do you have proof regarding your conspiracy theory that he purchased the acquittal?

I'm sure we'd all be interested in seeing it.
JAYEG | 9:20 a.m. June 26, 2009
Re: Linda:

Donny Osmond also received the kind of love and nurturing from his parents, PARTICULARLY from his father...that Michael Jackson never did.

I can't imagine George Osmond picking out one of his son's facial features to mock.

(Reference...Michael's father calling him 'Big Nose' every time he goofed up during rehearsal.

Jurors | 9:37 a.m. June 26, 2009
Two months after the trial, some jurors regretted their decision. You must remember that some information/facts/evidence, deemed too inflammatory, was not permitted in the trial.

Yes, he touched alot of lives. Unfortunately some of those lives he touched were little boys.
Go Ahead With Judgements | 9:48 a.m. June 26, 2009
He was a talent! End of story! He was not an icon. He was not a role model! He was not an upstanding individual! Yes he was successful in one area of his life but what else is there-------********?
JAYEG | 9:52 a.m. June 26, 2009
Re: areyouforgettingthis | 6:22 a.m. June 26, 2009

Matthew 7: 1-5

1. Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

The Ancient of Days shall judge us all.
Excuse | 9:55 a.m. June 26, 2009
You don't excuse someone's bad or illegal behavior simply because they had a bad childhood. What nonsense. Many of us have had dysfunctional families to do better perhaps because of it. I looked to successful families for my role models and noted from my own what I would not do in my own home.

It wasn't one instance that was questioned but multiple ones. Would you have let him babysit your own children? I certainly wouldn't have.
Not a Fan | 10:24 a.m. June 26, 2009
I guess dying is one way to get out of bankruptcy and pending lawsuits. Do lawsuits already filed continue against his estate? Maybe he faked his death to avoid his financial problems....

Never was a fan, never bought into they hype even though I was a product of the 80's.
areyouforgettingthis | 10:35 a.m. June 26, 2009
Exactly! I haven't molested a child so I feel quite safe and comfortable judging, as per the scripture you quoted. You might want to note that the scripture also requires professional judges as well. Sad also that so much was suppressed as too inflammatory from the trial that jurors regretted their decision after the trial. Again, we judge in everyday life as is NECESSARY. The scripture doesn't suggest you not judge at all, but as you would want and in righteousness. Does it say anywhere in those scripture where you must ignore/not judge sexual predation especially against children? Of course not. Ever hear about millstones and children in those scriptures of yours? Do those scriptures of yours say anything about false idols? Or how about this line: 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" From 16. I only question that adoration be tempered with reality. Odd also, is that many most likely condemned Michael Vick over dogs. It seems our priorities have suffered when we don't protect our children (even calling them "money grubbing") but demand excessive justice for our dogs.
Aquitted? | 11:10 a.m. June 26, 2009
At least he loved children. Maybe a little too much though. Had he been a common folk, he would've been sent to prison. That is the sad reality of the "justice" system of this country. At least he is now going to be truly judged by God.

If God can forgive him, I can also. I have already forgiven him for the aweful music he produced, it was better than rap though.
Sad... | 11:11 a.m. June 26, 2009
It's a sad day in history. Yes he made HORRIBLE choices that he will be judged for and I'm not worried because yes I haven't molested any children but I have still done things that will always regret. He is still an icon. He is still someone that will always be remembered and I will still dance to Thriller every Halloween. He'll go down in history, no matter what is said. R.I.P. Michael Jackson.
tigerlily | 11:17 a.m. June 26, 2009
Juice: he was never charged with molestation. they were just allegations. we are not supposed to judge people. god will be the judge
Thou Shalt Not Judge | 11:23 a.m. June 26, 2009
I understand all those people whom have hate in their hearts. It is not a easy task to grow up & live, to see what is in the world but we should all try and put our best thoughts to good use. It is easy to blame or judge someone. If you believe in GOD, then he will be the only one to pass Judgement...
Roshanda C Bishop | 11:37 a.m. June 26, 2009
I will always love Michael and Janet for the talent they possess within their performances. No, entertainers have showed this type of talent in making videos in the fashion they do; how grateful we fans are to have had a legend with such unique creation, style, and beauty as an African in Amercia. Michael is the King of music period! The Jacksons move people instantly and this is what music is really about. I can dance all night long on their music. I love all Michael's performances. In addition, I am truly hurt and cannot comprehend that he is gone forever even though; Michael's music tells me that Michael is alive because his music is so lively and awakes the emotions inside of an individual. Moreover, my condolence goes out to the Jackson's family. I truly wish that Janet later on could continue Michael's concerts; it would really help many people's emotions. Perhaps Janet may work something out, on the behalf of Michael's fans regarding London /Atl. Michael will always be in memory for his unique greatness, please respect Michaels death!
No more pressuring him rest in peace, Michael my black brother.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Image
Ann Johansson, Getty Images

A woman cries on the phone as she tells a friend that Michael Jackson has died at UCLA Medical Plaza Thursday in Los Angeles. The iconic pop star, 50, was rushed to the hospital after going into cardiac arrest, according to reports.

previousnext

Latest comments

I'm waiting to see Glenn Beck leading an anti war movement. :-)

The only bowl game that mattered for the u just happened and they lost 26-23,...

good to know that obama voted against the war we're winning (iraq) and voted...

Some people can lift themselves up by their own bootstraps, others have no...

Thank you Scott for sending the story. I will share this with the rest of...

Teen shot in scuffle with trooper

This is an unfortunate situation. No one wins. Many lives changed and lessons...

Jazz ready to be without Harpring

When Sloan retires, you could put Matt in his place on the bench with not...

I knew these officers personally, wonderful people!!

Why does it matter what others say? Why do you even listen to them? If...

Whatever Max Hall said about the U of U, it will haunt him for a long time...

Advertisements