Previous Next Latest

Jackson Angrily Defended by Sharpton at Apollo Memorial: “Michael Wasn’t No Freak”

7/1/09, 8:41 am EST

Photo: Honda/AFP/Getty

Reverend Al Sharpton stood at a back exit of New York’s Apollo Theater in a gray suit late yesterday afternoon, leaning against the scaffolding, running his fingers through his famous hair. He’d just finished the first of two invocations during the Apollo’s all-day tribute to Michael Jackson. 126th Street was quiet, barricaded at both ends. A car pulled up and Sharpton walked out to greet Spike Lee. They walked towards Adam Clayton Powell together — Lee in white Nikes, Sharpton in black loafers — around the corner to 125th. Cameras flashed, crowds cheered, waved and reached out towards the two legends walking in honor of another, who embraced.

“It was absolutely disgraceful,” Sharpton told Rolling Stone of the media coverage that has torn Jackson apart. “If you look at how they deal with Michael’s so-called shortcomings and then the shortcomings of Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley, it’s nowhere in the same world.”

(Check out photos of fans honoring Michael Jackson across the country.)

Halfway down the block, Dorothy from Harlem, 43, waited with friends, wearing a button with Michael in the Bad days reading “Peace At Last.” She felt like she lost a family member. “All his life they have tried to tear him apart. But ya know what? You can’t keep a good black man down. You can’t. No matter what, he is who he is. He is who he was. And he’s gonna live on and on and on.”

Every half-hour, 600 more partygoers were ushered into the Apollo for 30-minute intervals. Peggy Pettit, 59, of St. Louis waited hours for Michael. “He was quintessential blackness, spirit. It was distilled, sharp and it ran through you. When his music came on it touched you. James Brown had it, it ran through Michael, now we’re waiting for the next. It ain’t there yet,” she said. “With that, you’re permitted to dress any way you want, you can color yourself any way you want, because you’re touched by the spirit.”

Inside, Grandmaster Flash rushed by with his kids. “He’s had such an impact on so many people for such a span of time,” he told us. “It’s really sad to see him go.”

In the balcony, Vinnett Price remembers Michael coming to Jamaica in 1975. “He went to the ghetto neighborhoods and visited those little places. There’s so many stories that will never be told. I am irate because I’ve seen Michael do many wonderful things. Look at prisoners in the Philippines, 1,400 prisoners dance to him! The people are telling the story.”

Price pulled an invitation to a Thriller release party printed on a white glove from a folder on her lap: February 7, 1984, 9 p.m. American Museum of Natural History. Black Tie. She showed off a picture of herself at the party and said Michael’s date was Brooke Shields.

Onstage, Chubb Rock hyped the next wave of fans. They sang and danced to “One More Chance,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Black or White” and “Remember the Time,” among many others. Flowers, cards, notes, candles, a handful of teddy bears lined the stage.

Al Sharpton appeared and preached. “There’s been an unprecedented allowance of negative, exaggerated and scandalous stories told about Michael Jackson and the Jackson family… In the temple of black entertainment on the stage that produced the Sarah Vaughns and the Ella Fitzgeralds, and the Jackie Wilsons and the James Browns we want to send a message around the world that you can write what you want and say what you want, Michael Jackson was ours and we are Michael Jackson and we love Michael Jackson!” Cheers.

The Apollo stood for a moment of silence. “Because he changed history, because he made us family, because he refused to play within the boundaries of that time. We remember Michael,” Sharpton prayed. “From Harlem to Holland. From Brooklyn to Brussels where ever people believe in love they believe in Michael Jackson.” Silence. Three images of Sharpton with Jackson rotate on the screen. “Amen.”

As his sermon wore on, Sharpton continued pointing his finger at the press. “The reason we don’t listen to what you tell us on the news is we Remember the Time when nobody heard our culture, nobody would listen to our words…. You can scandalize him but we know better! Michael wasn’t no freak. Michael was a genius. Michael was an innovator. You can’t take someone with extraordinary skill, extraordinary talent and make them an ordinary person.”

Out front, rain fell hard on the makeshift white wall with handwritten messages. The block was lined with waiting fans, some with umbrellas, many without. George Brown, 36, from Long Island, said he loves the whole Jackson family, especially Janet. Of Michael: “I think he’s doing the right thing, to rest in peace.”


Previous Next Latest

Comments

rawred | 7/1/2009, 8:55 am EST

To Rev. Al: Elvis Presley or FrankSinatra were never accused of child molestation. Nor did either one wear masks in public. Both were flawed personalities, but to comapare anyone to Michael Jackson is absurd. He was an unusual character who led a more than unusual life. Unfortunately that’s news.
Al Sharpton is a bottom feeder. Ever since his role in the Tawana Brawley case he cannot be take seriously.

totally agree | 7/1/2009, 9:17 am EST

I am in total agreement with rawred on Sharpton. Bottom Feeder describes him perfectly. Jackson was of moderate talent at best. Most of his moves and best vocal performances were from his childhood. And sorry Big Al…he was a freakshow and then some. I assume he really did have various mental problems, and that is too bad, but, he was a freak! And a liar! I love on the MArtin Bashir interview where he says he only ever had two plastic surgeries on his nose. Come on!! At least be honest about it. He was transforming himself into something else entirely! FIrst it seemed he wanted to be a white man..then it seemed he really wanted to be a white woman…ultimately, he became some kind of porcelain robot or something.
Why everyone is so enamoured with him is beyond me. And yes, to compare him to Elvis or especially Sinatra, is just way off base. He never had the cool of early Elvis and he never came anywhere near the voice of Sinatra. Yeah..he could dance…whoppie doo dah day!

Kay | 7/1/2009, 9:31 am EST

Michael Jackson was of the greatest entertainers of this generation.

He was a sublime singer. I can’t think of one performer who had such an influence on a generation.

And man, could he dance. Just watch those, moves!

From ‘Ben’ to ‘Invincible’ — I just want to remember the music.
Rest in Peace.

give it a rest | 7/1/2009, 9:46 am EST

i am so sick n tired of sharpton/jesse jackson making “race” an issue with every black issue.
look at the bet awards the other nite. jamie fox “m jackson a BLACK man that WE lent out to everyone else” Are u kidding me? WE? lent out?
RACIST! not the white people YOU the BLACK man!

c. ramirez | 7/1/2009, 9:50 am EST

for whatever he was or wasn’t he’s dead now and that should garner just a lil respect he’s no longer here to defend or avoid what’s said about himt he fact is somenone’s son ,brother, and yes biological or not someone’s father is gone and he was loved in every part of the world he did help people that’s fact and let the man have peace in his death please

mikeky | 7/1/2009, 10:16 am EST

Punctuation, people. Punctuation. It’s our friend.

RIP | 7/1/2009, 10:19 am EST

Michael Jackson was know around the world. I don’t think everyone can do that. He def. changed music where I come from. He was very talented and I will always remember his music. But behind the scene, MJ needed some help. Only god knows if those accusations are true. I am no one to judge nor to finger point. Most of the help needed was because of his father Joe. Joe Jackson tortured him verbally and physically. Now he is finally resting in peace.

Michaelfan777 | 7/1/2009, 10:27 am EST

Stop making this a “race” issue. It is NOT about that. Al Sharpton needs to cool it. Michael was loved by every color and race in the WORLD! It hurts that when Sharpton is involved that’s all he talks about. Michael we ALL miss you.

Alex | 7/1/2009, 10:29 am EST

“rawred” and “totally agree”, to describe Jackson’s talent as moderate is just silly and you are only embarrassing yourselves. The proof is in the music and the impact his music had on so many lives. Are you blind? Are you deaf?. Regardless of how you feel about Sharpton – I don’t always agree with him, but in this case he is correct about the news media. You can try to minimize Michael Jackson and his accomplishments on a blog or in a comment box, but his music, artistry and soul will live on forever.

Steve MacPherson | 7/1/2009, 10:37 am EST

“He was quintessential blackness, spirit. It was distilled, sharp and it ran through you. When his music came on it touched you. James Brown had it, it ran through Michael, now we’re waiting for the next. It ain’t there yet,” she said. “With that, you’re permitted to dress any way you want, you can color yourself any way you want, because you’re touched by the spirit.”

What an incredible statement, but I remember when many accused Jackson of betraying his race. Let’s leave race out of it. He was a phenomenal performer and a tragic figure. Quintessentially black maybe, a genius yes! Somebody like Michael Jackson belongs to all who were open to his vision, like the song says “it doesn’t matter if your black or white.”

wrecksracer | 7/1/2009, 11:08 am EST

Michael Jackson was phenomenally talented, and his voice was certainly black. However, he was in fact a freak. We don’t really know what happened to him to do what he did to his body, but if that isn’t freakish, I don’t know what is.

gerald | 7/1/2009, 12:05 pm EST

to totally agree and rawred, both of you are sick, and sharpton’s dead on with the press, we don’t care how many surgeries he had, and talking about being honest, michael jackson didn’t have to tell anything about his private life,and moderate talent, the very reason you’re posting at all explains it all, we’ll always love mj, and from my side of the road, everythings about race, stop the hate.

yes | 7/1/2009, 12:08 pm EST

Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer of all time. Definitely in the top 5 best singers and songwriters of all time as well. Unbelievable songs, amazing presence, amazing dance moves, it just didn’t get any better than him.

Da Troof | 7/1/2009, 12:32 pm EST

Al Sharpton is the freak.

Here's AL | 7/1/2009, 12:43 pm EST

And there goes Sharpton, self-appointed “President of All Black People” turning what should be a somber memorial for a phenomenal talent into a race issue.

The reason educated people don;t listen to you, Rev, is because you are completely full of shit. You’ll jump at any opportunity to get some press coverage for yourself then denounce the press. You’ll make shit up and then deny it when you get caught. Your word means nothing – go away. And take Jesse Jackson and Spike Lee with you.

R.I.P. MJ.

wrecksracer | 7/1/2009, 12:43 pm EST

I can believe that MJ was ONE of the greatest entertainers of all time…but better than James Brown? Muddy Waters? Howlin Wolf? It’s all a matter of taste. If you like Pop Music with choreographed routines, he is certainly one of the Greatest Entertainers ever, but there are more types of music than pop music. Some people like to see musicians playing instruments. No doubt he is the best dancer the music world has ever seen. Songwriter? I love Beat It, Thriller, Rock With You, etc…but nobody will ever convince me that these songs have great lyrics.

Clamhorn | 7/1/2009, 12:46 pm EST

This is not a racial issue. Were I black, I would take offense to a race baiter and self-promoter such as Sharpton trying bring attention on to himself by needlessly attempting to inject race into this.

The overwhelming liklihood is that Jackson had an affinity for little boys. That is something to be neither celebrated or overlooked, as many seem to want to do.

a fan | 7/1/2009, 1:17 pm EST

he was accused,he also was not guilty in a court of law.not crazy about all of the race talk. he was one of the greatest. remember people, he was the father of three children.I think we should all take in consideration that those children are still here. Conscerned about all of the negative comments will have on those children that will love this man no matter what the world may think of him. lets have a little respect people.

Tequila Mockingbird | 7/1/2009, 1:24 pm EST

I, for one, haven’t witnessed any negative, unflattering attention given to the memory and spirit of Michael Jackson by the media. It’s true that there will always be a segment of the nation’s (if not the world’s) population which will not think highly of MJ, but what’s also true is that these people make up the minority. There will always be haters; you can’t change that. What you CAN do is rise above it by acknowledging and adding to the support and love for Michael that currently exists. Yes, Michael was a genius and innovator – as was Sinatra and Elvis. And in all three cases, their identified much, much moreso for their contributions to entertainment (at least) rather than any ’scandals’ which may have been a five-minute news headline once upon a time. And if you think he’s not “the greatest of all time”, fine – but you’d still be wise to respect the man and put him on the same level as icons such as Sinatra, Elvis, Lennon, etc.

Point being: The hate’s being drowned out by the love, but Sharpton loves to go after the former.

Straight from NY | 7/1/2009, 2:36 pm EST

Lets talk about Elvis the biggest peanut butter, banana eating, pill-popping heroin user. Elvis paved the way alright, he paved the way for all the musical drug-abuser. Elvis, the first to be ever be called a beat biter. Not only did he bite beats, he stole lyrics by the bunches and formed them “into his own”. Sinatra had only one style, and that of a mafia backed, rackerteering drunk. Get your facts straight. Mr blue eyes ws so coked out and drunk that no wonder he couldn’t dance. To the haters which I know their “white”, when this is all said and done, people from all corners of the planet will be bowing down to Mike, and it ain’t Jordan. Again, Michael will re-write history even in death. Graceland will be and afterthought once the TRUE KING of music is laid to rest.

Straight from NY | 7/1/2009, 2:42 pm EST

Did anybody read today’s news about the supposed chils that was abused? Now he comes forward saying that his mother made him say all those negative things about Michael just to get paid. WOW!!! I many more lies have been elevated against Michael?
The groundbreaker, musical pioneer, smooth operater and OH, lets not forget, when the saying went “Everybody wants to be like Mike” they wasn’t talking about Jordan.

Humble | 7/1/2009, 2:59 pm EST

Micheal Jackson is the greatest musical genius any of us are going to see in our lifetimes. Fact.

Sharpton’s comments are completely accurate. You have to understand that he is not only talking about the media coverage from the time of his death. He is talking about the last twenty years of racially motivated degradation of this beautiful black man. It is no different than any other black man that has step on the world stage and shown tremendous power; but Micheal is too special and his work proved that. Subsequently this and his tragic childhood ended up killing him in the end and people still have the nerve to talk shit about him in his death.

Go look up Elvis and Sinatra and then ask yourself why you never knew or heard about their short comings before. (Whether true or not!!)

R.I.P. MJ.

You fought for all of us and against the hate that attack you throughout your life.
Your music has changed the world. Thank you so much.

wrecksracer | 7/1/2009, 3:20 pm EST

Elvis was far from the first drug abusing musician. Ever heard of Charlie Parker? And no, he wasn’t the first, either. All that talk about Elvis stealing music has some credibility, but most blues musicians reworked older blues music and called it their own, too.
Michael is the greatest what? Singer of all time? Depends on what music you listen to. You can’t boil all music down to one type, and then say one woman or man is the best. It’s all opinions. There doesn’t have to be a best anything, unless you have some crazy agenda. He was certainly great, and he certainly sold a lot of records.

dear humble.... | 7/1/2009, 4:06 pm EST

your like a puppet with p diddy and al sharpton pulling the strings!
michael will be remembered as a musical icon, and a troubled star. that is just a fact of reality.
before you talk about icons before your time do a little research and educate yourself. its no mistake most people remember elvis as a great performer and as an over weight drug addict. sinatra was known as an entertainer who was a womanizer.
nobody is perfect we all have flaws and there is no use in hiding them! stop being clouded by race and we all can just get along!

exploited | 7/1/2009, 5:50 pm EST

This is just another tragedy created by our famed crazed nation. Micheal was a prodigy. He was a genius who fought his own demons, just like the rest of us. He was exploited by many, including his father. However, in the end, he exploited and demeaned himself. He stole the Lennon/McCartney catalog from his friend Paul,because money was most important. I don’t believe he ever got to know genuine love (except for maybe by his children), due to his and his families affairs with money and the fact that he obviously never loved himself (hence his obsession with plastic surgery. Money is what bought his father’s love and money is what he deemed to make the world go round. His naive ways laid ground to an untimely death and many unanswered questions. However, none of us are promised tomorrow. None of us our perfect. He was exploited as a child and never knew anything different. Just goes to show nurture goes a long way in a child’s life. I only pray that his children receive that from whomever ends up as their guardian.I wish everyone would stop playing the black card. We all make decisions in this life. Micheal exploited himself, even if he maybe didn’t initiate it from the start. None of us our perfect, Black or White.

artifcialred | 7/1/2009, 5:55 pm EST

Michael was probably the biggest musician/star in history. I love the Beatles, and they touched the world, but let’s face it, they touched the white world. Michael Jackson crossed all the lines, language, race, religion, everything. He is loved by all peoples everywhere. Even if he did get a little scary at the end, and some of those pictures of him ARE a little scary, he set the world on fire with Thriller and he set all the standards. RIP Micheal, you will be sorely missed!!

Helen | 7/1/2009, 6:27 pm EST

Say whatever you feel but we as black people stick together. Michael Jackson was the GREATEST. A Genius and yes he crossed the lines of any race. All races loved his music and he was a legend. All the rumors about him I never believed, he was a shy and humble man. He never really had a childhood because he grew up in music. Al Sharpton is a man of GOD even if you do judge him, but this subject is about MICHAEL JACKSON the true person he was.His music will live now forever and no one can tarnish that. I pray for the Jackson family and the children of Michael’s. May they too have the rest of earth as Michael has found in Heaven.

Genuine | 7/1/2009, 6:31 pm EST

I have one thing to say. Michael Jackson was wonderful human being who was very misunderstood. I loved him living and I still love him. He has finally found the piece of peace that he so desired. I never believed for one minute that he molested anyone. To those of you out there judging him even in the wake of his death… be careful what you speak out of your mouth. Be careful. People are so evil! Just evil!

a legend in heaven | 7/1/2009, 7:54 pm EST

do not know why everyone is making
everything about color when michael was not that way
he was a very loving person did not matter what color you were to him he was one of the greastest singer and entertainer i grew up listening to his music all the time

Sharron | 7/1/2009, 8:32 pm EST

Well I think all the press and Al,and Jesse jump every time theres a chance to make theirsevles be heard you all ought to be ashamed . The Bible says’ no one is better than the other no matter what color. Stop being haters of a persons color. Al nor Jesse speak for me I have a mind of my own.

Mark Gilson | 7/2/2009, 12:34 am EST

Michael was a great entertainer! If it were not for his off stage antics, which far outweigh anything Elvis or Sinatra ever did, Neverland could have possibly rivaled Graceland. Elvis and Sinatra also had that “it factor”, but Graceland has almost a million tourists each year; 2nd only to the White House. On the other hand, Michael will have a very good year, finacially speaking.. RIP Michael…

Ruby White | 7/2/2009, 2:37 am EST

Elvis,FrankSinatra,and Micheal Jackson were all great men, and were loved by many people.The way Micheal Jackson family has been treated in the media is a shame. Mrs.Jackson has lost her first child to death.Where is the compassion for this family?They are hurting and the media is not making things any better for them .Nobody is exempt from death ,what goes around comes around.

Adil AVCI | 7/2/2009, 10:39 am EST

The cruel irony of the man who made black music mainstream shunning his own black appearance might have said as much about the maladies of American society as the personal frailties of Jackson himself..Sure, soul singers such as James Brown and Aretha Franklin had made the big time before,but he adapted soul and Motown to the mainstream.He touched fashion, dance and – most of all – he pioneered the age of the video…Jackson’s albums penetrated into places that lay beyond the reach of pop in the days of Elvis or the Beatles.Youth culture has fragmented since, while the internet has eaten into record sales, so the 65m copies of Thriller that he shifted will surely never be surpassed. He touched the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the planet with his talent. His music reached across borders and between generations..From the shanty towns of Shanghai to the back streets of Brasilia, cassettes, CDs and records are being dusted down after the death of Jackson.Now everyone realized that HE gave himself to the music And left nothing but blood on the dance floor. He became the most significant mainstream dance icon since the mid-century heyday of Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly..Jackson’s tale is a fable of the ultimate emptiness of victory…..

coachmaddog | 7/2/2009, 11:22 am EST

No, really Al, he WAS a freak.

Realist | 7/2/2009, 11:45 am EST

Shortcomings? The man was accused on multiple occasions of child molestation. Are we forgetting this!!?!?

No denying his talent, his impact on music or his humanitarian pursuits, but as Michael himself once said “What about the children?”. My question exactly.

Get real Sharpton – this isnt a race issue.

RhondaCoca | 7/2/2009, 12:06 pm EST

“Michael was a great entertainer! If it were not for his off stage antics, which far outweigh anything Elvis or Sinatra ever did, Neverland could have possibly rivaled Graceland.”

Neverland will ribval Graceland…Michael is GLOBAL.

RhondaCoca | 7/2/2009, 12:06 pm EST

“Michael was a great entertainer! If it were not for his off stage antics, which far outweigh anything Elvis or Sinatra ever did, Neverland could have possibly rivaled Graceland.”

Neverland will ribval Graceland…Michael is GLOBAL.

RhondaCoca | 7/2/2009, 12:06 pm EST

“Michael was a great entertainer! If it were not for his off stage antics, which far outweigh anything Elvis or Sinatra ever did, Neverland could have possibly rivaled Graceland.”

Neverland will ribval Graceland…Michael is GLOBAL.

RhondaCoca | 7/2/2009, 12:08 pm EST

“do not know why everyone is making
everything about color when michael was not that way”

Please remember that it was Michael jackson who reached out to the National Action Network to march on Sony with Al Sharpton. He accused them off…wait…racism.

RhondaCoca | 7/2/2009, 12:12 pm EST

I will like to remind readers that Al Sharpton and Michael Jackson have been good friends since 1979. This is not Al Sharpton just showing up from no where. Get your facts straight.

Peaceatlast... | 7/2/2009, 12:17 pm EST

There are many who speculate but only ONE whose judgement will ever truly matter.

Many have posted regarding flawed personalities, but in reality, arent we all. Ye without sin, cast the first stone. Ask yourself, what will be said about you at the end of the day?

Child molestation charges are serious accusations and the thought there could be any truth to them is repulsive. But I ask you, when did it become acceptable to allow your child to spend the night at some grown man’s home? I dont care who he is! Accusation vs. Motivation.

There are many who speculate but only ONE whose judgement will ever truly matter!

Realist | 7/2/2009, 1:03 pm EST

Peace at last… the fact that the parents allowed their children to spend a night in Michael Jackson’s home does not excuse any actions on his part.
Would I have let me kids have a sleep over with Michael Jackson? Absolutely not.

We are not, however, discussing the character of the parents in question. There were numerous accusations of child molestation against Michael Jackson. Criminal charges in one instance were withdrawn after an alleged victim decided to not testify. Coincidentally, this withdrawl of testimony was after an out of court settlement on a related civil matter. Hmmmm….. ???

Michael may now be with God, however, we are left with questions of his legacy and how to remember him. Let’s focus on the earthly questions and leave God’s judgement to God and Michael.

Whalespoon | 7/2/2009, 2:21 pm EST

Michael Jackson’s story is a classic cautionary tale. There is no denying that he was an extraordinaily talented performer that changed the face of pop music. But his is a sad story. In the ’80’s, he had absolutely everything–incredible success with his music, fame, a huge fortune, the adulation of millions of fans all over the world, the respect and admiration of his peers. Twenty years later, he lived a life of an eccentric recluse, had amassed huge debts, had the shadow of the suspicion of child molestation hanging over him, been married and divorced twice and then died WAY too prematurely with apparently drugs involved one way or the other. The ways we measure success means nothing. Ultimately, he was a man who had everything…and nothing.

Natch | 7/2/2009, 2:41 pm EST

I’m sorry Mr. Sharpton, but Elvis and Sinatra had sleep overs with litle boys. Was Elvis addicted to pills ? yes he was, then again so are so many entertainers. Did Frank like a drink , or did he know some shady people, probably … but man they never gave kids “Jesus Juice”

catsuzy63 | 7/2/2009, 9:21 pm EST

Gee, Natch…I guess you weren’t listening to the verdict. Hogwash.

MARCIA | 7/3/2009, 11:03 am EST

Al Shartpon would not have a job (who pays him, anyway)if he couldn’t make issues about race. Where are the white activest? Are we allowed to have one or is it racist?

LoopGuru | 7/3/2009, 11:20 am EST

Every time Al Sharpton opens his mouth on camera, he set African-Americans back about five years. As long as you have cartoons like Al and latter-day Jackson for your “official representatives”, you should probably let hope die.

Tom | 7/3/2009, 3:19 pm EST

Time to stop listening to the likes of Sharpton and Rev. Jackson. Time to start keying into what Dr. King said about judging people by the ‘content of their character’ and not ‘the color of their skin’. We’ve got a black president in the White House. Time to move on people! Michael Jackson was a great artist; and, like all of us, he had his flaws. Let’s celebrate his music and tune out the racial distractions.

Jon | 7/3/2009, 11:17 pm EST

I am just really confused and sad and thought I would send you an email. I am a white male living in Charlotte, NC and listen to you as often as I can on 92.7 FM. I really enjoy your show and what you have to say (most of the time). I do not agree with everything that you say but do respect you and agree with you on many things. I am just confused about what all is going on with Michael Jackson. Reverend Sharpton, why are so many people saying what a great person he was after he has left us? There is so much hypocrisy. During his trials and the many times that he needed his supporters, many of them were nowhere to be found. Or, they were saying that he was a pedophile or referring to him as “Jacko”. I am not just talking about the general public; I’m also talking about radio personalities, TV personalities, and may of his counterparts. I was listening to Warren Ballentine and someone called in to say that Nancy Grace should be ashamed for saying that he was a pedophile after his death. Actually, she’s one of the few on-air personalities who are keeping it real. She’s saying what she was saying while he was alive and is not changing her story because he’s gone. I am not saying that I agree with her, I’m just saying that she’s keeping it real. One of the things that I loved about Michael Jackson, other than his being a musical genius) is that he did not appear to see race as a barrier and was not prejudiced against other people. Reverend Sharpton, I know that we have a long way to go but I pray for the day that we can be considered one race (all races) under God. I hope it’s a day that I can share with my children before I leave this earth. I am so glad that God blessed me with parents to see people for who they were on the inside and never to just anyone for the way they looked on the outside. Personally, I do not think anyone will go to heave who is prejudiced against other people for the way they look because we will all live in Heaven as one with God.

God bless you Reverend Sharpton and keep up the good work of trying to fix the injustices in this world.

Sad World | 7/5/2009, 1:41 am EST

Why is it that whenever something happens about a black person, people are going to make racial comments? Obama’s election is about race, Michael Jackson’s death is about race…
As a white person I do not see any racism around me. I know there are still some racists in the world, but they are rare, and trying to fight for a world with 0 racism is foolish. I don’t think it is still necessary to bring down things to race like this all the time. Not anymore.

I support Obama, but as a white person I sometimes feel afraid of saying this. Why? Because all this thing about “finally a black president” makes me feel like Obama is some kind of property that belongs solely to black people. I feel like as a white person I am not entitled to like him and support him. All because some people thought it would be smart to make it a racial thing… In a way I can understand black people being proud of finally having a black president. But in another way, I think discretion could had been used so as not to publicly turn this into a racial thing.

I am only 22, I did not enslave African-Americans and I did not take part in the seggregation. I despise racism and intolerance. I never judge people but I judge their actions. I learned from age 8 about racism, and I never thought black people and white people were unequal before that.

But thank you for making me feel like we must keep our distances from each other. Now I feel like Michael Jackson belongs to the black people and the white people should not care about him.

Good job pro-black activists, you got your celebrities all for yourselves. And you make me feel like there is a wall separating our ethnicities. You make me feel like you do not want my ethnicity to jump over that wall to shake hands with you. Yes, I feel like YOU want separation.
I also feel like I owe something to other ethnicities because I am born white – which I don’t.

All I hear from activists like you is pro-black and anti-white speech. I don’t know what time you (activists) live in, but it’s like you are not on the same time frame as everyone else. And you harm your ethnicity as much as you help it.

IM Gross | 7/5/2009, 3:13 pm EST

I wish the comparisions to Elvis would quit. Elvis Presley wasn’t worth a damn to anybody but white people. Elvis once said black people weren’t good enough to shine his shoes, even as he was giving out Cadillacs to a choice few black people. The man was a wreck. Michael, on the other hand, was a child genius who was the pride of Motown and the black community and who grew up to be loved and respected by fans all over the world. He dedicated his life to misfit children – those most other people choose to ignore – giving love and hope kids who are sick and without hope. Michael was right not to trust Sony Music, and I hope to God they don’t milk Michael for all he’s worth now that he’s gone. Lastly when you talk to people who live around 125th St on Manhattan Island, you are talking to black folk, and when Rev. Sharpton says Michael was “ours”, he was ours. Black people gave him his start – out of Motown and the Apollo, and he stayed ours even as his fame grew more mainstream. Like any family you have your arguments and your disagreements, but when one of ours is attacked you close ranks – that’s what family is about, so. Vitiligo took the color away but it didn’t take this black man’s soul away. I mourn deeply the loss of my brother Michael, who I feel I’ve known for 40 years. May his soul now find peace.

To "Sad World" | 7/5/2009, 3:32 pm EST

That was ridiculous. I am 28, black man. not much older than you.

I am completely disgusted with your supposed perspective on race relations although it sounds more like a tear jerking guilt trip from someone who is privileged and does not know how to step outside of his own shoes and attempt to walk another’s.

You did not physically enslave anybody either, but if you keep regurgitating that mess you are mentally enslaving your generation to think that the playing Field is level and everyone is really equal in the public eye. Grow up and be more accountable for your place in the world, as Micheal asked all of us to do.

Kenyon | 7/5/2009, 8:16 pm EST

I agree…it’s a shame that now we have the wild rantings of, “He’s ours…” It’s all crap. Michael was great, if not the greatest; we all know this and morn his death. ALL of us..Black, White, purple…ANYONE who continues this skin-color comparison is racist including Sharpton and that halfwit who was on the Apollo stage with him.
If you want to know who to be pissed off at, it’s the leaches who always had their hands out, stressing him out – his doctor (who’s first move after breaking his ribs was to get an attorney)…the Nation of Islam (who was charging him 4x the normal rent for his LA home) and all the others who took this young man to the cleaners! Be pissed off at them.

as for child molestation…he WAS found not guilty…Elvis on the other hand, asked permission to marry a VERY young bride.

Realist | 7/6/2009, 1:48 pm EST

I want to know where all Michael’s supporters were before he died? It amazes me how celebrities are suddenly forgiven for all perceived flaws as soon as they die. Everyone now wants to claim “Oh, I loved Michael… he’s one of us… I always liked that Michael… he was found not guilty”. Where were you people for the past 22 years?

Kenyon – you refer to Michael as a young man. He was over 50 years old!

Also – you state that Elvis had to ask permission to marry a “very young bride.” Priscilla Prestley was 22 years old when they married! (Would everyone leave poor Elvis and Frank alone.)

This is a very different situation from having sleep-overs with infant boys and girls. Furthermore, Michael was never found “not guilty” by a court of law… the case was dropped when, after an out of court settlement to a related civil matter, the children withdrew testimony from the criminal case. Big difference from being found not guilty. Get your facts straight buddy.

Michael was a great artist – I do not deny that – but let’s not diefy the man. I know everyone has these fuzzy images of the young, handsome man that graced the cover of Thriller… do yourself a favour though – google an image of Michael Jackson post 1993 and take a dose of reality.

just junk | 7/6/2009, 8:43 pm EST

I am a white man and proud of that fact. Michael was a great musician and had incredible talent, however I was not a fan as I am not a fan of eimenem ( the white rapper freak). However, there are incredible men and women of all races. The problem I see is that in the Black community you have Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, who are so called ministers, that continually stir up crap. Why not adopt Crefloe Dollar, he is trully a minister and one who has true Biblical standards the he lives by, unlike Al and Jesse, who claim to be Christian, Also MIcheal Jackson was either Jehovah’s Witness or Muslim (converted I believe) where were those leaders at the Apollo.

siah | 7/6/2009, 11:39 pm EST

Fuck off people. Stop judging him, let his soul rest in perfect peace. No one is perfect. let his family grieve..

Starsong | 7/7/2009, 4:58 am EST

What about Jimi Hendrix ? he was also black and fantastic !

just junk | 7/7/2009, 9:38 am EST

Well apparently there are individuals who have limited english vocabulary and are unable to express themselves without having to drop the “f” bomb on everyone, as for Michaels family grieving, his dad is marching all the way to the bank and unfortunate for Michael’s memory he is a victim again, by His family.

oluade | 7/7/2009, 11:13 am EST

wako was a 1derful artists and d one dat brought so so many happaniess and joy into our homes.d only objections is he neva met christ jesus. may is soul rest in peace.

CHANGE | 7/7/2009, 11:25 am EST

Why cant we love each other? Why does there always have to be something about race? GOD made everyone of us and he loves each of us . So lets just enjoy Michaels music , think of the good things he did and pray for his family for peace through all this. I truly enjoyed Michaels music as I was growing up and I will continue to enjoy it. Please people, remember Michael was a man that loved everyone, lets carry that on with us. We need this in oud world more than anything. My prayers go out to the Jackson Family, GOD Bless each of you.

Nmar | 7/7/2009, 2:52 pm EST

Watching the funeral right now as we speak, My heart is breaking for his family, for his friends. I’ve been praying for their spiritual peace and mental peace.

GK | 7/7/2009, 6:35 pm EST

Dear Reverend Al Sharpton,
I’d like to spend the night with your eight year old son. You and your wife go out to dinner, I’ll even pay for it. What will your son be doing? Well after we play some games and take off most of our clothes he and myself and a group of other boys will get into bed together. Nothing weird, about that, right Reverend? Maybe the boys and I will just get to know each other a little better. Okay with you? I knew you’d understand.

Amazed | 7/8/2009, 7:28 pm EST

I’m a middle-aged white man who grew up on Jackson Five (The Love You save was my favorite). MJ was a brilliant entertainer who is in the stratosphere that includes very few musical acts…Sinatra, Elvis, the Beatles and a few others.

But to clarify, people, that is my OPINION. You fools who say he was the greates as a FACT just aren’t smart enough to know the difference between fact and opinion.

I loved Michael’s music, was amazed by his dancing, and LOVED that he preached for people all over the world to love and accept each other.

Sharpton is a racist pig who counters exactly what this blessed genius (Michael) preached. Why? Because that’s how this disgusting clown makes his money.

It’s stunning that between the tawanna Brawley fisaco and all the other legal issues he’s had, that Sharpton isn’t in jail, as opposed to hosting a radio show and speaking at Michael’s service. THOSE OF YOU WHO FOLLOW SHARPTON WILL BE DOOMED TO A LIFE OF HATRED. Too bad you can’t see what a pig he is.

God bless Michael and his family. May he rest in peace.

Post A Comment

Caution: Off-topic comments will be deleted

Name:

Comments:



Advertisement

Advertisement