Murray's lawyer Chernoff on Good Morning America April 5, 2010

Conrad Murray's lawyer (I have long since stopped calling him "Dr."), Ed Chernoff made an appearance on Good Morning America this morning to discuss the case. Chernoff offered little of substance and, instead, relied on innuendo and supposition to cast doubt on the guilt of his client while simultanously placing blame upon the victim--a victim who is not here to defend himself and cannot tell his side (the truth) of what happened.

Chernoff said the LAPD botched the investigation and seeded the theory Michael self-injected the fatal dose of propofol. Chernoff admitted the trial has his client on the ropes and asserted they will fight to the death because it is now Murray against Michael, and Murray would do whatever he had to do to get out of this, including exposing Michael. He said he "didn't know what Michael was doing....Dr. Murray has no desire to portray Michael Jackson as anything as other than a saint...but..the facts have to come out..." which I take to mean, they will smear Michael to poison the public and to taint the jury pool as long as it might save Murray's hide. I find this entire defense approach sleazy and despicable.

Janet Jackson on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" March 23, 2010

Janet Jackson made an appearance last night on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" to promote her new movie Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married, Too? Janet was shy and well-spoken and she looked great! It is good to see her out in the spotlight again. I thought the bit where she thanked ?uestlove for the Jackson 5 tee-shirt was too cute!

Janet Jackson appeared last night on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno 03/18/10

She looked and sounded fabulous. It warms my heart to see her smile!

Joe Jackson wants to sue over deceased photos

Lawyers for Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, have filed papers seeking the court's acknowledgment that Michael's family has the right to sue media outlets for publishing photos of Mr. Jackson's deceased body. Attorney Brian Oxman filed papers claiming there is a legal precedent for a family to sue for invasion of privacy when such photographs are taken or published. Shows such as Entertainment Tonight (ET) and others have repeatedly aired photographs of Mr. Jackson's body on a stretcher as it was taken into an ambulance.

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Michael Bearden and George Lopez spoke about Michael Jackson

The musical director for Michael Jackson's This Is It is now the band leader for George Lopez's Lopez Tonight show. They sat down a few months ago to discuss Michael Jackson and the rehearsals for the This Is It concerts. I was tickled by his anecdote about the rehearsals for Dirty Diana. Michael planned to have an aerialist and master pole dancer dance around a larger-than-life iron canopy bed on the stage, eventually handcuffing him to the bed. At one point, Michael Bearden asked Michael where the female guitarist Orianthi was supposed to be during the number. Michael said, 'In the bed with me!--I can handle it!'

Who's bad?

FAMU's Marching 100 performed a rousing tribute to Michael Jackson at Superbowl XLIV

Rehearsal footage shot at Palm Beach Lakes High School in West Palm Beach, Florida February 6, 2010

The world famous Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Marching 100 marching band from Tallahassee, Florida performed a tribute to Michael Jackson during the Superbowl XLIV pre-game show on Sunday, February 7, 2010. Unfortunately, the networks chose to show commentary and commercials rather than the incredible tribute. The set list included "Billie Jean", "Beat It", and "Smooth Criminal" and brought the crowd to its feet.

"Today's show was simply fantastic," FAMU's Director of Bands Julian White said. "They played well. They marched well. And the audience just gave a standing ovation. (Band members) gave all they had, and it came through very well."

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Dateline NBC: The Secret Life of Michael Jackson

The Dateline piece "The Secret Life of Michael Jackson" broadcast on Friday, February 5, 2010, was very slanted. The producers wanted to accomplish three things with that "special":

1. They wanted to characterize Murray as a villain and establish him as a news draw all on his own so they can continue to flog Michael's death for ratings
2. They wanted to continue their tradition of painting Michael as an eccentric freak and titillate the audience with old rumors and innuendo
3. Of course, they simply wanted to boost their sagging ratings by hopping on the biggest story of the week with a slap dash last minute "report" that contained no new information despite the tease in all their commercials

The broadcast itself focused too much on Michael's vacations, his wardrobe, his makeup, and the allegations against him made in other decades and not nearly enough on the events leading up to Michael's death and the nature of the investigation since then. In order to increase the juice factor, the producers used tabloid tactics by distilling the most inflammatory remarks from the media commentators they interviewed, comments that where wholly unsubstantiated. The only poignant and truthful remarks I watched came from Michael's attorney Thomas Mesereau, Michael Flatley, and the member of the Bahrain Royal Family who said he never MJ never saw use drugs while he was there. I believe comments by so-called friends about Michael being a pest who overstayed his welcome and slept on people's couches only served to further slake the public's thirst for negative ammunition to use against his memory; I personally let such friends know what I thought about their comments as well as Dateline NBC. I believe we, as fans, have an obligation stand up to unfair and untruthful reporting about Michael; it is our duty to protect his legacy.

To read the transcript of the show click here.

The Jacksons go on lockdown

I don't have the latest episode of the Jackson's: A Family Dynasty loaded yet, but here is the Lockdown episode where the brothers try to get serious--with varying results.

Michael is taking over FUSE TV

Tune in to FUSE TV today at 11am to see Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, do what he does best. FUSE is having an all-day marathon to celebrate Michael. They also have a photo and video gallery on their site www.fuse.tv and a channel finder to see what station FUSE is in your area.

TV One is honoring Michael all week long starting tonight at 8pm Eastern time with the 30th Anniversary special. The special airs again at 11pm Eastern. Visit TV One for the rest of this week's schedule.

Jennifer Hudson's "I'll Be Home for the Holidays" Christmas special

Just in case you missed Jennifer Hudson's "I'll Be Home for the Holidays" Christmas special, Jennifer brought it home! She was sweet, humble, and thoughtful in making sure her sister Julia, relatives from back home, baby boy David, and fiance David Otunga when are they going to get married already? were front and center to share the spotlight.

Chat about "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty" Premiere

"The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty" reality tv show premiered last night on A & E. I did a live chat with a few people. Here is an excerpt of my comments on the show:

The show began with all 4 brothers (Randy refuses to participate) talking about their family and the show. It opened with Michael's singing in the Jackson 5, so I already had a tear in my eye. They showed a lot of old pictures of them when they were children. They were all very handsome boys!

The show quickly devolved into a bit of showboating. Jermaine wanted to address jealousy issues. In doing so he made a remark about Michael's success being due to the Jackson 5 so how could they be jealous of him? He spoke as if there were no Jackson 5 there would have been no Michael. I just sucked my teeth at the tv. MJ's success was because of MJ. Yes, he started out with his brothers, but it was apparent from DAY 1 he was the star of the show. He went on to be a supernova.

"I am so anxious about them showing the golden casket. I don't think I can take it."

"Tito's sons are cute! That next generation is really going to get a leg up by being on this show. I know T3 is already big in Europe thanks to Michael's help and guidance, but they are largely unknown in the States. I hope that changes for them, if that's what they want."

"Jermaine is trying to take over and make decisions for the group, but I don't think Jermaine is the leader here. He wants to be, but didn't you catch that little blurb where one of the brothers said Jermaine would sing all the parts if they let him? They are aware of his ego and are finally straining against it. "It's time for some new Jackson blood. It's time for Tito."" It's funny to hear them talking smack about standing up to Jackie now. He's STILL the father figure.

Tito got frustrated trying to produce their album. He told them, "you guys sound like the Supremes instead of the Jacksons" to which one of them replied, "Tito is a pain in the a$$." the brothers did NOT work well in the studio. I think Michael really got frustrated with them and their work ethic, that's why he stopped performing with them. These negroes actually ERASED a song in the studio after a day of recording! Isn't it amazing how Michael almost didn't even get a chance to be in the group? What a shame they didn't have more confidence in LaToya and Rebbie. Rebbie can really SING and LaToya isn't bad herself. Of course, Janet eventually became a star, but they really poo pooed her talent for a long time.

Of course we all knew they would have plenty of footage of Jermaine emoting, praying, and talking with mama.

Two of the brothers went back to Gary, Indiana to try and get their mojo back. The town was very welcoming. They showed footage of their old family home which now stands empty as a memorial. I would like to see them build a proper memorial in Gary for Michael, since Neverland doesn't seem to be an option. I'll write about my frustrations with Neverland another time.

Tito wasn't the only one getting frustrated with the brothers. One of the nephews, Siggy just cussed out his uncles. How disrespectful. Joe would have had that a$$ on the ground before that spit finished flying out of his mouth. Jermaine cried a few more times. He really seemed kind of whiny this show. I found myself askinf if there was even water coming out of his eyes? Jermaine stop whining. The brothers did what was best for the group when they left Motown. Jermaine was being selfish wanting them to stay with Motown when Berry wouldn't let them have any creative control. The brothers had a touching moment when they tried to make him feel better. the revealed Michael cried many times before going on stage because Jermaine wasn't there with them. He was so sensitive and kindhearted.

I began to cry when Jackie started crying. This was my favorite quote from the entire show: Jackie spoke about being a pallbearer for Michael, "If I had to carry him for 100 miles, I would do it." I got angry when Marlon said, "I don't think people would ever understand the loss of a brother as opposed to losing a pop star"
I disagree. Many people have lost siblings and loved ones and know just how much it hurt. I guess it never occurred to him that some of us may even love him MORE. We don't have all the baggage, all the rivalry. The way he touched my life....
I like what Jermaine said, "I really don't think this Earth was ready for him..."
Jackie: "I'm not afraid of dying now.."

The brothers revealed they have been bullied into going ahead with a planned series of concerts before they are emotionally ready to move on from Michael's death. How can he tell you when you're done mourning? Not only are they not ready emotionally, their singing and dancing isn't up to par. They need more than 2 months to get ready...try 2 years! Even their attorney Virgil and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis told them things won't be the same without Michael. "Your brother was the biggest star in the world...", said Virgil. Terry Lewis told them,"the only problem we have now is we don't have Michael as part of the sound. It was the Jackson 5 not the Jackson 4." Right on. Who do they think is going to sing all Michael's parts? Jermaine? (I'm sure that's what he's thinking.) It just feels so empty without MJ.
Interesting they are going to JJ and TL to produce them. Those 2 chose to work with Michael back in the day over Jermaine and he was pissed about it. They also made a huge star out of Janet. Why don't the bros get some advice from Janet?

There were some other good moments in the show, such as the black eye/pink eye segment. You'll have to watch to know what I mean. All in all, it was a good 2 hours. Jackson Family Values airs Sunday nights at 10pm Eastern on A&E.

Justin Timberlake regrets throwing Janet Jackson under the bus

Almost six years after the career-changing incident, Justin Timberlake apparently has regrets over the way he treated Janet Jackson in the wake of their 2004 Super Bowl scandal. The two were performing what was sure to be a showstopping routine during half time of the game when at the end of a song,Timberlake ripped open Jackson's shirt to reveal her naked breast covered by a pastie. Viewers had to be keen of eye to catch the momentary flash, but the fallout lasted for years.

Both Jackson and Timberlake apologized, with Jackson calling it a "wardrobe malfunction", however only Jackson's career seemed to suffer in its wake. Timberlake, for his part, denied knowing Jackson was topless, and distanced himself from her allowing the media and the public to draw conclusions she alone was responsible for the flash. Janet was left alone to deal with the fallout as she watched her album sales fall and her endorsements dry up. She retreated from the public eye, becoming a recluse and gaining quite a bit of weight. "Nipplegate" on CBS was seen by an estimated 140 million viewers and brought unprecidented complaints to the FCC and a huge fine for the network. Now, Timberlake says he's sorry. He told Entertainment Weekly he regrets his handling of the situation. “I wish I had supported Janet more. I am not sorry I apologized, but I wish I had been there more for Janet,” he said.

Personally, I used to be a JT fan. I loved his music and his style of dancing, but the way he treated Janet...really left a bad taste in my mouth. He came out of it with his career intact, but in my opinion he abandoned her like a coward. He was the one who actually ripped her shirt, not her. He humiliated and exposed a Black woman on international television. Why wasn't it considered assault? How can you blame someone for someone else ripping their clothes off? I never understood that. Even if they had planned it, they should have stood together to take the heat. Instead, he took the easy way out. I never forgave him for it and never bought anything else he did. He lost a fan in me back in 2004. How did you feel about it? Do you think he's being sincere now?

Michael McDonald on Conan O'Brien 12-07-09

Honorary brother Michael McDonald graced the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on Monday night.

Leftover Jacksons on Today Show

"we are no different from any other family that has made and wasted millions of dollars ...the reality show will prove that"

I just have one question, where's Randy?

MTV

acquired the rights to show 'This Is It' (again and again) starting in 2010.

High Five to GLo

George Lopez took a rip at beleagured Michael Jackson physician Dr. Conrad Murray this week on his show.

"Did you hear that Dr. Conrad Murder(he then stops talking and looks at the audience) oops, Dr Conrad Murrrr.......Dr. Murray was in child support court to ask the judge to lower the dose before it kills him.

Lopez Tonight airs Monday through Thursday on TBS at 11pm Eastern.

Dancing With The Stars Michael Jackson Tribute

Dancing With The Stars did a tribute to Michael Jackson last night on their results show. I have to admit, as corny as that show is (but I love it and watch every week) the tribute wasn't half bad. BET should have given them a call, for real. The family was there to lend their support including, Mrs. Katherine, LaToya, Jermaine, and the child support enforcement officers; Jermaine knows damn well Randy has to pay that woman, too. He could have shared the spotlight for one night. LaToya and Jermaine did quite a bit of talking before the actual dances; would you expect anything less? I will try to find the video of their speeches. In the meanwhile, someone PLEASE try to analyze the chemical makeup of whatever Jermaine is trying to pass off as hair these days. Mm'kay?

Nigerian Idol: the Jackson 5

Hilarious! Check out Nigerian Randy!

South Park is tasteless yet again

The infamous Chef Matt Stone and his wife

The creators of South Park have sunk to a new low of tastelessness--I say this as a fan--with their new episode "I See Dead Celebrities." The installment shows recently deceased stars Michael Jackson, Patric Swayze, Farrah Fawcett, and David Carradine dwelling in purgatory while waiting to enter heaven. (Where are Steve McNair and Ed McMahon?) During the episode Michael's spirit inhabits one of the show's regular characters.

Jackson fans are striking back at the show in internet chatrooms and social networking sites. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone just laughed it off when Isaac "Chef" Hayes quit the show over their mocking of Scientology, but this just may be their counterpart to the banned Boondocks "Hunger Strike" episode about BET.

Aussies perform Jackson 5 blackface act

This is an Australian version of The Gong Show. It turns out Harry Connick Jr. is a judge on this coonery. After the 'Jackson Jive'(in blackface) performs if you can call it that, and the audience boos, brutha Harry asks the producers for a minute and tightens they asses up over that bull-ishhh....then QUITS THE GIG ON LIVE TV!!!! (I'm digging up the 1996 MAD TV skit with Harry in blackface as you read...)

I found it WMS...I don't consider this blackface. I'm still trying to figure out if he is in brown makeup or if he just had a tan at the time. I have met him in person and he can get very tan. A lot of Australians are trying to use this video to defend themselves online. What do you think?

--WS