Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jackson
Saturday June 27, 2009
With the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, passing away this week, many have looked back fondly at the 90 minute Primetime interview from February 10, 1993, with Oprah Winfrey at the Neverland Ranch, as one of the most honest and intimate looks into the life of an entertainment icon. Known as a very private person, Oprah's meeting with Michael Jackson served as a rare opportunity for fans to see MJ in a comfortable environment where he openly shared details of his life after more than a decade of silence with the media. Michael spoke about his skin condition, tabloid rumors, plastic surgery, and his greatest gift to the world, his craft.
Comments
6/29/2009
Hi Oprah,
I work for Catholic Charities in St. Joseph, Missouri. A co-worker e-mailed the St. Joseph
staff informed us that you would be coming to
kansas City, Missouri in October. She also said in her e-mail that June 24, 2009 your tickets would be on sale.
I looked at my e-mailed on June 24 and sure
enough the tickets were on sale for $99.00
The e-mail also said if I purchased 3 tickets I could get one free. The problem is your tickets are to expensive and I can’t afford
just one.
My two sisters and I would like to come to see
you when you come to Kansas City, Missouri in
in October 2009.
We are in our 60’s and are nearing retirement.
we have been watching you on television all these years and just want a front row set when you and your staff come to Kansas City, Missouri. You will only be 50 miles away from St. Joseph, Missouri. I will drive that
small distance to see you. I don’t like to fly.
Oprah would it be possible to get 3 tickets
for myself and two sister.
please e-mail me at the above address or you or your staff can call me at 1(816)279-4742.
Oprah I am still working and I get home any time after 1:00 pm daily or just leave me a voice mail message.
your faithful watcher,
Dorothy Blakley
why has oprah completely ignored the death of michael jackson?
being the most prominent black person (besides the recent addition of the obamas) in america i am completely bemused by the whole thing!
I don’t think she is ignoring the tragic death of Michael, though she has obviously not openly commented to the public. My sense is that she is very saddened and is taking time to contemplate the existence and true spirit,lifetime and amazement of this beautiful person.
besides…wasn’t Oprah the one who distanced and even spoke against Michael’s interviews with Martin Bashir?…it’s amazing how everyone is coming out saying the greatest things about MJ after jokes about him were repeated over and over. I guess, we all err as humans, but maybe this should be a lesson to us all, behind all his beautiful talent, and unusual changes there was a sensitive soul that was never really understood, and some of his actions distanced many, but I think on a smaller scale, we all have done that at some point. …and doesn’t everyone want to be understood? Rest in Peace Michael…I’ve been blasting your music in the car, and my young children love you too
I love you Micheal Jackson. You are a beautiful soul who has touched the lives of so many suffering children all over the world. You serve as a reminder to all of us to not judge people and except people for who they are. Miss you Rest In Peace.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE
Penny, I believe u are right on point! That explains why she hasn’t said anything. She knows that she also was one of the people who dogged out Michael. I also believe the impact of his death will lay on one of those young boys conscious & they will come clean about those allegations! The kids that Michael Jackson raised aren’t even his, which leads me to believe as difficult as it may sound that he died a virgin!!!
R.I.P. Michael………….. May u find the peace n heaven that u couldn’t find n this mean, cold, world!!!
it’s been a week since michael died, and still nothing from oprah………….she’s had so much time contemplating her response, that i am expecting an epitaph of epic proportions!
Everybody has their own way of coping with feelings. Judging Oprah does not make you any better than what the public did to MJ. May he rest in peace.
I’m suspecting that Oprah didn’t say anything about his death, because she believed he was a pedophile??
Why else would she not say anything, she seems to not care.
She has been sexually abused herself when she was younger, so maybe a bit too eager to believe the accusers, despite there never was any evidence of MJ being a pedophile.
I for one am very surprised she hasn’t said anything!
I am also disappointed that Oprah hasn’t publicly expressed condolences for the family of Michael Jackson. It might do her well to remember that Michael gave her ratings a huge leap when he agreed to do an interview with her. Especially at a time when he wasn’t doing many interviews. The way I see it, she at least owes him for that!
I’ve been searching the internet all over to find what Oprah has said about Michael Jackson’s tragic passing and I am dissapointed that I have not seen or heard anything. It does make you wonder? Surely she must know that NO ONE is perfect! and regardless what she may think in private there is no denying that Michael was the ultimate phenomenal showman – and for that he deserves public acknowledgement. Come on Oprah!
Dear Michael may you now find the peace you so craved – RIP
Dear Michael
I am a chinese and we loved you and we will love you forever!
You have been to China only one time . you did not go to those so called famous place but go to see those children and old grandma.before you left you even so generous gave the grandma 2000HKd which at that time is their whole family more than three years income!we love you, not only your greatest music but also your puurest soul and kindest heart!love you forever!
Chinese believe you are angle and you just back to the place where you came!
Despite what Oprah may or may not think of Micheal Jackson, she cannot deny he was one of the most talented musicians of our times.
May his soul rest in peace.
Hello Oprah.. did you hear that Michael Jackson had passed away?
May his soul rest in everlasting peace which this cold world had denied him. My condolences to his family. May the Almighty be with them during this difficult times.
Oprah needs to do something!!!!!!!! I think it’s appalling that we haven’t heard from her on the issue of Michael’s passing. He helped her have as large a platform as she now commands. I believe she will regret it if she stands mute. I know I will never forget it. I am sure other media outlets will soon speak on her silence.
I too have been looking for Oprah’s response. I am very disappointed. I did not know she did not like him, I thought she was a supporter. Regardless, I have been very sad and thinking of the man no one really understood. My 4 year old son has been enjoying Michael’s music with me and it makes me feel better.
I don’t think it is any secret how Oprah felt about pedophiles. She absolutely despises them, and has often talked about how they “groom” their victims by making the families of these children very comfortable with having the pedophile around. When all the suspicions about Michael actually being a child molester were at the peak, it was often mentioned how his whole estate was geared toward attracting children. I’m sure Oprah had serious doubts about his innocence, and let’s face it, who didn’t? I mean when the second kid came forward, it looked like MJ was so sick or arrogant enough to ignore his past accuser and continue with this criminal behavior. In light of all that has come out about him now, I sincerely believe he was hopelessly naive about the ugly side of humanity. While he had a tough childhood, he also was insulated from the “real world” to a certain degree. He was surrounded by people who told him how wonderful he was, and no one mentioned anything that he was doing was highly suspicious behavior, he just didn’t think that way. To say he was unusual is a huge understatement, but for that very reason is why he stood out in an industry that was full of talented people. I think cruelty and harshness in the world were totally off his radar. I think there will be a lot of guilt over his death when more and more truth come out about him. One thing I think that should prove his innocence is that not one shred of DNA evidence was ever provided as in other famous cases (remember Monica Lewinsky’s blue dress, hard for Bill to deny after that was presented). There were no pictures, no hard evidence, just hearsay and less than credible “witnesses”. If he was doing everything he was being accused of, there certainly would have been something more solid after all those years.
Maybe Oprah is taking some time to weigh all of this out before making a public statement. You know she will be damned if she does, and damned if she doesn’t. For those who still believe he was a pervert, they will call her a hypocrite if she speaks kindly of him now. And with her not saying anything, she is being accused of being cold and not giving proper respect to a record breaking artist. (Memories of Queen Elizabeth following the death of Princess Diana).
The amount of love being shown for him now cannot be because he fooled everyone about his real motivations with children, it’s because so many of us took part in destroying this exceptional human being.
Until it can be shown as factual and 150% truthful, the child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson to me, are just allegations.
Did Oprah really turn against him? A lot turned against him because of the media and its uncanny ability to twist and turn things to put someone in a disfavourable light.
There is more money in bad news than normal everyday things.
With that aside, may he find the respect he deserves, in death, that he did not get in life, and more than anything may people be “real”.
His soul is free now and he can no longer be tormented by the untruths, half truths and ugliness the world had become to him with the exception of his children.
…Now is the TIME to right a WRONG…
Very disappointing the way she has ignored it. Wont be watching buying or listening ever again. MJ gave me great memories through a horrible childhood. I thought she might be one person that may not pass judgement. Goodbye Oprah. You lost another one today.
Oprah will speak when she is ready. The public does not know the true relationship between the 2 parties. She maybe processing what she truly knows about Michael and his death. Whatever the case, Ms. Winfrey has the right to deal with this loss anyway she needs to. I think we should trust Oprah.
I was wondering if there was anybody else out there thinking on this line. Here’s what I observed in regards to Oprah, First, I absolutely adore Michael and his family an absolute phenomenon of our time and happy to have experienced it! second, being black like me and relating to many things that comes along with that, if She Oprah were to die I’d probably shed tears also. However.. not only did we get the opportunity to enjoy that interview that he granted Oprah which HELPED her career also, AND WHAT DID SHE GIVE HIM BACK!!! I’LL TELL you what, A CLEAR KNIFE IN THE BACK!!! SHE USED HER POWER and influence to kill him in the hearts and mind of the world!!! HAVING THE ABILITY TO REACH AROUND THE WORLD TO PERSECUTE MICHAEL! SHE GOT IN HIS FACE AND HIS SISTER’S FACE LAUGHING AND GRINNING AS THOUGH SHE WERE THEIR FRIENDS AND AS SOON AS THE NEGATIVE WORLD PUT MICHAEL IN THE TABLOIDS THAT SHE CLAIMS TO HATE SO MUCH FOR HERSELF SHE TURNED AND CAUSED HIM AND HIS FAMILY MORE GRIEF THAN SHE WOULD ANYONE ELSE! I’VE SEEN HER DEDICATE SHOWS JUST TO CRUCIFY MICHAEL AND THAT WAS NOT ENOUGH SHE EVEN WENT FURTHER TO ASK SEVERAL OTHERS WHO WERE ON HER SHOW WHO SHE KNEW HAD SOME TYPE OF RELATIONSHIP WITH MICHAEL PERSONALLY QUESTIONS ALWAYS IMPLYING THAT HE WAS SUCH AN AWFUL OR DISTURBED PERSON AND EVEN WHEN HE WAS NOT HER SUBJECT OT TOPIC OF THE DAY SHE SOMEHOW WICKEDLY WEAVED IT IN TO HER TOPIC. OPRAH WAS NOT ANY WHERE AROUND MICHAEL’S HOUSE OR IN HIS BED ROOM HOLDING A LIGHT WHILE ANYTHING TOOK PLACE! I SAY TO HER —– ARE YOU HAPPY NOW!!! I DARE YOU TO PICK ON ONE OF YOUR BELOVED — FRIENDS. YOU OPRAH! SUFFER FROM AN IDENTITY CRISIS JUST AS MUCH AS MICHAEL DID SO ALL THAT YOU DID TO HURT HIM WAS TRULY OUT OF HATRED FOR YOURSELF!!
Oprah is someone who puts children first.
She also believes in Dr. Kings dream. She sees people by what actions they do, not by the color of their skin. It is so sad to see how many people look the other way at the the strange behaviors that Michael Jackson has done simply because of his skin color and because he made them feel good with his music. Fist of all he is a human being who did some very strange things and what he did with Children _ even if he claims he just slept with them in his bed is not a good thing and Oprah is a stand up person who knows all too well that this behavior should not be accepted.
I’m very dissapointed that Oprah hasnt released a statement since Michael Jackson’s death almost two weeks ago. MJ was acquitted of all charges against him. There was never any strong evidence, no DNA… nothing. Her silence makes her seem cold and heartless. I think she will lose many fans for this. I am sad.
HELLO OPRAH!!!!!????? ARE YOU OUT THERE???
tell us what you feel, the silence is deafening.
i see she has a picture of her and michael on the outside of the staples centre, so the familyobviously arent miffed by oprahs silence.
At least im not the only one thinking on those lines…MJ was the greatest entertainer of our time!! He was human and did ‘fall’ like we all do BUT for you to remain silent on his passing seems like you clearly judged him harshly while he was here with us. Im disappointed and you just lost your fan. Oprah, look at yourself in the mirror….
Does Oprah not “actually” believe in the justice system except of course in her case when she was found not guilty. Her silence is screaming…. One would think that she will show some mercy and compassion for the family especially for the mom who just lost her son
I love how the same people who are quick to exclaim MJ is “innocent until proven guilty” are the same ones who accuse the children of lying. Doesn’t “innocent until proven guilty” work both ways?
“Innocent until proven guilty” only applies in a court of LAW. The real world is markedly different. By this strict application of “innocent until proven guilty,” O.J. Simpson didn’t kill his wife, Richard Nixon had nothing to do with Watergate, and bin Laden was not involved with 9/11.
One wonders if these same MJ defenders would have allowed their own children to spend time alone with him.
As for Oprah… I suspect that she doesn’t say anything because she not only believes him to have been guilty. But she also resents that MJ used her. Do any of you think that the first allegations coming out shortly after her big exclusive interview with him was a COINCIDENCE? No… he USED her to create a cover story for what was coming down the pike. And I wouldn’t hold it against her to despise him for the rest of her life.
As a victim of childhood abuse herself, she knows full well the challenges of bringing these kinds of allegations to light. Children make very bad witnesses because they don’t see the world the same way adults do. And that’s what makes pedophiles so insidious… because they’re able to seduce children with their own innocence… all the while robbing them of it!
I grew up with MJ. i adored him. I have also been a fan of Oprah and I’ve been waiting, searching in vain for her comments. she was quick to support Obama for president, here is another black icon who has died and not a word from her fellow black entertainer??? I think she thinks Mj is guilty. that’s upon her. for someone who is also wrongly portrayed by the media..i mean, they say you are a lesbian..etc..,you deny and want us to believe you…i actually do believe you. so, why don’t you do the same with Michael?? if you are 100% sure he is guilty….then prove it to us or stop judging. i’m disappointed. I may be wrong with my assumption but the mere fact that she hasn’t said a word since his death has changed my opinion on her.
RIP MJ.
to John.
If he was guilty, a lot more kids would have come forth. and jus tso you know, the first kid…Jordan or whatever his name is, is now saying he was forced to lie by his father. Michael never molested him. he also accused and sued his father for trying to kill him.
telss you a lot about them, doesn’t it??
oprah……for the sake of those lovely children, say something.
I am so mad at Oprah. Who left her in charge to decide and influence many viewers about MJ being guilty. I am angry that she has not commented about his death at all!
I have lost all respect for her and will not watch her show again. She is self centered and bascially used MJ for her own benefit when she needed ratings and then bashed him infront of millions of people when she was famous enough.
You have lost alot of faithful viewers Oprah!! You may be famous and rich but I have learned you have no respect for others. Do not think of yourself so highly!
to MJ fan:
Do you have *ANY* idea how many cases of unreported sexual abuse there are? Just because other people haven’t come forward doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Part of the reason people don’t come forward is because victims are further victimized by people like you who automatically disbelieve.
And just so you know, Jordy Chandler did not and has not denied the allegations he made against MJ in 1993. It is an internet rumor/hoax that not a *single* reputable news source has circulated.
On the flip side, MJ never once made a single direct public denial of the allegations. All his public statements were cryptic and evasive. He referred to “disgusting” rumors circulating… but he never states what the disgusting rumors he’s referring to. Which makes it a lot easier to LIE.
Sorry… I think Oprah is absolutely right to not contribute to the misdirected hero worship.
Simply out of respect for the family and the death of an international star, Oprah should have made some type of comment…but I guess ‘America’s Mammy’ doesn’t feel the need. She still has her white fan base – her only concern.
Perhaps Oprah is spending this time trying to figure out how to get her man to marry her after 25 yrs and drop 50 lbs…
I am inclined to agree with Mr. Goetz. When Oprah did not speak out on the day Michael Jackson passed, I was convinced she would not be making any statement at all.
Oprah Winfrey is quite influential and certainly aware of her impact she has on the public. I have to respect her, at this point, for not making a comment if her only comment would not be genuinely positive. With her influence, she could certainly have created a following of those who feel Jackson is not deserving of a public memorial paid by tax-payers of LA. There could have been counter demonstrators of people who believe on Michael’s guilt. She is smart not to incite the creation such a spectacle
Would those of you that are offended by her silence rather her speak out negatively and disrespect the memory of Michael to his family?
As far as I am concerned, “not guilty” does not mean “innocent”. Many people in America’s jails are serving time for crimes they did not commit. Statistically, there must be a great number of people who were found “not guilty” when they are truly guilty. This works both ways. A blind justice system does not work in our less than perfect world.
Kids are afraid to speak up when bad things happen to them. Especially if a threat or a promise are attached. Would any of you allow your child to sleep over a friend’s house if the kid’s father said he will be sleeping in bed with your 12 year old son? If that same father said your child can join him in bed any night to show your child love and affection? Seriously, would you?
Oprah is a selfish, money hungry woman that doesn’t care about anything else but her success. I have to say that I’ve lost a tremendous amount of respect for her. Childbirth and death are two events that I believe bring people together and force them to do away with their differences. I bet you she is now waiting to get that first jackson family interview. She is certainly not God and will die one day too. I want to see how she will be remembered. I am slowly hating her right now.
May he RIP. Only God knows the truth and he is before HIM now, Oprah is in Europe with her staff on a cruise ship at this time. Why did many people not comment or appear at the service? Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor were best friends, but absent. He was a wonderful entertainer. I think our society is so idolatrous of famous people. I am sure Oprah will comment when she returns from her trip.
Hi Oprah,
The world said goodbye to our beloved Michael today, even without your presence. I’m sure you had your reasons for not attending and for completely ignoring his death, despite how unfounded those reasons were. However, I always have looked to you as a woman of class and compassion, your actions over MJ’s death have changed all that. A death is never solely about the deceased, it is also about those who survive the departed and are left to deal with tremendous pain and grief. A woman of class, the woman I thought you were, would have at the least publicly sent her condolensces to the Jackson family, especially his children.
I am but one person and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I will no longer be one of your viewers. I will not support a hypocrite.
Hello people!
Please let us calm down and not be so upset with Oprah. We are being strongly judgemental of Oprah while under the influence of our raw emotions of the moment. In fact, being judgemental is what Micheal received in life. I am sure he is not happy to see people throwing hateful judgementalism against Oprah’s silence because of his earthly departure. Just be calm and patient with her.
Joni P said “One thing I think that should prove his innocence is that not one shred of DNA evidence was ever provided”
What type of DNA would you expect? You are obviously not versed on the many ways a child can be molested. You should be so blessed if you or someone you love has not been affected.
Bravo to Oprah for not idolizing a pedophile. The only reason he did not end up in prison came down to one simple thing. Money. Shame on the families who were bought off. Do you seriously think if he did not have the fame, fortune & power the outcome would have been the same?
The statistics say that one out of every three to four girls has been sexually assaulted by the age of 18. One boy out of every six will be abused by the age of 18. Although there are reports and convictions to base these statistics on, they are actually not accurate. So many cases of child molestation go unreported each year, so we really cannot estimate the real numbers. The FBI reports that the National Institute for Mental Health found that only 1% to 10% of victims ever tell that they were abused. Boys report far less than girls.
The average child molester will molest fifty girls before being caught and convicted.
A child molester that seeks out boys will molest 150 boys before being caught and convicted and he will commit at least 280 sexual crimes in his lifetime.
The standard pedophile will commit 117 sexual crimes in their lifetime.
Most sexual abuse happens between the ages of 7 and 13.
There are over 491,720 registered sex offenders in the United States.
80,000 to 100,000 of the above offenders are missing.
Molesters known by the family or victim are the most common abusers. The Acquaintance Molester accounts for 70-90% of reported cases.
I mourn the loss of the talent but not the man that used it to gain access to innocent children.
MJ was the true icon and the true American icon that some cannot understand…may he now have everlasting peace and happinness he so deserve in the arms of his maker who lent him to us for such a little time.
I love you Michael.
I am surprised Oprah has not said anything regarding the passing of Michael Jackson. After all even the president of the United States whom she admires did!! It really makes no sense.
HEEEERRREEEE IIIISSS OOOPRAAAAHHH!!
http://www.examiner.com/x-10201-Oprah-Examiner~y2009m6d30-Where-in-the-world-is-Oprah-Istanbul
Y’ALL BE CALM NOW, YA HEAR?
I viewed MJ’s services and it was absolutely beautiful! Dedicated to a phenomenal individual who’s star burned far brighter than most and difintely brighter than Oprah’s. You people who claim to be such loyal “Americans” believing in this justice system, that all people are supposedly created equal..lol and are innocent until proven guilty..huh well if you believe that way and in this system ARE YOU A HYPOCRITE? because in this justice system MJ was found not guilty. Again I say to you, Oprah and anyone else were you there in his bedroom holding the light while these things were being done?…H_ll! No you weren’t. Stop lip locking with Oprah’s behind and let her fend for herself. Because truth be told, if she is at all human which I suspect she is, she was hurt and cried just like the rest of the world. Because that’s the beauty that was in Michael that others felt so attracted to. Before Oprah there was Michael J and his brothers she was magnetized just like the rest of us and never thought he would leave so soon, it’s just that maybe after making a few dollars she some how thought they were shinning the same amount of light! But sorry not true! Michael, was an original that dazzled the world for a time. His act to tough to follow in the time that’s left in this era. Now, she’ll have to carefully calculate her actions before opening up her mouth. I would more less think that at this point she’s really JUST TO EMBARASSEd to let any of you know of or if she has any remorse at all for her part in contributing to the slanderous titles of MJ. Holding her own trial on MJ while he was in the fight for his life. Inexcusable! I wonder if she’ll have the ordacity to ask one of the family member to appear on her show for ratings.But I’m sure they know where she’s coming from now.. Heck I wonder if she’ll read these blogs at all. Is she going to do her public thing of standing up and addressing these truth. Hey I know please, Oprah have another show and invite me. I hope so because I felt like this long before MJ’s passing. She should have stayed the heck out of his affairs! instead she joined in with all the other Haters…She’s just like the rest of the bullies they’ll have to just find someone else who is alive to pick on. WE LOVE YOU MORE MJ RIP!
I, too, am curious about why Oprah hasn’t made a statement of any kind about Michael’s passing. Not even offering condolences to the family! I love & respect Oprah, and expected to hear some kind, comforting word from her.
Just read the article regarding where Oprah is. What a horrible person she must be to treat 1600 employees and their families to a Mediterranean Vacation for 10 days at the tune of $8.6 million dollars.
There are HUNDREDS of celebrities that did not speak out about Jackson’s death. The importance of a statement from Oprah is only as significant as you make it. Why is such a sin on her part not to speak up? I was always taught, that as a general rule, one should not say anything if you don’t have anything nice to say. My mamma was right.
Celebrate Michael’s death but stop criticizing Oprah. She’s done great things and has positively affected the lives of thousands, millions of people. Have you done as much? Humanity failed Jordy Chandler. No one was there for this child. Not his parents, not Michael.
I’D JUST LIKE TO APOLOGIZE FOR THE “LIP LOCKING” COMMENT IN MY EARLIER POST,GOT A BIT CARRIED AWAY WITH FEELINGS..BUT I DO MEAN ALL THE REST… AGAIN MY CONDOLENCES TO “THE JACKSON FAMILY”. TO: “THE MOST HIGH GOD” THANK YOU FOR THE EXPERIENCE…..
Oprah has changed over her years of success. I personally believe–to the core of her being. Michael changed his appearance, but I believe his heart was gold and it takes a special person to maintain purety of heart. I believe she has grandiose self esteem and believes that she is the authority on everything worldly and spiritual. Her true colors. Personally, I find her heart to be far more disturbing than MJ’s face. Even IF he made mistakes, regardless of their nature, let Oprah who is apparently without mistakes or sin cast the first stone. Also, who knew of all the charity contributed by MJ to the WORLD…Oprah can’t give $1 without having an hour show. The Bible says we have our reward for our giving either on earth or in heaven…not both. We are to give without in secrecy as much as possible. Let not the right hand know what the left hand is doing–Bible reference to giving. May his rewards be blessings in heaven. I don’t know where Oprah’s will arrive from…she apparently prefers to be applauded by the World. More than a pat on the back, she deserves a good kick in the ass.
Correction: Celebrate Michael’s life.
I find it interesting that an African American media icon like Oprah can ignore to make a comment on the passing of the greatest entertainer we have ever seen. Particularly when she had previously had an exclusive interview with him in years prior.
Where would Oprah be if it wasn’t for the efforts of people like Michael Jackson to break the barriers for African American acceptance by media.
To be a media celebrity and not say anything about such a significant global event is a shock and quite bizarre.
I believe Oprah is seeing Michael as a monster because of her own history. This is what this is about! However, Micheal was found not guilty! The molestation charges was about greed….. it is thought Oprah would have the insight to see this. Shame on her. She would not be where she is today without Michael opening doors for African Americans and bridging the gap between whites, blacks, latinos and asians. Your silence is shocking. Where is your compassion? You do not know for sure this man is quilty. God only knows the truth. God is the only Judge.
Having survived my own chilhood sexual abuse I am well versed in the healing process.
Over the years I have observed Oprah and while I commend her on her contributions to humanity, to me it is very obvious that she has not healed from her childhood wounds. Sure she psychologist and spiritual guru’s on her show, but I oftentimes feel as though she believes that there is a magical spiritual quick fix to healing from childhood molestation. But in reality, it is a slow and organic process and I am speaking from experience.
I believe that at times Oprah has displaced and repressed anger, and that sometimes she projects that anger on to certain black men. After all her abuser was a black man. This may explain why she hasn’t commented on Michael’s death.
While I am mourning Michael’s death I will also say a prayer for Oprah and ask that she be guided to do some self reflection and begin the real process of healing from her childhood wounds.
I also hope that Michael’s death will encourage all of us to reflect and become more compassionate, sensitive and non-judgemental.
I have been looking for an Oprah reaction to Michael’s passing for over a week, and I still haven’t found it! I now realize that other people were also looking … still nothing from Oprah!!!! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME ON YOU OPRAH!!!!
Dear Oprah, It seem like you have a lot of people upset with you for not saying anything
about the passing of Michael Jackson. How about geting the first boy who accuse Michael of child molestation. It all over the web that the boy was not telling the truth . It is allege that he lied for the money. Just a thought.
That’s okay. What can she say…his greatness speaks for itself. MJ leaves us something that began long ago and will live for so many years to come, all his wonderful beautiful music. Oprah is an “in the moment celebrity” who really has nothing to leave to anyone.
I SICK TO MY STOMACH THAT OPRAH HAS NOT SAID A WORD!!!! It was because of Michael Jackson we can watch her Black face on National T.V> I’m over Oprah!!!!
I am very disappointed in Oprah. In all these years being a fan of her show, she has totally gone against every belief that she pertained her shows to. Believe it or not, the minute the media spread word of Jackson’s death, thousands of subscribers have gone to youtube.com to bond with Michael Jackson through his interviews, especially the one with Oprah. Harpo, Inc., has removed all parts of the interview due to copyright laws right after MJ’s death, yet time has not been taken to issue a 5minute sympathy message. People have actually downloaded what they had taped back in 1993, and many are distraught why the clips were removed. I can’t wrap my head around “why” she has not released a statement when people have been hinting the media, showing pics of her with MJ, and mentioning her name, esp. by the Rev. AL Sharpton. MJ set precedence for African Americans to pave way in the media and break down racial barriers. Let’s not forget that way before Oprah started her charity work, that MJ had already donated millions setting precedence for others to pursue charity. If she feels he is a pedophile, then it contradicts with the Constitution law and the law of forgiveness which she always discusses in her programs. Also, Oprah had a run in with the law herself regarding the suit filed against her by the Texas Beef, and she was dismissed/acquitted. Somehow, a double-standard of laws should not be applied here. Secondly,if not MJ, then perhaps Janet, having to been a guest many times on her show. I feel that at least the sister deserves to earn a condolonce from Oprah. Believe me , I really thought that Oprah was among the top 5% at LEAST, to send her condolences to the family for MJ’s sake. He has achieved more for people all around the globe with his lyrics, donations, charity work, humanitarism, than any colored people, to date, and has changed and has inspired nearly 3 generations throughout the 45 years of his work. I thought in this day and age at least one would issue a statement as have President Obama (from US & Moscow), and Nelson Mandela, both whom Oprah is highly fond of.
Oprah, I’m certain that you have your reasons for keeping mum about things now but pls understand how much everyone is waiting to hear from you. Even if you are on a cruise, this is the 21st century. Statements can be released even from the moon and reach us in seconds.
Come on Oprah. Say something. For us. For Michael.
Michael, may you have the wings to soar free in the Eternal Kingdom. God/Allah loves you more than we could imagine. Rest in Peace, Michael. Love you always and forever.
To Mr.John Goetz;
The United State of America, the country that you are utilizing its very freedom and justice to your advantage, is the very same justice that blankets every citizen of this country. I am not a lawyer, but by investing a bit more time prior to making false allegations I try to locate a pattern or a common denominator pertaining to a certain legal case/ issue. When there are conflicting facts and theories; contradictory statements; lack of appropriate evidence, and desire for greed, that is where a majority of us cross the line and limit our decisions to those very findings. Don’t forget that what you are implying also applies to Oprah in some ways or another. HOW DO WE KNOW THAT SHE DID DAMAGE THE SALES OF THE BEEF INDUSTRY? , or she didn’t? The case lead to believing that by Oprah making a televised statement did not contribute to the low sales of Beef. My point, as I said in my previos blog, we cannot sit here and “play” double-standard and apply facts or reasons to things we want and do not want to believe. We let GOD, as we all here believe, be the judge of Michael’s sins. Justice has prevailed and let it be known that both MJ cases were intended for money, as Oprah should be very well aware of this herself. In Oprah’s case it was much more difficult to prove her innocence than Michael Jackson’s. I will say on record, that no mother or father who loves their child would “sell-off” their child or their dignity for couple of millions. Mr. John, i would advise you not to incriminate someone in haste, yet invest time and knowledge to back your allegations and theories with concrete and sufficient evidence.
Oprah! You are one sad woman. Money is not everything. Sending condolences to Michael’s grieving family would not reduce the millions you have stashed away. Shame on you celebrating with your employees on a yacht during this period of mourning. Your weight problems stem for the fact that you are a bit mentally screwed up. Jordy on the other hand goes to the gym everyday and looks fabulous…
For those who still do not know what this great country of ours is all about, being “innocent until proven guilty” is NOT something that applies only in a court of law, as someone here said beforehand, it is the inalienable right of every person who lives upon this land. Since people are already innocent by nature or God-given right there is no need to declare them “innocent” all over again but rather “not-guilty” of whatever crime they were accused of. The person then stands as innocent as he or she was beforehand. And that ends the matter right there and then, irrefutably, absolutely, no “ifs,” “buts,” or “ands” about it. A presumption of innocence which exists not merely in law but in fact and reality is the cornerstone upon which our Founding Fathers built our great nation. And it applies as much to Michael Jackson as it once did to Oprah.
I am not suprised and Oprah not commenting on the death of Michael Jackson. She has become way too “important” to bother with all of this. I stop being an Oprah fan long ago, since her mega success she has changed, almost as if she is better than everyone else. It isn’t that she didn’t issue a statement regarding Michael’s death that has turned me away from this talk show diva, it’s her sense of importance and her true disconnect with humanity that sour me on – anything Oprah. Maya Angelo wrote a poem read at the memorial but I guess Oprah feel she is better than anyone regard Michael. Stopped watching her years ago. It is really funny how people get caught up with themselves. I refuse and have for a long time to watch her show, watch Dr. Phil (he’s a pop culture “psychologist” who’s show is rediculous and I do not watch her network OXYGEN..So, no Oprah in my life. Oprah could learn something from Michael, but you know what people? – she won’t, she’s as phony as a three dollar bill. She has no humility, no gentle spirit and quite frankly her need to pat her self on the back on a regular basis is a turn off. Oprah does not exsist on my planet earth.
I was an Oprah fan till recently. Like everyone else, I’m really disappointed at her silence over Michael Jackson’s death. Surely some words of condolence should be offered to the Jackson family. I may not be a great MJ fan, but I can feel the void left by this very gifted singer who died too soon. I have to agree with Nina 100% on her comments about Oprah and her “self-importance.” It’s times like this that we get to see a person’s true colors. No more Oprah shows for me from here on.
Nina, if you do videos on youtube, they are really a good tribute to the man. Whilst he was alive and passed.
As for Oprah, she’s useless. Sorry if I offend anyone. Self indulgence has gotten to her head.
I myself am a huge MJ fan. I can even do the moonwalk
BUT – Even I, have had to question his innocence. But at the end of the day…you know what? I’m convinced he’s inncocent. Human nature is in it’s basic condition – greedy. MJ was an easy target to fuel greed and subjectable to manipulation.
Why did he change from a black man to a white? SO MANY people attack and ridicule him on this matter. LOOK IT UP U IGNORANT DUDS. HE died with skin cancers found through the autopsy. Vitiligo.
Believe what you like. I don’t know. NONE of you know. We weren’t there. He’s now gone. LET HIM REST. God bless his family and his kids.
NO Michael….it is I who love YOU more.
Heaven is where we’ll meet.
oprah, you are not everything!! stop acting like you are the owner of the world!!
Oprah has drifted far from her humble Christian roots. The power that money brings has gone to her head. She’s not “real” any more, i.e., Gayle King is forced on all of us by Oprah. She should pay her BFF to stay home. O should have spoken about MJ’s death. Don’t worry, her spin doctors will fix it. They’re probably trying to get Paris and Grandma Jackson on the show for tomorrow!
Oprah doesn’t want her white friends to be mad at her which is why she hasn’t paid any kind of public respect to Michael’s family. She should remember that her time is coming, because as the saying goes “today for me, tommorrow for you”. So let her go on being silent. It speaks volumes. I have never been a fan of her because I think she’s fake and it’s just a matter of time before we all get to see the real oprah. She is serving another god. Rest in peace Michael.
Where is Oprah?, no one can be grieving as much as michael’s family. She can’t be that busy that she couldnt say goodbye. Very saddened by her silence. People are not trying to be judgemental, just concerned that we have not heard from her. she is a public figure also. and just has big. it would be wrong to act like we dont expect to hear from her. Well anyway Oprah, enjoy your vacation and act like nothing has happened.
I am soooo glad I have found others that REMEMBER all of the things Oprah said at the time of the second Michael Jackson allegations. I’ve been trying to find her ACTUAL quotes but can’t seem to find them anywhere. Hmmmmmm Anyway, I remember CLEARLY her saying she felt tricked or duped by MJ and that she wasn’t going to ever have him on her show again. And she didn’t
I think Oprah has shown her true color.
Michael Jackson’s passing made an impact on the ENTIRE WORLD. The fact that Oprah has not even acknowledged him speaks in volumes.
For me, it proves that she is the cold heartless bitch that I always suspected she was.I hope the world recognizes this as well. She needs to be knocked off of her pedestal.
I now hate Oprah because of this revelations! I would say, she has no gratitude….Shame on you Oprah!!!
BEYOND DISAPPOINTED AT OPRAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am also suprised – even shocked – that Oprah didn’t make even a comment. I was sure there will be a special show, and now I was searching for her comments on the web. very disappointing.
I think that sadly, Oprah was one of those people who rushed to judgement, and she does it quite often – so, she believes he was a child molestor and that is not worth her public attention.
I always believd that he was innocent and now I am even more certain.
Weird yes – but who is not in some way weird?
There was so much said about his lousy parenthood, and the words of his daughter Paris are the best testimony what kind of parent he was.
BTW – I believe his children do look like him, but even if they arenot genetically his, what is the point of THAT discussion.
In the eyes of his children he was a great father – and that’s all we need to know about his parenting.
I wish I could say that about my own father
My heart is bleeding, because a very good man has passed away and even more, because it’s been just a while since I’ve been a MJ fan. The reason why I never bothered being interested in him is because of the fact that I’ve known him as a pedofile for my whole life, for I was born the year after he was accused of child abuse. But I’ve always loved his music and himself as he was in his younger years. And now I’ve learnt the truth…that he was innocent all the time. It hurts me that all the things that were said about him are only rumors. How can people stoop so low only for money???? I believe that he’s in heaven right now… Please Oprah..say something about his death
I am in agreement with 98% of you guys, Kay you nailed it…I PRAY THAT CATHERINE AND THE JACKSON FAMILY GIVE HER NO INTERVIEWS WHATSOEVER…..FOR her to say NOTHING….Oops I forgot, she has to NOT make her White Audience Base and Rich White Friends mad at her…well let’s see what happens when the AFRICAN AMERICAN BASE STOP WATCHING HER SHOW, I PROMISE SHE’LL SEE HER RATINGS DROP IN A HUGE WAY….THEN SHE’LL TRY TO DO A 1/2 SORRY APOLOGY FOR “NOT” COMMENTING ON HIS PASSING, MICHAEL MOST OF US LOVED YOU, REST YOUR SOUL IN PEACE..ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE…WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS!!!! AND I TOO WILL NO LONGER BE A FAITHFUL VIEWER OF THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW!!!!!
I just commented what happened to it I was #79
The interview Oprah did with Michael in 1993 was the best interview he ever did. Oprah was the only interviewer who ever treated him with respect & it’s great that Michael’s fans have that wonderful interview to remember Michael by.
After Martin Bashir’s interview destroyed Michael, Oprah devoted a show to it saying how much empathy she had for Michael and how much he has suffered under the weight of his enormous fame. She felt Bashir had been manipulative & duplicitous & tried to get him on her show to explain himself, but he declined. Oprah did disagree with some of the things Michael said in the Bashir interview, but she disagreed with love.
But by the time the trial came around, Oprah never really commented on Michael again. I never understood Michael’s obsession with young boys. You would think after he reportedly paid Jordan $25 million and was reportedly forced to have his genitals photographed to see if they matched Jordan’s drawings, he would have never have put himself in that position again. Yet there he was a few years later in the Bashir interview sitting next to another boy & defending the practice of a sharing a bed with children. I don’t understand what compelled him to repeatedly engage in this risky behavior despite how much trouble it would get him in.
I LOVE Oprah & I’m disgusted with the Michael Jackson fan on this blog who bashed her. I thought Michael attracted fans with class but I guess I was wrong. I think Oprah showed class not to comment. Oprah never knew Michael aside from the 90 minute interview she did with him back in 1993. Also, Oprah’s not in the music business so why would Oprah comment? Further, Oprah’s taking her whole staff on vacation including her publicists so there’s no one at Harpo to prepare a statement & no one has even asked Oprah to comment. If Oprah did comment it would look like she was just trying to exploit Michael’s death for publicity. The people who were friends with Michael, those who were by his side during the trial are the only ones who should comment.
The first lady hasn’t commented either. That’s far more significant than Oprah not commenting.
Oprah’s a very black looking black woman. Her skin is very dark, her nose is broad & her lips are big. Michael used to look this way but over time his nose mysteriously got very narrow & his skin mysteriously got white. He tried to claim he had a skin disease but he ended up mysteriously creating kids that also look so white. Michael Jackson owed the African American community a lot of explaining. I love Oprah and Michael, but if Michael’s fans force me to choose, then I choose Oprah because she still looks black. She still looks like me. Michael changed on us & then came crying back to the black community when white America turned on him. Oprah on the other hand adopted hundreds of pure black African daughters at her school. She didn’t have white kids like Michael did.
The bottom line is: Michael is more popular and more loved than Oprah, and for good reason. The bottom line is: Michael wins, Oprah loses.
Why do you expect Oprah to comment? She has every right to do whatever the heck she wants to. Defending someone who’s morals were questionable regardless of how famous they may have been isn’t something a good moral person would do. Oh he wasn’t convicted, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t guilty, it just means there wasn’t evidence to convict him. His soul will be judged now and nothing can stop that. He made lovely music, had lovely children and is no longer here. His funeral has been the biggest fiasco of the century. No one person is all good or all bad. The best we can hope for is that the good outweighs the bad. Good luck MJ in the hereafter.
Suzie Michael Jackson is not more loved than Oprah. When the Discovery Channel got millions of Americans to vote for the Greatest American of all time in 2005, Oprah made the top 10. Michael did not even make the top 25:
http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/greatestamerican/greatestamerican.html
Also every single year the Gallup poll ranks Oprah as one of the most admired people in the world. Michael Jackson has never made Gallup’s list, not even back in 1983. I don’t know anyone who loves Michael Jackson. Everyone I know he thinks he’s a freak. In fact MJ is so hated that they can’t even pass a resolution to honor him.
I agree with you Donna. If I had a nickel for every rich guilty person who evaded the criminal justice system, I too would be rich. OJ was found not guilty too. Doesn’t mean he was inocent. Jackson by his own admission slept in the same bed as boys. The fact that he continued to do this despite all the millions of dollars & millions of fans it cost him suggests he really really wanted to engage in this strange behavior. What kind of middle aged man insists on sleeping with boys?
It’s reported that Jackson shelled out $25 million to make his first accuser go away despite the fact that he ended up hundreds of millions in debt. The LAPD was not allowed to introduce all the evidence form the first accuser. Even Latoya Jackson did not believe Michael was inocent.
Lynn, this may have been true prior to June 25, 2009. Things have changed since. The world is re-discovering the genius of Michael and his gigantic contribution to History … Unfortunately, the world is also discovering Oprah’s true colors…. there is the world pre June 25, 2009 and the world post June 25, 2009.
I am not surprised that Oprah has said nothing about MJ’s death she really believes (ed) that Michael molested those boys. Hell, most of America believed it, including some folks that flocked around the Jacksons and with his death those same individuals changed their tune and preached racial solidarity, no longer was MJ trying to be white, now he’s family again. Oprah did not change her tune she held fast to her belief and integrity, I admire her for that. It takes courage and conviction to maintain your position. I expect her to do a special or something with Ian Halperin, author of an upcoming book about Michael Jackson. This man may have completed the most thorough investigation into the allegations of sexual abuse to date. In the beginning he believed the allegations were true by the time he was finished he said the worse thing MJ was guilty of was sleeping in the same bed with these boys and a naivety that eventually cost him his life. Here is a link to the article:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1196009/Im-better-dead-Im-How-Michael-Jackson-predicted-death-months-ago.html
Oprah is right when she says “believe the children” but it takes wisdom to know that children have greedy, selfish, heartless, conniving parents. Parents that will make their children lie, cheat, and steal so they can live off the talent and creativity of others. But no one took the time to investigate, maybe my friend was right when she said, “They always bring down a black man with power” and MJ had power. It was easier to believe in the lascivious stereotypes about black men than to believe that MJ had a “pure heart” and only wanted the closeness that he was denied as a child. Sometimes we Americans are too quick to judge. He was a man that believed in compassion but journalists, Oprah, and a large segment of the American public had no compassion for him. The police and the public convicted and vilified him for his kindness. That is what drove him out of the country to live and perform outside of the United States. Most of the world did not hold him in contempt, in his home country he was humiliated and despised. It is unfortunate that now after his death the truth may finally come out. My most sincere hope is that those that were convinced of his guilt will reconsider their position and recognize they were wrong. I hope Oprah can keep an open heart as MJ sang “When you close your heart, you close your mind”, keeping an open heart will allow her to use her intelligence and admit she was wrong.
I hope we can learn lessons in compassion and love from the short, painful life of Michael Joseph Jackson.
You don’t know what Oprah believes. It’s normal for Oprah to not comment on things. She tries to keep her opinions to herself as do most people in broadcasting.
The reason I was always suspicous of Michael was because I don’t believe he was as naive & child like as he appeared. I think Michael was very smart & fooled the world into thinking he was a child in a man’s body so that nobody would question why he was always with young boys. Yes parents are greedy & people were after his money, but the question is why did he keep putting himself in positions where he was a target of these accusations. The fact that he was so addicted to this behavior, despite the damage it did to his career, reputation & finances is what makes me suspicous.
I don’t recall Michael ever commenting on anyone else’s death, so why should anyone comment on his. I don’t recall Michael ever commenting on any of Oprah’s many accomplishments or defending her when she was on trial. And despite how well she treated him in 1993, he never gave her another interview.
Great comments about Oprahs (thus far) silence about MJ’s death. I think Oprah simply wasnt that fond of MJ. In addition to the child molestation allegations, I saw one episode of her show when she said that it upset her that MJ had compared himself to Ghandi and Nelson Mandela. Whereas Oprah is entitled to her opinions, I do think she couldve at least issued a statement of condolensces for the Jackson family; especially for Janet, with whom shes supposed to be friends with. Oprah, MJ, Obama, Tiger Woods, Bob Johnson, Michael Jordan are all in a class of blacks that absolutely broke the glass ceiling and change the world which they live in along the way. It is disappointing when they cant find at least one kind or good thing to say about the others legacy when they pass.
I’m very disappointed in Oprah. I was a huge fan. I am no longer. Regardless of what she feels, can she deny the whole grieving world and Michael’s family? Oprah, you are ignoring the very platform upon which your freedom to develop into OPRAH was built. If you are such a hater of pedophiles, then why did you have Lisa Marie Presley and Priscilla Presley, family of Elvis Presley, on your show? You do realize that Elvis married Priscilla when she was 14 (translation: pedophile).
I can’t believe how ignorant Oprah is.After all,it was MJ’s interview with her in 1993 that “helped” her ratings for her talk show.
May you RIP dear Micheal.
To Oprah :- Your talk show is getting from bad to worst and for god sake,stop promoting your friend Gayle!!Who wants to see her??She’s a nobody who’s just trying to get into the limelight by tagging on to Oprah like a dog!
Oprah is not God. Her opinion of Michael will not get him a better seat in Heaven. Like Marlon said, “…finally leave him alone.” I’m no MJ, and I don’t expect Oprah to comment on my demise. As well, it wouldn’t add any extra comfort to my family and loved ones if she did. So, let us not speculate on her silence. It’s not about her. She didn’t make him, and her lack of commentary won’t sully his legacy.
Has it occurred to anyone that perhaps Oprah has made her comments privately to the family? Just because YOU haven’t heard her say anything, doesn’t mean she hasn’t. Even in celebrities’ lives, some things are private. Not EVERYTHING is put out there for us to know about!
Oprah is entitle to her opinion. Who are we to judge her? She probably thinks Michael was guilty to a certain degree for the child molestation accusations brought against him. Hence she’s thinking if she has nothing nice or positive to say about Michael, then don’t say anything at all, especially now that he’s gone. For that I will give her credit, unlike that HYPOCRITE Martin Bashir. I personally think Michael is innocent. But that’s just my opinion and nobody can take that away from me.
The reason oh mighty oprah didn’t and won’t comment, is because it would alienate her from her caucasion audience and fans.
Oprah, I a disappointed in you.
You lost a fan today. Having too high an opinion of yourself? Behaving like the next president of USA. I always wondered why your shows are so full of white people. At least MJ was honest about him changing his colour because he was an honest soul. But you are trying to behave like the white and the best thing is although you are one of us you think you are white. Hypocrite
Oprah I watch or DVR your show every day and I know you must be in summer session but I have been really disturb that CNN nor any of the major reporting shows has indicated your condolences or comments regarding Michael Jackson passing and that really bothers me because I consider you one of the responsible Black entertainers of our era. Please say something not that its gonna make a difference because he is gone but out of respect for his mom and his children
It was Rev. Sharpton who linked Oprah, among others, to Michael when he said that Michael was the first to open the doors for other black personalities like Oprah … I think Queen/Empress Oprah resented being second in line to Michael. I never watched her show and I always thought she was overrated anyway … and that friend of hers, Gail … oh, and I didn’t like any of the products she “favorited” on her show/website.
FOLKS STOP ATTACKING OPRAH!
In my view Oprah has the right to feel anything she wants. She has the right to be silent and absent if she wants. Please concentrate on your feelings for the loss of MJ without attacking Oprah! She is not the only prominent person who is silent/absent. This is a free country, is it not? Why force someone to say something they don’t feel like saying? Be patient, wait and you shall hear. Everyone is acting in anger, not wisdom here. You lost MJ do you want to lose her too? All this hatred lashed out on Oprah is negative energy that even MJ would want to stop.
Whether Oprah is taking some time to contemplate what to say or not…that is her call..Oprah herself of all people know how much of an impact she would have if she opened her mouth to say “the”….anything she would have said during the course of MJ’s death would have been a media circus which would deflect from the process of grieving for fans and family whether it be good bad or indifferent…..sometimes…sometimes….. people…things are exactly what they are.
As I’m German I first want to apologize that I won’t be able to express my thoughts as brilliantly as of all you can …
I have never been a kind of „fanatic“ MJ-Fan. But when he had passed away, I started to watch all these obituaries, a MJ-concert shown in TV – and I watched the Oprah-Interview Michael had given to her in 1993. And what can I say: I was amazed! He was so beautiful then, his smile irresistable, his behaviour so gentle, polite and – in a very likable way – shy. And my impression was that Oprah felt a lot of sympathy for him, too.
So the next step for me was to look around on the Internet for a comment given by Oprah about Michael’s death. I was sure she in some way would remember the interview and all the impressions she had received that time. Much to my surprise I found nothing – but all of your interesting opinions towards this matter. „Oh”, I thought, ”I’m not alone wondering about Oprah’s silence”.
Why are so many of us waiting urgently for Oprah to give a comment? Maybe because we hope that she, who got to know Michael personally, will allay us, that she will give absolution to Michael, that she, in a certain way, will assert that the sneaking suspicion we might have deep in our minds is not reasonable, that this adorable man in no way would have been able to molest children.
But she’s silent, and this – I’m afraid – means that she thinks he’s guilty. I agree with Mr Goetz: She might have felt herself used by him in order to create a positive image in expectation of upcoming accusations, and she felt betrayed because she had given him her sympathy. Obviously she even gave order to remove the 1993-interview out of the internet – did she not want the world to get an image from Michael which, in her eyes, is completely wrong?
Please let me make one thing clear: I feel so much sympathy for MJ, I mourn his death so deeply, and I imploringly hope that he never has molested any child on his planet. But the only persons really knowing the truth were him and – are now – the boys who have accused him.
But maybe we (and Oprah) could pose this question: Granted that Michael really had felt this sick kind of „love“ for young boys – what must have done this to a fragile person like him? Always knowing that he would never have a „normal“ love attachment, which could have given him the stability he had needed? Always suppressing his needs – or fulfilling them, what means committing one of the worst crimes of all, hurting a child infamously on body and soul? Of course these reflectations are not given in excuse of a pedophile; as a mother of three children – among them two boys, whom I definitely not would allow to sleep in an adult man’s bed – I feel very sensitive about that matter. I really don’t know whether Michael was guilty or – this is what I hope – just naive. But in the end he died from all that. He was never the same after the first rumours in 1993, when he obviously started to addict sedatives; and he was finally broken by the trial in 2003. The accusations, justified or not, have killed him in the end.
Again: I don’t know the truth, nobody of us does. But nevertheless I would like to hear what Oprah remembers about Michael and what she has to say about him. And I’m sure: At least and after some time also those of us, who love and adore MJ, will be able to bear an akward comment, too. (Once more sorry for my English, but I really felt the need to express my feelings on that matter)
Everyone….knowing Oprah’s opinion, her take, and what she says really is not that serious. Will it enhance our own lives any better? Will we ourselves get closure on her take on things or will it make us all better human beings. Yes I like MJ’s music. I have all his music (I never knew him personally)However I’ll pick up the pieces and move on. Everyone!!..the soliloquies on shoulda, coulda, woulda….pleease…
I too looked for any comments from Oprah and found nothing….I pray The Jackson Family or any of Michael’s friends give you an interview. Unbelievable, did anyone hear that that girl school in Afrcia that the heads of the school are raping the girl students?…Yes I really heard that! See Oprah how rumors get started…Michael allowed you to interview him and then you stuck the knife in his back…Grow up, I’m tried of you anyway I don’t watch anymore but I did watch only to see Monique. Good luck Oprah when your day comes I’m sure the headlines will read wether or not your gay, no marriage no kids…hmmmm makes people wonder!
I love Oprah. She never changed her nose or her skin color to look white. She adopted hundreds of black African girls at her schhol, not white kids. Michael distanced himself from his black roots & then came crying back when white America turned on him. I have no respect at all for Michael Jackson.
The only reason any of you guys needs Oprah to speak out is because in the back of your mind you have doubts about Michael Jackson’s inocence & you need Oprah to validate him in order for your doubts to go away. If you were secure in your love & respect for Michael, you wouldn’t have such a strong need for Oprah’s validation.
Ok, suppose Oprah felt betrayed by Michael, or suspected him of something or whatever … I find it unbelievable that she could not find ONE positive thing to say about the greatest black entertainer in history. ONE POSITIVE THING about Michael Oprah, doesn’t sound like much does it? For example: he was an amazing singer/dancer/songwiter/humanitarian/sweet/gentle/loving … I can go on and on OPRAH. You can find it in you to say ONE positive thing about Michael. Just give him the benefit of doubt OPRAH! Your silence is accusatory, and Michael doesn’t need that!
Suzie, why do you expect Oprah to say anything about Michael? She didn’t know the man. She only did one interview with way back in 1993. She’s in a completely different industry from Michael. Just because they’re both black does not make it appropriate for Oprah to comment. Bill Cosby didn’t comment, Tiger Woods didn’t comment, the first lady didn’t comment, even Diana Ross & Liz Taylor refused to show up for his memorial, so why the hell do you expect to hear from Oprah of all people? She’s on vacation. She never comments on anything when her show is on hiatus because her staff & publicists are on vacation so there’s no one to release a statement. She might comment when she returns in the fall, but to be honest, people in Oprah’s profession are expected to keep their opinions to themselves.
Why is it so far-fetched to expect the Biggest American MEDIA personality to comment on one of the biggest American MEDIA happenings? the death of possibly one of the BIGGEST AMERICAN ICONS. Are some of you confused about what Oprah’s job is?
LOL@ those who believe the Media isn’t suppose to talk about celebrities or current events
@Troy, right! whatever … guess Oprah can do what she wants. She wouldn’t be the first one to use Michael to advance her career (the 1993 interview) and then stab him in the back, would she? Whaaatever … Michael is free now of all the hypocrites in his life, and he’s finally at peace. RIP Michael.
Re: #19 Joni P. What you wrote was perfect. I felt the exact same way and you articulated your view clearly. The gult accross the World is so obvious and Sad. I hope Michael Jackson feels all the remorse and love the world is aching over. I would hope Oprah would go back to her journalist roots and prove Michael was the victim in every sense. I don’t know? Her not speaking disturbs me but I’m trying to give her the benifit of a doubt. RIP Michael
Oprah WHO ? Darling, the UK is sooooo over you !
I quit watching Oprah many years ago because she got so full of herself. Glad some of you are finally catching on.
Picture this: if you were a parent and you found out that your child has been molested, would you ask money to pay it off ? I don’t think so, whoever molested your child, is not going to be the person who is going to be off the hook by offering money. You would beat the person up and go to the police.
I really feel for MJ, he suffered so much, physically and mentally. The man was so gifted and talented, but due to or maybe despite all this he became the loneliest man in the world. I am so happy that he left us his music. And not only his music, he left a lot of love and care for those in need. Not many might know this because he was modest and humble and did not brag about it.
I truly hope he found peace now.
About Oprah, let us learn from what happened to MJ and not be too judgemental. Yes I am surprised that she hasn’t responded yet, but let us be patient and wait what will come, she might still act upon MJ’s death. And even if she don’t, she might have reasons for that ( and I am not referring to her not believing MJ’s innocence).
The Bible says, “What shall it profit a person if that person gains the whole world and loses their soul. Or what shall that person give in exchange for their soul.” Michael Jackson’s death is preaching to the living. If you die tonight have you received the Greatest Gift of all. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, (his only begotten Son Jesus) will not perish (be separated from his Son Jesus eternally,) but shall have Everlasting Life.” John 3:16 Nothing else matters. This is the message! Please pay attention and don’t delay!
ARE WE CONTEMPORARY IDOL WORSHIPPERS?
I am sure that there is study to compare modern idol worshipping to idoloters of earlier civilizations. Is MJ a modern idol? Why are we not so angry for the collective silence about millions of people’s suffering from wars, injustices, starving children? Why are we not angry for the atrocities committed against innocent human beings around the world? Is it because they have not left us songs and dances that intoxicate us? Why are we not marching, protesting, boycotting and showing our support for the silent sufferers? Let’s face it folks, we are all guilty of silence. SOOO GET OFF OF YOUR HIGH AND MIGHTY HORSES AND LEAVE OPRAH ALONE!!
DUMPING YOUR $$$ INTO THE SEA!!
So, you want to get angry about something, ask why your hard earned, easy taken tax dollars being used for killing machines (tanks) that now end up in the coast of South Carolina for further damage to your precious planet, killing fish, poisoning waters. Go to CNN and watch how they are dumped into sea. Then, go and cry and raise your voices about the REAL LOSS OF HUMANITY AND ECONOMY!! That would be time and energy well spent in my humble opinion.
First, in response to “mandarina’s” comments, do not be concerned about your English — it is better than that of most of the English speaking people who posted here!
I agree that it is unnecessary for Oprah to comment. Why does anyone care what she has to say? And, as I said in an earlier post, she may, in fact, have commented privately to his family. We don’t know if she did or she didn’t, and, as mentioned here, many other people have not commented, so why single Oprah out? I too do not think she knew Michael. She had one interview with him 16 years ago, that does not automatically make him her friend, or someone upon which she should comment.
I grew up with Jackson’s music — I am 5 years older than him, so even as a kid I heard the music of the Jackson 5. In fact, as I write this, I have a station on with 60’s music, and a Jackson 5 song was just played. I am not a person who is a crazy fan of anyone. What we know about celebrities is what we see and here, and unless we know them personally, we don’t really know them. I don’t “love” anyone I don’t know. It always bothers me the way the word love is thrown around. I love my husband, my son, some friends and family members, but I don’t love celebrities. I loved Jackson’s talent and his music and dancing, but not him — I did not know him. I don’t know if he molested anyone, I certainly hope not, but anyone who has children has to admit that it is weird, at best, that a grown man would sleep with young boys. My son has been in our bed many, many times over the years, and the safest place for me, especially if I felt ill was in my mommy’s bed, but that is different. Continually getting into bed with little boys that are not yours is peculiar. All that said, I actually have no real opinion about his guilt or innocence. He was found not guilty, and that should have ended it. However, even the truly innocent (and again, I am not commenting on Michael, I don’t know all the facts), if found not guilty, are never the same again, as once the accusation is made, there are those who will believe what they will, no matter what the verdict, and innocent and not guilty are not the same, and guilty doesn’t always mean you actually are, it all has to do with proof, technicalities and the opinions of a jury or judge.
I feel Michael was a tragic figure; Talented and tortured. He was clearly uncomfortable as a black man because he did everything he could to not look like one (and no, I do not believe he had vitaliago, I have known others with that disease, and you do not end up with perfectly white skin). I am not black, but I think he should have embraced being a black man rather than trying to change it. We should all feel “comfortable in our own skin” (and never has this better applied). I hope his death was not one filled with his suffering, because his life certainly seemed to be. He will live on forever through his extraordinary talent, and I am deeply sorry for his family, especially his mother and his children. For all the love professed, the only people truly capable of loving him was his family and friends, as they are the only ones who really knew him. My condolences to the Jackson family and his dear friends, and for Michael, may he rest in peace.
These comments are getting a bit crazy and over the top. @ whoever you are…. talking about idol worshipers ….include yourself and a lot of the “OPRAH WORSHIPERS”. Who is Oprah that she CANNOT be critiqued? Is she so beyond the Human realm that it’s blasphemy to mention anything less than favorable about her? It seems to me some of you are placing HER to the level of God. She is NOT God. She is fallible like ALL humans and far from perfect. Nobody is Demonizing her but i’m not gonna worship her either. Give me an effin break with the page long Oprah soliloquies
Actually Suzie, Michael’s the one who used Oprah to advance his caree & then stabbed her in the back. In 1993 it was decade since Thriller & Michael’s star was fading fast as people started thinking he was wierd with all his strange appearance. Meanwhile Oprah was the hottest media star on the planet. He used her to legitimize himself as an African American since his skin had become white and features had become caucasoid. Oprah gave him the nicest sweetest interview of his career (the only interview by which his fans want to remember him) and 60 million people watched & Oprah even let Michael promote his new video. But Michael stabbed Oprah in the back by giving his future interviews to Dianne Sawyer & Martin Bashir & those interviews never got the ratings & great publicity Oprah gave him.
Oprah criticised Bashir for the manipulative way he interviewed Michael, but if Michael had been smart he would have given the interview to Oprah instead. I love Oprah with all my heart. I used to love Michael but seeing as his fans are a bunch of haters, I have lost all respect for Michael Jackson.
“I used to love Michael but seeing as his fans are a bunch of haters, I have lost all respect for Michael Jackson.” WTF?
“I used to love Michael but seeing as his fans are a bunch of haters, I have lost all respect for Michael Jackson.”
WHAT A BRILLIANT THING TO SAY!!!! I’m really impressed! You must be an Oprah fan!
Cara, I do not idolize Oprah. I am inviting folks to have sensible discussion without demanding that Oprah SAYS SOMETHING to validate your idolotrous love for Michael. Oprah or any other famous person is not obligated to say anything in public. If you don’t want to watch her show, SO BE IT. Oprah has given more to the world than just songs and dances. She provided a format where people can receive helpful information about human conditions. Oprah is a sensible, smart, compassionate, powerful woman. I am proud to see a woman to overcome poverty, abuse, life struggles in an intelligent way and become a successfull business person. I do not demonize Michael, nor idolize Oprah as some people are doing here in the opposite. Again, Oprah or any other person is not obligated to say anything in public to appease anyone.
Ted, you were right on point, but you blew it at the end. You lost respect for Michael Jackson because of his fans? That’s absurd! How could you lose respect for Michael Jackson for the words of a few fools here? However, you are correct about Oprah being the one who helped Jackson rather than the other way around, but people very often open their mouths to change feet without considering the actual facts.
Global spirit, thank you, well said.
For others: you HATE (??) Oprah because she didn’t say anything about Michael Jackson? This, too, is absurd! And why, if you like one, do you automatically have to dislike the other? I thought Michael Jackson was enormously talented and as for Oprah, I agree with Global Spirit. I admire each one for different reasons, and I do not HATE or LOVE either one, I don’t know them well enough to feel either emotion, and I don’t think I have actually ever hated anyone.
For those who are insulted because they are being accused of idol worship, maybe they should reread their posts.
jansi, may be you should re-read your posts. A know-it all PREACHER, that’s all we need …
All you Oprah worshipers, you want to get on her show, right? What you fail to realize is that 50 years from now, Michael will still be the legendary king of pop, but no one will know who/what Oprah was. Spare me your smart remarks … one fact is clear: OPRAH SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HERSELF AND THAT’S THAT.
Oprah why haven’t you made a comment about Michael jacksons death or sent you condolences. That is wrong!
Oprah, first, I want to say I am really happy to see a Black woman become as successful and powerful as you have become. Nevertheless, I really must comment on your silence about Michael Jackson’s death. I really hope you see all these posts about your insensitivity and lack of empathy towards the Jackson family during the loss of their brother and son, Michael Jackson. If you can cover stories on your show such as white people in a New York club, whom you have never met, getting killed via a fire (I think it was a fire), then you can have the common courtesy to PUBLICLY send your condolescences to the Jackson family for the death of MJ, whom you HAVE MET and INTERVIEWED on your show. This was VERY poor taste.
I asked my sister, “Why has Oprah not at least PUBLICLY given her condolesences to the Jackson family or spoken some kind words to soften the blow for their loss?”. My answer to that question is this: I have observed that their are a large number of white people who think Michael is getting way too much press, and are just sick of hearing about him. However, it is ok for white people to publicly glorify Elvis YEARS after his death, AND his possible return from the dead. It is also ok for them to publicly talk about visiting Graceland. But NOW, Michael, a BLACK man who IS an entertainment icon, is getting too much press. So, in an effort to not “ruffle any white people’s feathers”, you say absolutely nothing on the topic.
Unfortunately, this is a pattern that I have noticed with you over the years – You always take a seat if it means that you are going to have to really defend yourself on racially motivated issues. I am not a racist, but an equal opportunity a**hole when it comes to telling the truth as I see it. Your behavior is a good example of what I call reverse racism. My definition of reverse racism is the doctor taking on the illness – As a Black woman who has also suffered racial discrimination, you are now discriminating against your own race.
I am not saying all white people are racist or that all Black and powerful public figures are “Uncle Toms”. As a Black woman, I noticed that white people do not have any problem reaching out to each other in a time of need. They may hate each other or just simply have their differences, but they can always pull together and make a difference. On the other hand, it is Black people like you that keep reenforcing the idea that we as a people cannot support each other on ANYTHING. And I do mean ANYTHING. The best thing I have seen you done was support Obama. And I give you Kudos for that. Peace Out!
Here we go again, it always has to be made about race.
I’m from indonesia…My daughter,4th, love to dance with mj’s song…I grew up with his songs too…gonna miss u so much…RIP MJ!
And about oprah, I used to be her huge fan…but not anymore since I realized that she’s just a way too much and think that she can do anything she want to do…well…here in indonesia, people know who is MJ but they don’t know who is Oprah…
Actually Suzie Oprah will be remembered long after Michael Jackson is forgotten. Oprah revolutionized American culture with her unique touchy feely intimate form of media communication. The tabloid talk show genre Oprah popularized in the early stage of her career is credited with doing more to make gays mainstream than any other 20th century development. Oprah’s book club did more to get the masses reading than anything since the printing press. Oprah challenged religious fundamentalism by exposing Americans to a more inclusive tolerant form of spirituality. And Oprah with her early and influential support and campaignng for Obama, was the most instrumental person in making a black man president.
Long after Thriller & Bill Jean are forgotten, terms like the Oprhafication of culture, politics, & literature will live on. Oprah’s quite simply the most influential woman to ever live.
As for her not commenting on Jackson’s death; she hardly knew him, her show is on hiatus & she’s not in the music industry.
Wow @Jansi calling people who have different opinions than yours “FOOLS” I see you have the class of Oprah too, huh??
Yeah you’re right …only Media personalities in the music industry who knew Michael commented on his death….As a matter of fact, I didn’t even know he died because NO ONE on tv mentioned him at all….Not CNN, MSNBC, nor Fox. Because they too did not know him personally nor did were they in the music industry. *sarcasm*
A lot of these comments are not well thought out. A symptom of watching the idiot box too much
I cried when I heard Michael Jackson died but after reading the hate from his fans, I too have lost all respect for the man. The best way to judge a leader is to look at his followers and Michael Jackson’s followers, judging from those who have commented on this blog are a bunch of emotionally unstable idiots. Hating Oprah simply because she decided to mind her own business during Jackson’s death. Oprah is busy running a school for girls in Africa and had very virtually no relationship with Michael. Why anyone expects her to comment about a man she didn’t know when her show is in reruns is beyond me. And if Oprah did comment, she would upstage Michael & everyone else & be attacked for hogging attention & making it all about her. I used to think Michael was such a loving spirit who was mercilessly hated by his critics, but now I see Michael Jackson’s fans are the biggest haters of all & this tells me I was wrong about Michael having a positive influence on the world. You fans are Michael’s legacy and you are a disgrace in how quick you are to condemn and pass judgement on another black icon even after she gave Michael the best interview of his career.
Cara, CNN, MSNBC & Fox commented on Michael’s death because they cover the news during the summer. Oprah does not cover news and she’s doesn’t produce shows during the summer.
Also Oprah’s a major advocate for victims of child molestation & was molested for years by a manipulative molestor who fooled others into thinking he was inocent & loving. Also Oprah had to fire a bunch of staff at her school for not preventing molestation. Oprah is such an advocate against molestation that she had a law passed against it in the 1990s. She would look like a hypocrite if she praised a man who is best known for defending the practice of a grown man sharing his bed with children.
Jansi you say you don’t know either of them to love them or hate them Do you know the (random posters) on this board well enough to call them Fools, Idol Worshipers, and to say they hate Oprah merely because they have the nerve to Question one of her actions? Grow the heck up and learn to carry on an adult conversation
Are you guys serious? Michael and Oprah aside, are your minds that weak that a couple of opposing opinions that Michael himself didn’t make would make you dislike HIM? Not us but him?
I’m aware of what type of programs they are Tammy. I used those examples because of the reasons the poster SAMUEL used. Logically, if one had to have KNOWN HIM PERSONALLY or HAVE ALSO BEEN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY…than those sites would not have commented.
There are a whole plethora of entertainment shows that commented on Michael’s death. it was TMZ who gave us the information first before CNN and the others.
A better question is which show besides Oprah did NOT comment of Micheal’s death? I could be wrong but none that i’m aware of. Of course we want to know…why?
What a pack of hippocrites you all are! Oprah does not have to comment on the passing of Michael Jackson, and if she did, and the comment about his conduct with young boy’s was defammatory, she would still be the worst in the world with all of you. She has more up top than all of you lot, who are in obvious denial. If it had of been anyone other than MJ sharing his bed with pubescent boy’s, they would be the worst in the world, but you all think that because of his talent, that his behaviour can be overlooked Would you let your husband, partner, brother etc. sleep with your 10 to 12 year old son! I do not think so. I had a 20 year relationship with my son’s father and thought that I knew him so well. He turned out to be a paedophile, who has an unhealthy interest in his son. He None of you knew Michael Jackson personally. None of us really completely know another human being.
I’m also disappointed that Oprah hasn’t said anything about Michael Jackson’s death. I personally think she feels guilty about her opinion about him and the fact that she believed he did molest childeren. She just doesn’t know how to respond at the moment so keeps quiet. Hope she will share her thoughts about this subject soon.
Cara, the entertainment shows like TMZ that have commented on Jackson’s death have commented because they produce shows during the summer. Oprah does not produce shows during the summer. This is the same reason why Ellen, Tyra Banks & Dr. Phil have not commented. Anyone with a syndicated talk show is in repeats during the summer. Only non-syndicated talk shows (that tape during the summer) are around to comment.
@Ken ..thanks for the informative, non emotional response. Never ONCE have I said Oprah was right or wrong. It’s just that no one should be beyond questioning. No HUMAN should be followed with blind faith like a religion . Simply questioning someone does not equate to HATE.
For Ken: At other times when something tremedous has happened, Oprah has indeed come off summer hiatus to talk about the issue. Whether or not she believed Michael Jackson was guilty really isn’t an excuse for not coming forward with condolences for the family. It IS inexcusable. Do not forget that her own ratings soared when twice she had Janet on for interviews! The FAMILY of this man is in pain, his children and family loved him and are sad! Isn’t that enough of a reason to behave like a human being and just say, “I am sorry for your loss.” This is not saying that you yourself share the loss, but that you have compassion for another’s suffering. I fully understand why some of her fans no longer consider themselves to be fans. Won’t it be difficult in the future to watch her being “sympathetic” with her guests if she can’t find it in her heart to feel compassion for this man’s family in their time of pain??? She has a ton of people who work for her, if she wanted to she could have had someone compose a letter for her and she could have signed it. Please, the woman probably has a bigger PR staff than Obama! She didn’t speak out, because she didn’t want to, it’s as simple as that. After all, if she were in the hospital or incapacitated in some way, we all would have known!
I am a big Oprah fan, but I can’t help feeling disappointed that being in such a influencial position she could not make a statement about Micheal Jackson’s death. It seems slightly hypocritical that Oprah is happy enough to interview this M.J on her show (and enjoy huge T.V audences by doing so!) but can’t spare him/ his family some kind words at his tragic and untimely death.
Come on Oprah!
You all just want validation from Oprah that Michael was not a pedophile. If she hasn’t said anything by now, it should tell you how she feels, if you have nothing nice to say about someone, don’t say anything at all. I love Michael’s music but didn’t know him personally and he was aquitted of molestation charges in 2006 so I’ll continue to celebrate his music.
What i find more perplexing is why the media has said nothing about Big O’s silence?
I too was perplexed at Oprah’s silence. However, she could redeem herself by financing the greatest effort to stop medical personnel from taking advantage of celebs. There is such sorrow through the ages from Judy Garland on to today of medical persons making addicts out of stars. Medical people take an oath to do no harm, and they have a duty to others to see that others do no harm to themselves as well. It’s not a choice to be insecure, or an addict. However, when the medical piranas hone in, it’s curtains for the star, the talent and the finances.
If MJ was a pedophile I don´t know but when you see his face, you know there was something wrong inside of his mind, he was an addict and has some mental issues, but who am I to judge him, so who is Oprah? He was a magnificent singer/dancer, OMG he was great, but he was a sick man……..
THE TRUTH IS?
Many suggested that Michael was found innocent of the accusations. Now, I do not remember any trial about his case. I do remember families being paid off to avoid a trial. Michael stated this fact on an interview with Martin Bashir. Thus, charges against him were dropped by the accusers. Why did Michael need so much medication? Why could he not sleep? Why the anesthesiologist put him to sleep as though he was in an operation room? On the Marting Bashir’s interview Michael said that when he was a child his older brothers had sex in front of him. What kind of a role model he had in his family life? It is stated that he almost had dual personality, shy in interpersonal communication, absolutely different on stage. Is this his human being a poster child case for psychologists to analyze for many years? Just because his music and dance performance was absolutely enjoyable, does not mean we have to overlook his negative influence. We must be honest and objective so that we can help future generations to learn what to emulate, what to avoid in the development of their character. Do the famous people realize the effect they have on young people? In fact, is this why they are used in commercials? People believe them, want to imitate them, buy what they buy, eat what they eat and so on and on. I very much liked his music and performance. But, he could have tone down the suggestive movements in his dances and be more modest. This is where I am inclined to think he was living as a tormented soul between his spiritual side and the worldly flesh. He tried to serve two masters and became a servant of none. You may say everyone is subject to this. But, everyone does not have an effect on millions of people. The proof is right here in this forum. It takes detachment, wisdom to be honest with ourselves. We can like someone’s musical talent without losing our sense of individual freedom to express or withhold our opinions in the face of a talented artist death, whoever they may be. This includes Oprah! In all that MAY HE REST IN PEACE!– By the way, I was not too crazy about Elvis either and I am neither white nor black, just a HUMAN BEING a soul in transition on this earthly life.
Oh you Oprah defenders, put a sock in it, had this been Elton John or Mario Cantone, or Paul McCartney or the Jonas Brothers or Alan Thicke that had passed away and they had similar baggage, she would have been one of the first to issue a statement regarding the family’s loss….Let’s get real, most of us know who she really values, just do a history tour of her pass guests.
Justine: So true! It is disgraceful that some doctors can be bought. Usually money can help someone find their way around the system. If one doctor won’t do it, another one can be found who will, and if that one finally says no, you can move on to yet another.
I heard on the news last night that Jackson’s death may be determined to be a homicide, and someone will be held accountable. If this happens, perhaps doctors will think twice before precribing enough medication to allow someone to abuse it and become hooked, especially, as in this case, not just pain killers, but a medication which is only used by an anesthesiologist! I cannot even imagine why a layperson would have, or even want to have such a dangerous medication. Sadly, I believe Michael Jackson was a tortured soul. Many times when people become addicted, it is because it starts out as physical pain and they find that the medication allows them to escape their emotional pain, too.
Once again, I think the entire situation is tragic, but I still fail to understand why anyone would dislike Oprah because she has not commented.
Justine: btw, I forgot to mention — it started before Judy Garland — Billie Holiday was a morphine addict, and who knows, maybe the people who became famous in Shakesperean plays did opiates? For some, fame has its own unfortunate price.
Global Spirit: I like your insights. Also, Jackson is not the only one who was shy off-stage, there are numerous performers who have this problem. I’ve heard one is Barbra Streisand. Also, there was a trial in 2005 and he was found not guilty. Previously, a family was paid $15 Million by Jackson’s insurance company because their 13 year old boy claimed to have been molested. There was no trial for this child, he was simply paid.
To the person who said Al Sharpton mentioned Oprah in his speech, no he did not.
And someone else said that LaToya even said Jackson was a pedophile, she did not. As I recall, she said she had warned him about his behavior; that if he hung around with kids it would come back to bite him in the a**.
So Oprah’s supposed comment every time someone dies? How ridiculous. Oprah might have commented to the family in private, but she never relates to the public during the summer. Even when Princess Diana died, Oprah did not comment at all during the summer but talked about it when she returned in the fall.
It would have been nice and appropriate for Oprah to wish Michael Jackson’s family her sympathies on his death in a public manner. However, she has a choice to do so or not. For all we know, she may have sent private condolences to the family.
Oprah’s word or opinion on every subject isn’t necessary or even wanted. Maybe she was smart enough not to grab the publicity spotlight and let the Jackson family and Michael have all the attention without her comments being touted in every entertainment news program that exists.
I’m sorry Michael Jackson has died. I hope he is resting in eternal peace & joy.
I also wondered why Oprah hasn’t made any comments about MJ’s death. I’m not an avid watcher of Oprah’s show but I used to a few years ago. To those who thinks that MJ only contributed song/dance, if you watched his memorial service you’d have learned about his unselfish giving. MJ is in the Guinness book of world records as the entertainer that has given the most to charities, but because he’s not on tv telling everyone of what he’s doing they don’t know, even in his death he left 20% to charities. If your child was molested how many of you would accept money or take the molester to court for justice & also to prevent the molester from doing it to any other child? I wouldn’thave accepted money, justice for my child is more important. I don’t believe MJ molested those kids. MJ has never led a normal life, no childhood & in a lot of ways naive as a man, trying to recapture a lost childhood, very sad. I always felt that as famous as he was he lived a tortured, sad,& lonely life with a lot of people who just wanted to make a buck off him. I’m 5yrs older than MJ so I grew up with his music & was glued to the tv whenever he’s on & taped anything I could & bought his music. I feel as if I’ve lost a family member & will miss him greatly even though I’ve never met him, RIP Michael. Maybe Oprah will eventually make a statement, & as someone said she could have spoken to the family privately already.
If I understood correctly,Oprah,distanced herself from him after the child allegations were exposed..I admire her for not jumping on the bandwagon now to sing his praises..In time she may feel the need to pay tribute to his talent,possibly in a way that Barak Obama did the day of his funeral,great entertainer,but had a tragic and troubled personal life that we must not ignore.
I stand corrected! Sharpton did mention Oprah’s name when discussing Jackson, but not at the memorial, it was a different speech, that I had not heard/seen earlier.
“Tina says:
I’m very disappointed in Oprah. I was a huge fan. I am no longer. Regardless of what she feels, can she deny the whole grieving world and Michael’s family? Oprah, you are ignoring the very platform upon which your freedom to develop into OPRAH was built. If you are such a hater of pedophiles, then why did you have Lisa Marie Presley and Priscilla Presley, family of Elvis Presley, on your show? You do realize that Elvis married Priscilla when she was 14″ (translation: pedophile).
Is this some sort of Joke ? I think Oprah KNOWS that Elvis married Priscilla when she was 21 years old NOT 14 !…He met her when she was 14 in Germany,but Elvis left Germany SIX WEEKS after he met her..he didn’t see Priscilla agin until she visited America THREE YEARS LATER when she 17 ! I do wish people would stop tarring Elvis with the same brush as Jacksons,Elvis was NOT a peadaphile,and that is a sick thing tp put on Elvis.
Oprah,I admire you more now,for being your own person…good for you.
My final thoughts on the subject!
Before all else be true onto your own self! Enjoy the music and the dance, beware of its performers! Be wise and detached! You are on this earth to contribute your own God given gifts. Appreciate the art without worshipping the artist. Spend your time and your energy which is your ultimate limited resource for developing your own talents. You are a unique, special and one of a kind human being. Enjoy life and make it joyous for others. You are here for a purpose, listen to your own heart, find your purpose and live it until the end.
GOD BLESS EVERYONE! GOD GUIDE US ALL! TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY of the rest of your life. Be kind to yourself and forgiving to others. SHALOM, PEACE, PACE, SELAM!!! byee now
I’m indonesian, I adore MJ..all indonesian know about MJ. But who is oprah? Her show never been watched in indonesia hahaha
I too waited for Opray to make a statement about Michael Jackson. I’m so disappointed in her. I like Opray but I have always felt she rides the fence on certain events, waiting to see how the public is going to react to something before she speaks. Remember the author of Million Little Pieces. When that whole thing broke, she at first spoke in favor of the author but when that upset her fans and the public, she went the other way.
I love Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer in the world. I never believed the allegations about the molestation charges. I have searched the internet, books etc for any hard evidence against him and there is nothing. No child porn, no pictures, no nothing. I think he was just so child like and saw the world that way. Maybe he was addicted to pain medication. Michael’s emotional pain was so much worse than his physical pain. The ugly allegations, the ugly names he was called in the press. And they wondered why he was a recluse.
Just one thing I want to say to Opray. I don’t know if she has commented on his addiction but she needs to remember that she too has an addiction. Food. It is just as bad as being addicted to medicine. Being overweight is just as deadly as the medicine that may have killed our King of Pop.\ Michael, I will forever remember you, not just for your amazing talent but you gave so much to charities and to children all over the world.
I love Oprah. She has given much, much, MUCH more money to charity than Michael has. Oprah was the first black to make Business Week’s list of America’s 50 greatest philanthropists. Michael never away enough money to qualify for this list:
http://www.urbanhustler.com/news/news-story/article/oprah-most-generous-black-philanthropists/
I have nothing to say about Oprah, if she did Judged Michael and convicted him in her mind like many others that was her choice and she has to deal with it. If she spoke publicly about her thoughts and influenced others well that wasn’t to cool. But the anger towards her is not really warranted because if she dies tomorrow I’m sure a lot of people who stated such mean comments and judge her will feel the same way that felt about Michael after his passing.
I never believe that Michael molested any child I truly believe he was asexual this is my personal observation. People will believe many things about people, I believed him when he said he had vitligo because I have several relatives with this disease my mother and I have some traces of this disease. Many people jumped on the band wagon that he wanted to be white the thought never enter my mind firsts of all if there was such as bleaching cream I’m sure there would be many people trying to purchase it I’m speaking of people with money. Many people stated the question would you let your kid spend time with Michael? Well riddle me this is if he was accused of this act the first time and it was publicize around the world like it was then I would say NO. But it seems that people didn’t believe or didn’t care. But the biggest riddle is this? What loving and caring parents would take money for the harm done to their child without exhausting all means of having that person jailed for their action? Then I would have pursued a civil suit for damages done. I’m a parent and I know I do no have the means or attorney power to fight but I would have gave it my all so when I looked at my child he/she would have known I did my best and that I truly love them. I wouldn’t have cared if he wanted to settle out of court I would have fought this to the very end and if that meant till the day I died then I would. Because money could not fix what has been broken it may assist with seeking counseling that maybe required but still there’s no guarantee that it will work.
So I never bought into charges against him, if I’m wrong and he did comment such act then God will be his judge. Not I or you remember this. The Lord Jesus said the one who is passing judgment on another to first Judge himself. He went on to say that he will be judged by the very same standards that he uses to judge others. It seems that as humans we think we are God.
I will say this I’ve been on this earth for 40 years and I’ve never heard the same continuous comments made about one individual. Everyone who knew him worked with him or encountered his presence all say the same thing that he was so beautiful, loving, caring, compassionate, fragile, and giving the list goes on. We should hope that when we pass that the people we have encountered in our lives would express such kind sentiments.
So Michael Jackson, thank you for sharing your life, music, and yourself and for being you. I hope you find happiness and peace and your mind and body is trouble no more.
RIP God bless
Please excuse my english, but i’m not from a country where english is the official language.I didn’t read all your comments but i understand what are you talking about.Oprah didn’t comment anything about Michael because she tought that he is a pedophile,but…after his death, the boy who accused Michael,admited that he lied,that his father put him to lie because they were very poor and thay saw an oportunity in Michael.So? What is her problem?I think that she,especially,should apollogize because she convicted him before anything was proved,and she was a part of his crash,and she betrayed him and his family.Michael was just a soul of a child in a body of a grown man,and he loved kids because they didn’t know,they didn’t realised what it means to be a star,and they treated Michael as a human beeing and as a friend,they were his friends.He didn’t have a childhood and that was his way to recover his lost childhood.He was the most beautifull person on earth,he had an amasing soul,he was a genius,and a human beeing,but the media and paparazii,and his father and employees made his life a heal,can you imagine how it is when you can’t go in a park ,at the zoo,at a grocery store because everyone wants to take a picture of you and than they say bad things about you….Altought he was a superstar he had a tragic life,and even after his death,many people say bad things about him,and the others believe them.Michael was the most sincere man on the planet.The nanny said that the children stop talking when michael was in the room,that;s a stupid thing,you saw how Paris reacted,or the media thinks that she lies?The poor children suffer because they lost their father at a young age,but they suffer also because no one let them to cry after their father, they say that he commited suicide,what a stupid thing,he loved life,he wanted to live 150 years.He was murdered.the doctor waited 30 minutes before calling the ambulance because he “didn’t know the name of the street”….who believes that?Michael was a good person.he wasn’t a pedophile(the kid who accused him admited that he lied),he loved his children,he loved the world,but we didn;t know how to appreciate this,it’s too bad.And Oprah should apologise because you criticised him,altough nothing was true,he wasn;t a pedophile.I believe that Michael looks down to us,from heaven and cries when he sees what is happening,what everyone say about him,and how bad is this world.Reast in peace Michael.
(sorry for my bad english,i hope that you will understand what i wanted to say)
Shame on those who believed this kid and not Michael.Michael was a God in stage, but only there,when he was off stage he was extremely shy and quiet.He didn;t swear,and when Naomi did that he told her that it isn;t nice to swear,he didn;t have a promiscuous life,he wasn;t a macho or smth like that, he was a child.In a interview someone(Oprah i think) asked him if he were a virgin,and he said he is a gentleman and he doesn;t speak about that,and he blushed.It’s like you are asking your6-7 years child if he makes sex.HE was like a 6-7 years old child.Sex wasn;t a big thing or a necessity in his life, toys and Disneyland were.And he paid 22 milions to Jordan’s family just to escape from that madness,because that accusations got him sick,he went at court in pijamasbecause he was in hospital before the audience.His body was analised and photo-shoot by the police,he hated his body,and he hated those man who stared at his body, he was hand-cuffed in a way that his arms had huuuge bruises, he was locked in the bathroom,he couldn;t take it anymore,that’s way he gave those money.And,sincerely,if i ever think that my child,my sister,my brother was molested, i woul fight till i die to see that men in prison,i wouldn’t take the money,i wouldn’t think to agree,but what did the oy’s family do?It was always in our face,but no one believed him…it is so tragic.He was just a money machine.Oprah go and appologise,shame on YOU!
yeah right, keep telling yourself he was like a little boy. You do that. Too bad he is gone and you can’t send a child of yours for unsupervised sleepovers. AAAAmazing.
Ela, where did you get this dopey information? NO ONE recanted. The allegations stand. No young man said he did not do it. In fact, the first boy, now 29, lives in seclusion, trying not to be photographed. Let’s just make stuff up and if enough people repeat it maybe it will come true!
The money was paid in a CIVIL suit, not a criminal suit. And yes, in a civil suit, if I didn’t have to put my kid through any more crap, I would settle. If found guilty in a civil suit MJ would not have been jailed, and all of you here defending him, would still be saying he is innocent, the judge or jury was wrong. Winning the civil suit would have allowed him to pay the money and go on his merry, boyish, always high, pedophillic little way. Which is what happened without the cost of a trialm and perhaps losing the trial and having to pay 10X’s what he paid. Less cost to MJ, the ability for the kid to get back to being a kid rather than a defendant and Jackson supporters could continue to believe him. win/win for MJ.
Heeeeeeeeeeere’s Jansi know-it-all again! Jansi knows it, ok you guys? She even knows what Jordi is doing right now, what he said and what he didn’t say! Yes, Jansi was there, in the bedroom, with Michael and Jordi! Why argue about anything? Just ask Jansi! She knows!!
I might know a whole lot more than you think I know…
Michael did not have it in his heart to harm anyone, let alone children. He was a very spiritual, gracious, generous person. He did not harm any child, and the allegations are untrue. He was acquitted of all charges, and charges should not have even been brought. If you still think he is a pedophile, you need to WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE. See his interviews with Geraldo Riviera on youtube, since Oprah has been so ungraciously taken hers down from any site, so they cannot be viewed since Michael’s death. Michael, you were an angel on earth. As for Oprah, I quit watching her years ago, thought she became too phony, and full of herself, and fame. She gives, but she makes it well known, too. Michael gave, but keep it low key never drawing attention to himself. Michael, I love you more….
I am very dusappointed at Oprah for hot speaking out after his death. Its bad enough that MJ had to live the last years of his life being torn down in the media on a daily basis. Everything MJ did the media would paint a negative picture of him. I grew up with his music back in the day when he was with the jackson 5 and later became the jackson’s. To me Michael Jackson always been the greatest entertainer ever lived,to me. Oprah don’t have to speak out for him. There were millions of people all over the world stopping to pay tribute to Michael the day of his memorial.People all around the world came together and showed so much love that even still today you can walk anywhere a play his songs and strangers would start dancing with each other. So to all that wrote a comment about oprah. Lets be disappointed but don’t be mad. Becuase MJ is going to continue to get unconditional love from his family, friends and fans. We are the ones who will keep his music and memory alive,ANYWAY! So, we don’t need Oprah to do anything. Just remember when she fall off her high horse. Lets see if the people that she caters to is going to be there for her…DON’T BET ON IT!!!
Oprah was good to Michael when he was alive and that’s all that matters. Her interview with him in 1993 was the nicest sweetest interview anyone had ever conducted and the only interview by which his fans wish to remember him. Oprah even criticised Martin Bashir for being so manipulative when he interviewed Michael. When Michael went on trial, Oprah had the decency to not comment. But Oprah never knew him personally & as a non-musician, was never really affected by him, so thefre’s no reason for her to comment on his death.
Was Michael guilty? I heard on Geraldo last night that the police photographed his private parts because Jordan Chandler had drawn a picture of the distinctive features on Michael’s private parts. I don’t know if Jordan’s drawings matched the police photographs or not but I think that holds the key to whether he was guilty or not. Whether or not Jordan knew what his private parts looked like.
Heal the world. Make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race. There are people dying. If you care enough for the living..make a better place for you and for me…
En om dit tot stand te brengen zeg ik: Begin bij jezelf!
Being mad at Oprah because she didn’t comment on MJ’s death won’t make the world a better place.I was also waiting for her to say sth, but it doesn’t make any difference now wether she says sth or not.Let us,who appreciate MJ for who he was, honour the life he led
Michael Jackson was a gift from God. He had served his purpose on earth, that’s why God took him back home…
Oprah on the other hand was sent by the Devil, to convince people that Jesus is not God…. Oprah is clearly an Anti-Christ based on her many statements. She doesn’t believe in Jesus…. Hell is waiting for you Oprah….
Obviosly she only cares about him while she can takes avange of him like with exclusive inteview 1992.
Mike Lopez few intelligent people believe there’s such a thing as heaven and hell or even God. Jesus was certainly not God, he was just one of many charismatic leaders throughout world history. No different from the founder of other religions. Did Michael believe in Jesus in his final days? I heard he was in the process of becoming Muslim. He had nation of Islam guards during his trial and his brother is a hardcore Muslim.
I find it very ironic that Ms. Whinfrey’s interview with Michael Jackson gave her show high ratings and a big boost to her career and she has not publicly acknowleged his passing away as her friends have, such as, Maya Angelou, Quincy Jones and a host of other celebrities, including President Obama have given thier statements.
I have been a long time fan and viewer of Ms. Whinfrey and can’t believe her silence on this matter. I would like to believe that she will have a tribute show when the new segments air in the fall.
This will be very unfortunate if she doesn’t acknowledge Michael Jackson, because she will lose a longtime fan. I find it strange that she is promoting a Michael Jackson book on her website and doesn’t give any credit about the King of Pop’s Legacy.
Shame on Oprah!
Actually gullahtown it was Oprah who gave Michael a big boost to his career. In 1993 when she let him on her show, Oprah was the biggest star in the history of broadcasting & Michael was a faded pop star who everyone thought was wierd. Oprah normalized him in that interview & gave him a chance to sell more music.
I have watched,listened to this great debate on the guilt or innocence of Michael. I am no religious fanatic but one thing is sure whatever our feeling is on the issue we have no moral right to judge this man. Sin is sin in whatever form and whatever shape. We have all been molester of a child whether intentionally or unintentionally. We have neglected them, physically abuse them. emotinally destroy them by telling them they are ugly, dunce,stupid etc. we have rob them of their childhood forcing them to live our dreams. We have lock them away thinking they are bettter off with the state, we have tortured them, we have sent them to war we have prostitute them and forced them to lie. We who call ourselves fathers, mothers, teachers, guidance councellors/social workers and the list could go on. We need to look in our mirrors we might be surprise that we too have sinned against a child. Sin is sin no excuse and when you judge others you have sinned. Death is the great equaLizer we need to forgive.
make no mistake about it dear, Michael committed no sin to children.I suggest you read the facts in “Michael Jackson Conspiracy” by Aphrodite Jones.
Michael loved (loves) all children & I believe he lived as long as he did because of his love for his 3 children.
Remember Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones- “Who killed the Kenedys? Afterall,it was you & me”
I so wish more of us had stood up to the media throughout that horrid trial that almost killed Michael back then.That extortion stole $ that would have gone to more children in need from Michael !Meanwhile, the media made countless millions over that trial, now listen to how they celebrate Michael’s life ?
Curious that the media has not mentioned Oprah’s silence, don’t ya think ? Yet, I am beginning to worry about Oprah.
who cares what anyones thinks are says about micheal or oprah. if you real care about a person you say all these things before thay leave this world maybe oprah is just been her self
I just don’t see why she hasn’t made a comment on Michael’s death. Her and quite a few other people; one of the first who has said nothing on MJ’s death would be Chris Tucker, who was a really good friend of Michael’s. However, is it possible that Oprah is too “emotionally devestated” to make a comment like Stevie Wonder was (the night of Michael’s death, Stevie’s publicist stated that he was too “emotionally distraught” to make a comment in that moment). Is it possible that Oprah plans on waiting till fall when her show comes back to make a statement on it? After all, keep in mind people, Oprah likes to do things BIG – it wouldn’t surprise me if she waits and gets the entire family on the show.
As much as I like Oprah, I do hope that it’s the second option; I do hope that Oprah’s not deliberately ignoring saying anything to Michael’s family – you can’t say she doesn’t like the family; she’s stood up for Michael in the past against his childhood with Joe, she’s had Janet on the show in the past.
Ashlyn,
I pray that your analogy is right…..God Bless and Michael Rest my Friend in Peace!!
Why is it I can’t find footage of the remarkable interview between Oprah and Michael Jackson? Surely if it is deemed to be the most honest and intimate interview with the king of entertainment it should be replayed?
RIP MJ
I would not be surprised if Oprah gets the first Jackson interview after all this dies down that’s why she is so quiet because that’s the interview that you will want to see when all of this dies down
Oprah has taken this power thing to far. Michael Jackson was human just like the rest of us(there are people still grieving over his death). But for her to remove all video interviews she had with him was very selfish and judgemental. Michael is GONE and all we had was these memories, but for Oprah to try and erase those memories is just wrong! After seeing how she responded to Michael’s death I was heartbroken. So I choose to no longer show support for anyone who developes a God complex.
It is a shame Oprah did not make amends when she heard justice had found MJ not guilty. I think it right she feels guilty enough not to comment on his passing. She was one person, who could have reached out to MJ and helped, and could have had Joe Jackson admit he was tough and apologise to MJ to help build a relationship. She could have invited MJ to her dinners where discussions about positivity could have helped MJ. It is all about the ratings with Ms O…I respect MJ more in death because he gave so much to those in need quietly, unlike Oprah, who seems to have a camera around when she gives. She should look in the mirror and make that change. We are not saying MJ was perfect, but what he gave us was pure… As a parent he put many to shame and we know that in all the pictures we see especially with his daughter Paria. We love you MJxx
EVERYBODY
WHO DIED AND MADE OPRAH QUEEN ON A THRONE! WHO CARES WHAT SHE THINKS. HER OPINION OR COMMENT ON MICHAEL DEATH DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING. SHE CAN STAY SILENT FOR ALL I CARE.
MY MOM TOLD ME IF YOU AINT GOT NOTHING GOOD TO SAY, THEN DON’T SAY NOTHING AT ALL.. SO OBVIOUSLY SHE HAS NOTHING GOOD TO SAY. PEACE BE WITH THE HEFA.
RIP MICHAEL!
I, too, am very surprised that Oprah hasn’t said a single word about Michael Jackson’s passing. Her silence is speaking very, very loudly to the whole world. To me, it’s as if she’s too high and mighty to say anything at all, simply because she has her own judgements about him. Whatever that thoughts or feelings she might have toward’s MJ, it shouldn’t have prevented her from offering a simple, sincere condolence to the family. She should have put aside all her feelings and done the right thing when somoene as big as MJ dies. Her show of sympathy would by no means validate or condone anything MJ may have or may have not done. It’s just a sign of respect and support to the family. I was a very big fan of Oprah’s until this time, but not anymore. It has put a very bitter perspective of the kind of person she is, because that even in the face of death of such a great person as was MJ, she would not even offer support to the family during their time of loss.
Wow..I didn’t want to beleive it but I just checked and that video that Michael gave oprah in the 1990’s Harpo pulled it, no one can view it….of course none of us know why Oprah pulled it but I’m sure it wasn’t to protect the Jackson family. We miss you Michael
.. I attended a church service the Friday after Michael’s passing.. The visiting pastor opened his message with Michael, but to remark that he believed Michael sold his soul to the devil implying that his immeasurabele gift could only come from evil doing. I was extremely disturbed and almost left the church; As a Christian, I know that all gifts come from God and I’m certain that no one can doubt his giftedness.
I feel that we have lived in a remarkable time. We’ve witnessed a black man reign prominent as a golf living legeng (Tiger), black females the reigning dynasty atop the tennis world (Venus/Serena), a black man the president of a nation who’s perpetual struggle is race relations.. A black female possessing the most impressionable public opinion after which people crave.
As a black Canadian, I must admit, we do muse after American African culture. Afterall, you may not have resolved the lingering issues of slavery, but at least you can trace your steps back to the middle passage.
To take it to church, to whom much is given, much more is required. For better or worse, there could never be a Tiger, Venus, Obama, or Oprah without the ’spectacle’ the US created in Michael Jackson (aka Wacko Jacko). At times he was appointed the King of POP. But this title was given him, and it also elevated him to an almost superhuman existence; unwelcome expectations were placed on him from both white and black America.
Before BET and satelite, Canadian Blacks only saw very fareskinned black men and women in television. Michael became such a household hame.. He was both black and white right before our eyes. During his tenure, Oprah, a not so good looking large black woman became the mainstay in American homes. BLACK FOLKS, DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN DARK SKINNED BROTHERS AND SISTERS WASN’T IN STYLE???? OPRAH WOULD HAVE TO KNOW THAT MICHAEL’S INFLUENCE AS HER CONTEMPORARY MEDIA FORERUNNER WOULD HAVE PRIMED NORTH AMERICAN CULTURE FOR HER OWN ACCEPTANCE.
I Don’t know if Michael was guilty, but I do know that Michael was no longer treated as normal, human, whatever fits the bill. This is the only reason why the minister at my church could address the congregation on the very eve of this man’s death in so cavalier and insensitive fashion.
In his death’s aftermath we now realize that he was just a son, a brother, a father whose departure has created a vacuum.
I think one of the biggest reasons folks are so mad is because in death we all as humans are required to pay our respects to a life lost if nothing else but to dignify the time spent, and remeber the prescious life God has taken back. Michael deserves that much. If Oprah remains silent, her silence will be remembered. It will resonate and shape the way her viewing public sees her. Folks will in future question her own motives with the causes she chooses to support whether in America or Africa.. Yes, they loved him very much there too!
Toronto extends sincere condolences to the Jackson family at the loss of their son, brother, a father, a frield.
Oprah!!!
We need to hear what you think about Michael Jackson’s death.
I am sure you made millions on the interview you got from him back on 1993.
Why this silence?
Don’t you know a lot of Michael’s fans including black and white people are waiting for your opinion?
Most other great celebrities have expressed their condolences.
You also need to speak if you want to keep your black audiences.
I am very disappointed that you, out of everybody else haven’t said a word about his death.
Even Obama made a sort statement so why don’t you????
I think you owe that to his grieving family and fans, who watch your show all over the world!!!
I would be loving Michael Jackson forever.
Many people don’t realize what Romans 6:23 The wages sin pays is death. So even if he committed the crimes he was aquitted for, he has paid for everything at the time of his death. So all this talk about what bad things he may have done is in vain because he has been forgiving by our Creator. So concentrate on the positive now because it can bring about so much more.
I’m going to say this, and then I’m going to leave the subject alone. I must confess, I’m a bit baffled that Ms. Winfrey hasn’t said a mumbling word about our beloved, Mr. Michael Jackson. Truely I am confounded. However in retrospect, I don’t suppose that anyone should be surprised. Please, don’t get it twisted. I’m not judging Ms. Winfrey. I have always believed that each persons actions judge him or her in our walk through this test we call ‘life’. Having said that, I will comment on what I have witnessed. I had for the moment believed that I must have missed the tribute that “of course” Ms. Winfrey must have given him. Apparently I was gravely mistaken. At this point I really wouldn’t want one from her if it’s all like that. I’m remembering when Ms. Winfrey built that school in Africa. Instead of giving all the glory and honor to God for blessing her with the tools to do his will, she took the glory for herself like “looky what Oprah can do” with an honorable mention thrown God’s way. And let us not forget when she renounced Christ on her show. So seriously, I really don’t know what, if anything, anyone is expecting from her pertaining to Michael Jackson. Basically, Oprah is all about Oprah. I also noticed that our President wasn’t able to comment directly on Michael’s passing; his press secretary did it for him initially. And when memeber’s of the press asked if the President was going to comment, the press secretary commented that he had just said what the President’s comment was. I was deeply saddened by this although I understand it. Look at the ignorant way that some behaved when they learned President Obama’s middle name. They more than likely would have attacked Pres. Obama for paying any kind of tribute at all to Mike directly. I noticed that our President had to be half way around the world in Russia, and not on American soil before he said anything directly(in his own cool way) about Michael Jackson at all. And I don’t believe that was his fault, I feel that the way the American public has behaved towards Mike to date has a LOT to do with how Pres. Obama’s comments were delivered. And I must confess, that even though it hurts my feelings pretty badly, I think that the Speaker of the House made a very wise decision in not allowing the debate to open on the House floor to honor Michael Jackson ‘for right now’. We don’t need to have politicians behaving in an unseemly hateful fashion towards Mike at this moment, although I do believe this should definitely be picked up at a later date and passed. I also noticed something recently that made my 15yr old very sad. I took her to see the Jonas Brothers on July 13,(Also the day Mike was supposed to start his tour). Anyway, we were both sad but I was trying to cheer my baby up. During the concert, the Jonas Brothers came up out of the stage, constantly plugged themselves (this is in addition to singing their songs), and went out over the audience with a lifted crane. Now who came up with the whole coming out of the stage bit, and going out over the crowd in a lifted crane? Why, Michael Jackson, of course. My daughter turned to me during the concert with the look of a wounded soul on her face and said, “Mom, I know that you can’t please everyone with what you do in life, but we’ve just lost someone so very precious to us all and the Jonas Brothers didn’t even mention Michael Jackson. I thought they were supposed to be these really nice Christians. And what’s with all of this plugging themselves. It isn’t necessary to brainwash us. We’re already here, so that must mean we’re admirers of their work. It’s not necessary. But okay, that’s showbiz I guess. I thought that they would at least pay tribute, sing one of Michael’s songs to show their last respects, SOMETHING! They used ideas of his in their show and they can’t even mention him? I know that the public shouldn’t put their expections off on what they think celebrities should or shouldn’t do, but they couldn’t be bothered to mention him at all. It’s too bad that they didn’t understand that a lot of us are really brokenhearted about Michael not being with us anymore and if they would have shown some ginuine compassion, we would love them all the more for it. But I guess not. I’m not having such a good time after all.” And with that, she just turned away. I didn’t know what to say. So I just hugged her. She’s right about one thing though. People are going to be whatever they are going to be, and there is no point in expecting anything more than that from them. Period. Oh, one more thing. If anyone has a problem with my mentioning God an/or Christ, I understand that this problem exsists. However, it’s just going to have to be exactly that, your problem.
Correction: Genuine, not ginuine. I was in a bit of a rush when I posted my comment. Also, well said Andrea. Scripture says;
Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Luke 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
Luke 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
Luke 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
Luke 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
Luke 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
Luke 12:57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
Luke 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
Luke 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
John 7:51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
John 8:15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
John 8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
John 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
John 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 3:6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
Romans 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Romans 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.
Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
1 Corinthians 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
1 Corinthians 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
1 Corinthians 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
1 Corinthians 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Hebrews 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
1 Peter 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
SHAME ON OPHRAH! for making no statement on Michael Jackson’s passing. I was never a big fan of hers anyway. For right now i dont even like to see a picture of her face, it makes me sick! Yes everyone is intitled to their own opinion but at least send condolences to the family that would be at least the humane thing to do!!! I know Michael is resting in peace now, where he will never have to be faced with anyone judging him or misunderstanding him ever again.Like his brother Marlon said how much can a person take?? I am so saddned that people can be so cruel to another human being, if he was a murderer at least i can understand it.
I dont belive he had it in his heart to harm
anyting or anyone after the cruelty he suffered from his father he knew what it meant to harm or hurt someone and i dont think he could live with himself if he did that. In the end its between God and Michael.
Michael i wont judge you i will just love you,may you rest in peace.
HELLO OPRAH WERE THE HELL ARE YOU I HOPE THAT YOU ARE OK HE DID NOT DO GET OVER OPRAH .GOD
IS A FORGIVEN GOD SO LET IT GO YOU ARE BETTER
THEN THAT
I LOVE U MICHEAL REST IN RIP
Oprah, wherever you are, my previous comment here (#3) still stands. I hope you read all of these for it shows that people care about your reaction. Beacuse you’ve taken on the responsibility to be who you & so many have looked up to you,some are disillusioned. I am trusting that you shall be one who uplifts the intergrity of Michael by brightening his light of humanitarian which has be overlokked for the most part.
Fot those of you who read this please see the most complete list I’ve found of Michael’s caring efforts, see http://www.jacksonaction.com- Charitable Works on left list of homepage.
And for those of you who dare doubt Michael following his acquital, the facts exonerating him completely are in “Michael Jackson Conspiracy” by Aphrodite Jomes if your heart can take it.
I’m quite sure Oprah is aware of Michael’s sensitive,genuine spitit and broken heart.
please excuse my previous typo. Michael’s SPIRIT is fragile & genuine.
May the crap subside as his honoris enlightened.Everyday since June 25th, I do something to honor his truth. I have always said that I don’t believe anyone owes anyone; things happen for a reason. When it comes to Michael, I can’t help but feel that the media and alllll Michael Jackson hypocrites owe him. We only have an incling of the pain he endured due to the cruelty of others.
I am so disgusted with Oprah for not releasing any statement at all regarding Michael Jackson’s passing, now almost a month later. I have always been a fan of hers, but I am at a loss as to why she would have absolutely nothing to say. She wouldn’t be where she is without him. Even if she did believe him to be a pedophile (which blows my mind since she of all people should know how the media distorts the truth and especially since there was absolutely no evidence in either case) I still can’t believe she did not even send condolences to his children or family. I have lost any respect I had for her over this. If Nelson Mandela can publicly acknowledge Michael, and Maya Angelou, her idol, can write an entire beautiful poem about Michael, then Oprah could have, at the very least, released a short statement, if only for his children or the fans. I’m extremely disappointed in her silence.
Dear Oprah!
You have your reasons not to speak!
We might know later……….
Michael was the most fantastic,
wonderful person and singer and dancer!
I did not see his concerts before but
now I can see he gave everything of
himself. His voice sometimes, like from the heaven, hís dance, just look att the robot dance, the best. And his ideas and text. Listen to the text. He really had something to say. Wonderful! I never have seen
someone like him. God bless his children and family. Different and woundreble people are easy to hurt, but one day………….
I found this page looking for what Oprah said about Michael. Glad I was not alone. It’s downright weird for her not to acknowledge him. I also thought Obama’s statement was ho hum and by the way. I am Black, and I was a fan of Oprah. At this point, I am not interested in her, nor Obama, anymore. Michael paved the way for them.
Hello,
I was looking for a statement from Oprah on Michael’s passing and this is where it brought me….me too I am glad to see i am not the only one looking and needing this.
I live in France, and have been a michael fan since a little kid, I always believed in his innonence, not just because I was a fan, but because if you ’study’ everything about him from a young kid to a grown up man, you can see that this is not a man capable of doing any wrong at all….he is innonence itself. and inspired me to become a better person, and to work on myself to help others, he is more than an icon to me and many others. on the 25th of june, I lost a part of myself, something ripped out of my body and my soul.
I wish that Oprah would use her public voice to give us mourning a sign of compassion and respect for Michael and ourselves….the things I’ve heard at the memorial were heartbreaking, and I couldn’t stop crying like a little girl left alone by her father, but it hearing people’s testimonies helped the process of mourning this great great man.
I’m a big Oprah fan, i respect her a lot, i believe she is a good person with a good heart and good intentions, BUT I am very dissapointed and sad from her silence on Michael…..it hurts me personally, that there is no effort after almost a month.
I’m sorry but this is the way i feel, and the way oprah feels we’ll maybe never know, and that is her right. but as a public figure on a daily talkshow with opinions on many subjects, it is hard to imagine no comment from oprah on the best entertainer ever alive on this planet earth….not only that, the top humanitarian and ‘philospher’ of all…..
but these are just my thoughts and feelings…
either way, my extreme love for michael will never die, and I will keep his spirit alive by continuing the good work he started…in his honor, only for him.
Silence is Golden. Oprah knows it. Very likely she’s not sure if Michael committed a crime even though he was found innocent, but she has her beliefs. I think a lot of us are unsure as kind a man as he was. So, I’m sure she thinks it best for whatever sake just to keep her mouth shut than to say something just because she should even though he was an amazing entertainer. It’s honorable on one hand, but then of course we’ll never know. Possibly because of her strong feelings about the manor – she’ll probably keep quiet. Period.
thank you for your comments Nicoletta. I can hardly believe the lack of acknowledgemnet of the humanitarianism of Michael. I too have always believed in him. Michael IS about love & genuine compassion; for children, animals & world unity especially. Though I didn’t think he would live long, due to the cruelty of others following that horrid trial & having Neverland taken from him, I am still devastated. Please know that lack of true honor for him by our gov. & media, here in the US, does not please many of us who have been in touch with the real spirit of Michael.
As far as Oprah is concerned, maybe she would like to wait until he is buried and much of the speculation of his death subsides. I may be a hopeless romantic & humanitarian myself, but I do believe Oprah being of the humaniratian spirit herself shall enlighten Michael’s spirit with mention of his many visits to children in hospitals & orphanages among his many humaniraian efforts & astounding ability to express himself creatively.
It’s obvious that the big o believes that Michael was a pedophile. Why else would she not make a comment on the death of one of, if not the biggest entertainer of all times. Who gives a damn what oprah thinks. Michael knew, I know and God knows that he was innocent. Who give a damn what these other jackasses think about Michael Jackson. I hope that they don’t find themselves in a situation like Michael did. Trying to defend themselves of a crime they didn’t do. If you ever find youselves in that situation, Think about Michael while you’re blinking your eyes from behind bars.
Innocent until proven otherwise obviously is not practiced by a lot of you. Let the poor man Rest In Peace. Give it a rest on the rumours, controversy, and tabloid stuff – Oprah Winfrey I’m sure could relate to the whole Media/Entertainment bullony (yeah, I know that is spelled incorrectly). If Oprah Winfrey doesn’t say anything that’s her choice regardless what people think; it doesn’t change the facts of what happened in Michael Jackson’s life and frankly the only one who knows what happened in Michael Jackson’s life is Michael Jackson and he’s now in a better place than ANY of us. So…let’s get on with our lives shall we???
MJ could have asked freely the ever loving and forgiving God for help instead of seeking fellow human beings armed with knowledge and qualifications; subspecialty fellowship- trained and board certified, with the supposed intelligence; but having little empathy,compassion and devoid of efficacious solution for the price he paid them. Instead,his look became unpleasant as the result of multiple and too frequent unnecessary treatments and the required concommitant excessive drug administration became too difficult to wean, and in the end killed him
I just would like to say that we don’t need her to do that! Without the 1993 interview, without her doing tribute or something, Michael Jackson is still the king of pop, he is still the most successfull entertainer ever, he still holds the biggest selling album ever, he still the true humanitarian, and most of all he still has the family, friends and fans who always support and love him.
Oprah’s silence on MJ’s death is just plain disgusting. I will NEVER watch her show again.
I was also deeply disappointed by the President’s pathetic ‘message’ through his ’spokeperson’ on MJ’s death. Obama should have personally made the statement. Mr. President, I was your supporter since Iowa 2008, but no more. You turned out to be just another politician.
Both Obama and Oprah should know that MJ will go down in history as a FAR MORE beloved, and widely known African American than they ever will.
MJ you were a gentle soul, in a heart of gold. May you rest in peace KING OF POP.
RIP MJ.
I totally agree with you, steveny.
I am really disappointed in Oprah. Even if she thought he was a pedophile, she could have at least said RIP to a great entertainer. The loss of anybody’s life- especially someone as prominent as Michael Jackson, should be mourned. And Oprah being another prominent black icon should have spoken. Oprah has disappointed me time and time again, but this is the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
She used MJ to get ridiculous ratings for her show, then turned her back on him, even in his death.
I do not understand why oprah has not spoken out about the death of an icon Michael Jackson.
He was a true gift to all people of the World. Including her, I remember she dedicated
hour longs shows about him being around young
boys.. But now she has nothing to say….
um…..um…
I have just stumbled across this information and I want an official statement from Oprah or an appointed representative regarding these allegations. HAS OPRAH TAKEN THIS STANCE AGAINST MICHAEL JACKSON? Does she truly wish to say that she won’t air anymore shows regarding Michael Jackson because of charges that he was acquitted of? Does she have such little faith in the American Justice System and even her personal interview with him? If this is true, I am calling a boycott of her show by all Michael Jackson fans!!!
I too think Oprah is and was heartless when MJ died. Oprah you could have said something even if you faked it. I too, wont be watching your show anymore.
I, too, am boycotting Oprah (never been a fan really, so this is easy). I was very upset that she chose to ignore Michael’s death because people are reading into it… but honestly, who cares? After all, Michael is a LEGEND! The most admired and beloved singer/dancer/songwriter/choreographer etc. in the WORLD (yes the WORLD!!). Oprah, on the other hand, is a day-time talk show host. That’s it that’s all! He was a true Artist, a Creator, dripping with talent, a Genius! She is just a day-time talk show host. Do we need a day-time talk show host to validate the greatest LEGEND of all times? Think about it…
I am deeply sad that either Oprah, nor Obama have given a right tribute to Michael Jackson. Do they no believe in the US justice which has declared him innocent ? Or are they focused so much on their image that they were affraid to give a tribute to him ? This is really a shame. Neither of them would have been able to achieve the position they now have if an artist like MJ hadn’t broken all the walls between communauties. He was a giant in his field and also a visionnary. We love you Michael, ever.
We should get our facts right…MJ was forced to settle the first case by the INSURANCE CO…his lawyers were against the settlement and of course MJ himself was against settlement, it’s in the records, unfortunately the media/tabloids reports this without finishing the sentence, making it look like he settled to make it go away – the money did not come fr. MJ it’s fr. the Insurance co and if you guys remember he was still touring that time – not settling then means the end of him. His mistake is he was naive and still have the yougsters as friends…the second one was money motivated that’s why he was aquitted in all counts. 70 police cars send to raid his house, 9 finger print expert??? 10M + cost to Santa Barbara county , an open casting call for past victims – and the prosecutor got NOTHING???? People are so fast to jump at the accusations band wagon, shouldn’t this incident scare the living hell out of us ordinary citizens with not enough money to our name? If he was not MJ he will be rotting in jail right now. He was free because he was innocent and was able to pay to put up a very good defense, thus poking holes on the gov’t. case. This is a miscarriage of justice where over eager prosecutors with whatever political motivation is bend to destroy an individual. Wasn’t there a case in 1921, I think the name is Artbucle(???) in SF where prosecutor and the media got together (for Hearst – it sells papers)trying to convict him despite being acquitted repeatedly??? Of course in the end justice prevailed with Jackson, as what our court system is suppose to be, but it left him a broken man. BTW, even the gov’t psychologist after hours of analysis with Jackson concluded he was not a PHEDOPHILE but a regressed 10 yr. boy…there were so may holes in the case that it should not have gone to trial on the first place. I suppose if Sneddon got a conviction this case will be his crowning glory. It’s scary – these are the ones who are suppose to protect us.
I too was wondering why Oprah had not publicly made a comment about Michael’s death, esp. with her 1993 interview is all over the internet, just a thought.
I used to watched Oprah, but lately her issues are blah…it is either I have outgrown her and wanted more intelligent issues. I do check her show everyday but for over a month now have not really sat down to watch it, lately, I find most of the topics are superficial and mind numbing repeatitive issues. The ones I watch are the Dr. Oz, he’s good and informative and cute too. If he gets his own show I will be watching him.
wow….Misery your name says it all…you cried at the loss of Michael Jackson and then reverse course and change your opinion about him because of what you read his fans are saying??? Wow …don’t you have a conviction of your own that you can easily be swayed by people’s opinion.
Or you do not really know enough of the man, maybe you should read up his story legacy interviews,music from people who know him coz I am sure you will be reading all the tabliods too…and them decide for yourself…it is either you like the man and his music or you don’t.
What makes you all think that because Oprah hasn’t issued a public statement regarding Michael’s death, that she is at odds with him & therefore you feel you must choose a side: hers or his? They may be working together on this. Look outside the box a little & consider the possibility that Michael Jackson faked his death, Oprah knows about it and – famous for emphasizing the importance of being true to herself & not compromising her INTEGRITY – has kept her mouth shut. In exchange for her not revealing the hoax, when Michael returns with the Resurrection Tour he was rumored to have been planning for many years, who do you think will get the world-exclusive interview going indepth as to how the world’s greatest showman managed to pull the most spectacular stunt to date? That’s right folks…Oprah Winfrey!! Michael Jackson is on a mission. When she interviews him, he’ll be able to prove to the world how much trash the Media sells us. That the media warps & distorts the truth. Don’t forget, the media/tabloids have also been cruel to Oprah coming out with blatant lies (though not as reputation damaging as to MJ), and she is a champion for being a wholesome, upstanding person, so it makes sense she involve herself bringing the truth to light. The lies & the truth are fed to us together so we have to be super-detective-researchers with time on our hands to differentiate what is fact & what is fiction. MJ & Oprah will expose the media for what it is & more importantly will cause the public to second guess any tabloid fodder in the future as being true…especially something as serious as allegations of child molestation, which will finally be brought to rest in the public’s eyes. Even though he was acquitted in a court of law, the media continued to paint him as a paedo. No longer.
This is why Oprah has been hiding out. She knew when he would stage his death & just happened to schedule a long Mediterranean cruise for her entire staff far away from media blitz surrounding MJ’s “death.” How convenient! No one on the Harpo staff AT ALL to get tangled into giving a statement about his shocking death.
Don’t you find it odd that MJ’s best friends…Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Liza Minelli, Chris Tucker, Lisa Marie Presley, MacCaculey Culkin and yes, even Oprah didn’t show up to his memorial yet celebrities who hadn’t even met him like Jennifer Hudson & Queen Latifah presented? John Mayer, Usher & a 10-yr-old boy who won last year’s UK’s Got Talent performed, all who barely knew Mike, yet his dear, dear friends don’t show? Maybe because they didn’t want to risk keeping up the pretense. Now OPRAH is ALSO mutual friends…good friends…with Lisa Marie, Diana, and MJ’s sister Janet Jackson. So Oprah & MJ share the same circle of close-knit friends. With each day since his death, more evidence is mounting that Michael did indeed escape into a safer life by staging his death. It even looks like the hand of Michael created & choreographed the Staples Center memorial! Keep in mind it’s a month later—a month!—and his family STILL admits it doesn’t know where his body is? Huh? Oh, where did we put him, hmm? Must’ve misplaced him along with the TV remote control. Give me a break. Do they think we’re stupid?
(cont’d)
You may be thinking, “No way could he have pulled off faking his death, no way.” Well, Michael had the resources, the social connections, the legal team, the MONEY, and the time to orchestrate it. If anyone could pull off this illusion, it’s the world’s best entertainer.
Here’s just one slice of why he’s still alive: the July 7th, 2009 Memorial in L.A. To sum it up: Latoya says “Michael always says family 1st, fans 2nd…he loves you all.” Notice she didn’t say “said” or “loved”? (Janet also referred to Mike in the present tense at the BET awards 3 days after his death…“To you Michael IS an icon, to us he IS family.”) None of the family showed much emotion, no tears except at the end with Blanket…and only then he just looked confused at scared at facing the crowd of people. Paris’ speech seemed forced by the Jackson clan. Notice she also referred to Daddy in the present tense. Real emotion that she loves & misses her daddy (while he hides out), but scripted nonetheless. She smiles, sings along & fiddles with her purse the whole ceremony until her microphone moment. The oldest boy Prince chews gum, looks bored out of his mind. When his kids are on stage, they keep looking up for reassurance at the rafters/balcony like they know Michael (a self-admitted prankster) is incognito & directing the show from up there. During the song “Will You Be There” sung by Jennifer Hudson, Michael’s voice & lyrics are in the background…one word is changed FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER from “pain” to “pains”…search any youtube video of this song, he has never done that before. What else? Oh, the casket remained sealed & was promptly spirited away afterwards (supposedly under the tunnels) and no one saw where it went…that doesn’t help us have closure that he’s dead. The Jackson brothers wore yellow ties, which in the USA is symbolic for awaiting a loved one’s return. Jermaine changes the lyrics to the song “Smile” he swaps the words “sadness” & “gladness” so he ended up singing “Light up your face with sadness, hide every trace of gladness”…SAY WHAT Jermaine? The Staples Center, one of the biggest indoor arenas in the 2nd biggest city in America, just happens to have already been rented out for Michael’s “This Is IT” Tour rehearsals. I’ve never heard of performers renting out venues this large for rehearsals. But wait, there’s more. The memorial was heavy on pictures/video from Mike’s video “Liberian Girl” in which he is secretly behind the camera video taping the people for the music video, unbeknownst to them. The memorial ended with the still shot of him behind that video camera with the words “I AM ALIVE. I WILL LIVE FOREVER.” Really, you’re alive? You don’t say? Well DUUUHHHHHHH. Thanks for the clues, Michael! If you need more proof, & there’s lots more, google “michael jackson death hoax”.
Peace out
Peace out
To be clear–
Our beliefs about what the media is selling us will be toppled like a house of cards when Michael returns. Cmon…TMZ of all sources broke the news of his death? Journalistic integrity will be reevaluated once MJ’s death is revealed a farce. It’s the 2nd biggest news story since the year 2000 (only topped by Obama elected as President) for pete’s sake!! It’s gotten more news coverage than 9/11 and half the stories on MJ are conflicting! Anyway, that’s why Oprah has been silent. To score the comeback interview, get ratings & expose the lies.
Why should Oprah have to express her feelings for Michael publicly? Michael was a real person and I believe Oprah has gone to his family and expressed her sympathy as well as shown her love and support. Remember, there was a private memorial for Michael – how do we know Oprah didn’t attend that service? We should all know by now that Oprah does what she wants to do without feeling the presure of the public – that’s why I respect her.
I am also one of the biggest MJ fans ever!!! I saw him in Atlanta when I was 14 years old. I am now 43 and I still have the tickets!!
MJ I hope you are finally at peace.
Wow – Marsai, I just read your comments. You made really good points, but I don’t think Michael is alive. He did too much to make sure his children were never in the public eye. I don’t think he would allow the unveiling of them, even to fake his death. Also, Janet looked really hurt to me.
by the way,Debbie Rowe requested to Michael that he veil the children.She stated so in an interview. Recently,before Michaels’ passing, Debbie agreed to unveiling.
I can hardly believe that there are still people out here that doubt Michaels sincere love for children. Many of you need to face the truth of his innocense & read “MICHAEL JACKSON CONSPIRACY” by Aphrodite Jones. This book is a thorough investigation of FACTS.Ms.
Wake up to that a few evil people caused the demise of beloved Michaeland the disgrace of our media that make millions on their own perverse sensationalism.
Whether Michael is dead or alive physically, which I question, don’t you think it’s a long time coming that we stand up for his honor? I may be a hopeless romantic like Michael, yet I believe Oprah knows the truth & shall celebrate the humanitarianism of Michael. Michael almost didn’t make it thru that horrid trial. All lies & greed. The facts are out though there are more culprits yet to be revealed. May Michael spirit be enlightened as we stand up for him. He more than deserves us to.
Elizabeth – I agree wholeheartedly that it’s more than time to defend the pure, inspirational spirit of Michael Jackson. He may have been strange, but it was because he didn’t experience the world the way we did. He was sheltered most of his life, living in the music biz. This gave him free reign with his artistic craft, allowing him to explore fantastical realms, bringing back the magic into our “real world” for us to enjoy. It made him even more odd that he wore his heart on his sleeve & made a commitment to not take out his anger on others (though he’s admitted in interviews he felt he’d take out his anger on himself through food deprivation). That takes courage & dignity. He was a sensitive, giving soul who didn’t understand that not everyone would see his intentions in a positive light. What’s wrong with maintaining a youthful, creative outlook? It is a testament to his childlike nature that after all the muck greedy people put him through…extorting his money, trying to ruin his career & damaging his reputation…that he didn’t get jaded. It did seem to break his spirit some, but it didn’t jade him & that is extraordinary.
Vita – Thanks for saying that. It was a long read, sorry about that! About the kids’ veils: that actually supports the hoax theory in that his children were suddenly shown to the world in the weeks before his death. This way we would know these were indeed Michael’s children when they made their 1st public speaking appearance to defend his honor as a good father at the memorial. Plus, if Michael had been threatened recently with a kidnapping plot against his children, then the world would recognize their faces & search every corner of the Earth to find them if they went missing. I don’t expect you to believe he’s alive, I’m just giving the other viewpoint. Of course I want to think he’s not dead because I think he’s wonderful & shouldn’t have died as a fit, healthy 50-year-young.
Oprah, I respected her, but if she is really so spiritualy blind that she does not comprehend what an incredible angelic Soul MJ is, that simply tells us that she is just a very simple, plain, young soul, who is just pretending to be spiritual, she is just a great pretender and her power in this world is just some sort of black magic.
This is it Oprah and if she is not capable of understanding the graetnes of MJ Soul, becouse beleive me only alike can recognise alike, than Oprah is not what she made us beleive to be. I do not say that she is bad, I am only telling you that she is just another great show buisness pretender, working for fame and money and fooling around to be spiritual.
MJ WAS CHLILDLIKE IN HIS PERCEPTION OF THE WORLD and he is a very inocent, pure Soul, that for sure. I never was MJ fan, but now I see him differently- probably becouse I am different, more wise and more inclined to understand spiritual world that is what is beyond the physical apperance.
Marsai,I like your very insightful commennts, but regarding what you are saying about MJ being alive is just a collective mass humanity wish, but unfortunately he has really left us.
And when somebody is speaking about him in present time is becouse MJ is in fact unmortal, that is his imprint of universal love will always live in our hearts, he is very much alive, but not in a physical form- sorry. I also wish that this whole story regarding MJ departure, is just a nightmare and that we will wake up and see MJ again..but this is not to be happening.
Well, as of today Mrs. Shriver died and already Oprah has a comment up on her site, but still nothing about Michael. I am VERY disappointed with her. I hope she plans to do something on her show this fall and I hope you all are wrong about her believing Michael to be a pedophile. She of all people should know how the media can tear down celebrities with lies. She has complained of that herself. And I’m sure she also knows that opportunists will try to take advantage of the rich and vulnerable as they did Michael. If she says nothing within the first week of her new fall season I will no longer watch her show!
the kids veils were Debbie Rowe’s idea for she feared for their safety.
I too speak Of Michael in the present sense for his spirit is so alive for me.
As far as Oprah (again, I must have made a dz comments concerning this; countless in honor of Michael’s truth & humanitarianism), Oprah apparently reads a lot. If she hasn’t ever read “Michael Jackson Conspiracy, by Aphrodite Jones, I’d be shocked. This book of facts clears any doubts of Michael’s love for children. I am pleased that sales of this book are up, up, up.
What’s even more curious is that I haven’t heard ANY mention by the media regarding Oprah’s silence about Michael; hmmm… Really, really a shame that Michael didn’t have any say so over the media. Then again, Oprah is media, isn’t she. More will be revealed. God willing Oprah’s humanitarianism shall recognize Michael’s. Oprah’s reframe form comment doesn’t bother me nearly as much as her friend, Pres. Obama’s lack of respect for Michael. Two of our former presidents honored Michael & so do other country’s’ govs. Michael visited more sick & orphaned children than our Pres. will probably ever see in his lifetime. Not to mention Michael broke a world record for his charitable ($) work, Oprah & Pres. Obama.
Ya’ll can say whatever you want about Oprah and about MJ, but at the end of the day, GOD is the ultimate judge.
Sorry for the long read, but it seems nobody else has said it.
The “Dangerous” tour included 69 concerts to about 3.5 million people. The first leg of this tour ended on 31st December 1992 in Tokyo, Japan at the Tokyo Dome and after a brief break, the second leg began on 24th August 1993 at National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
This tour concluded on 11th November 1993 in Mexico City, Mexico at the Aztec Stadium. Michael performed in Japan, Asia, Russia, Turkey, Israel, and South America.
He donated all the proceeds to the Heal The World Foundation and other charities.
The Source Remembers Michael Jackson: Humanitarian
January 10, 1984: Michael visits the unit for burn victims at Brotman-Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles.
April 9, 1984: David Smithee, a 14-year-old boy who suffers from cystic fibroses is invited to Michael’s home. It was David’s last wish to meet Michael. He dies 7 weeks later.
April 14, 1984: Michael equips a 19-bed-unit at Mount Senai New York Medical Center. This center is part of the T.J. Martell-Foundation for leukemia and cancer research.
July 5, 1984: During the Jackson’s press conference at Tavern On The Green, Michael announces that his part of the earnings from the Victory Tour will be donated to three charitable organizations: The United Negro College Fund, Camp Good Times, and the T.J. Martell-Foundation.
July 14, 1984: After the first concert of the Victory Tour, Michael meets 8 terminally ill children backstage.
December 13, 1984: Michael visits the Brotman Memorial Hospital, where he had been treated when he was burned very badly during the producing of a Pepsi commercial. He donates all the money he receives from Pepsi, $1.5 million, to the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children.
January 28, 1985: Michael and 44 other artists meet to record “We Are The World”, written by Michael and Lionel Ritchie. The proceeds of this record are donated to the starving people in Africa.
1986: Michael set up the “Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed Scholarship Fund”. This $1.5 million fund is aimed towards students majoring in performance art and communications, with money given each year to students attending a UNCF member college or university.
February 28, 1986: After having had a heart-transplant, 14-year-old Donna Ashlock from California gets a call from Michael Jackson. He had heard that she is a big fan of his. Michael invites her to his home as soon as she is feeling better. This visit takes place on March 8th. Donna stays for dinner and watches a movie together with Michael.
September 13, 1987: Michael supports a campaign against racism. He supports efforts of the NAACP, to fight prejudices against black artists.
October 1987: At the end of his Bad Tour, Michael donates some personal items to the UNESCO for a charitable auction. The proceeds will be for the education of children in developing countries.
February 1, 1988: The Song “Man In the Mirror” enters the charts. The proceeds from the sales of this record goes to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a camp for children who suffer from cancer.
March 1, 1988: At a press conference held by his sponsor Pepsi, Michael presents a $600,000 check to the United Negro College Fund.
April 1988: Free tickets are given away for three concerts in Atlanta, Georgia to the Make A Wish Foundation.
May 22, 1988: Michael visits children who suffer from cancer in the Bambini-Gesu Children’s Hospital in Rome. He signs autographs and gives away sweets and records to the little patients. He promises a check of 100,000 pounds to the hospital.
July 16, 1988: Before a concert at Wembley Stadium Michael meets the Prince of Wales and his wife Diana. He hands over a check of 150,000 pounds for the Prince’s Trust, and a check of 100,000 pounds for the children’s hospital at Great Ormond Street.
July 20, 1988: Michael visits terminally ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. At a unit for less critical patients he stays a little bit longer and tells a story.
August 29, 1988: At his 30th birthday Michael performs a concert in Leeds, England for the English charity-organization “Give For Life”. The goal of this organization is the immunization of children. Michael presents a check for 65,000 pounds.
December 1988: Michael visits 12-year-old David Rothenburg. His father had 5 years earlier burned him very badly in an act of revenge against his former wife.
January 1989: The proceeds of one of Michael’s shows in Los Angeles are donated to Childhelp USA, the biggest charity-organization against child-abuse. In appreciation of the contributions of Michael, Childhelp of Southern California is founding the “Michael Jackson International Institute for Research On Child Abuse”.
January 10, 1989: The Bad Tour comes to an end. Under-privileged children are donated tickets for each concert and Michael donates money to hospitals, orphanages and charity-organizations.
February 7, 1989: Michael visits the Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California. Some weeks earlier a 25-year-old man had fired at the school’s playground. 5 children had been killed and 39 had been wounded.
March 5, 1989: Michael invites 200 deprived children of the St. Vincent Institute for handicapped children and of the organization Big Brothers and Big Sisters to the Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara. After this event he invites them to his ranch to introduce his private zoo at his Neverland Ranch to them.
November 13, 1989: The organization “Wishes Granted” helps 4-year-old Darian Pagan, who suffers from leukemia to meet Michael. Michael invites the little boy to a performance of Canadian acrobats.
December 28, 1989: Young Ryan White, who suffers from hemophilia, spends his holidays on Michael’s ranch. Ryan had been infected with AIDS by contaminated blood transfusions in 1984. After he was excluded from his school in Kokomo, Ryan fought against the discrimination of AIDS victims.
January 6, 1990: Michael invites 82 abused and neglected children through Childhelp to his Neverland Ranch. There are games, a Barbeque and a movie show provided for them.
July 1990: 45 children from the Project Dream Street, Los Angeles, for children with life-threatening illness are invited to Neverland Valley.
August 18, 1990: Michael invites 130 children of the YMCA summer program of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to his Neverland Ranch.
May 6, 1991: Michael is invited to the Jane Goodall Charity event. Michael supports her, an advocate of behavioral research concerning chimpanzees in Gombe, Nigeria for more than 30 years.
July 26, 1991: Michael pays a visit to the Youth Sports & Art Foundation in Los Angeles. This Foundation supports families of gang members, and helps dealing with drug-abuse. Michael talks to the kids and presents them with a wide-screen TV set and a financial gift.
December 1991: Michael’s office MJJ Productions treats needy families in Los Angeles with more than 200 turkey dinners.
February 1992: Within 11 days Michael covers 30,000 miles in Africa, to visit hospitals, orphanages, schools, churches, and institutions for mentally handicapped children.
February 3, 1992: At a press conference at the New York Radio City Music Hall, Michael announces that he is planning a new world tour, to raise funds for his new “Heal The World” Foundation. This Foundation will support the fight against AIDS, Juvenile Diabetes and will support the Camp Ronald McDonald and the Make A Wish Foundation.
May 6, 1992: Michael defrays the funeral-expenses for Ramon Sanchez, who was killed during the Los Angeles riots.
June 23, 1992: At a press conference in London, Michael makes an announcement about his Heal The World Foundation.
June 26, 1992: Michael presents the Mayor of Munich, Mr. Kronawitter, with a 40,000 DM-check for the needy people of the city.
June 29, 1992: Michael visits the Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam and presents a check for 100,000 pounds.
July 1992: Michael donated L. 821,477,296 to La Partita del Cuore (The Heart Match) in Rome and donated 120,000 DM to children’s charities in Estonia and Latvia.
July 25, 1992: On the occasion of a concert in Dublin, Ireland, Michael announces that he will give 400,000 pounds of the tour earnings to various charities.
July 29, 1992: Michael visits the Queen Elizabeth Children’s Hospital in London. To the surprise the children, he brings Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Euro-Disney to the hospital.
July 31, 1992: On the Eve of his second concert at Wembley Stadium, Michael presents Prince Charles with a check of 200,000 pounds for the Prince’s Trust.
August 16, 1992: 6 year old Nicholas Killen, who lost his eyesight caused by a life aiding cancer surgery, meets Michael backstage in Leeds, England.
September 1992: Michael donated 1 million pesetas to charity headed by the Queen of Spain.
September 30, 1992: President Iliescu of Romania inaugurates a playground for 500 orphans which Michael has financed. Michael discusses his Heal The World Foundation.
October 1, 1992: Michael chooses a concert in Bucharest, Romania for worldwide television broadcast. Bucharest is a logical choice due to the numerous orphanages the country is known for.
November 24, 1992: At Kennedy Airport in New York, Michael supervises the loading of 43 tons of medication, blankets, and winter clothes destined for Sarajevo. The Heal The World Foundation collaborates with AmeriCares to bring resources totaling $2.1 million to Sarajevo. They will be allocated under the supervision of the United Nations.
December 10, 1992: During a press conference at the American Ambassy in Tokyo Michael is presented with a check for $100,000 for the Heal The World Foundation by Tour Sponsor Pepsi.
December 26, 1992: During a broadcast request for donations to the United Negro College Fund, Michael declares: “Black Colleges and Universities are breeding some of the leading personalities of our time. They are on top in business, justice, science and technologies, politics and religion. I am proud, that the Michael Jackson Scholarship Program enabled more than 200 young men and women to get a qualified education.”
January 19, 1993: Michael is one of the stars to perform at the Presidential Inauguration of Bill Clinton. Before he sings “Gone Too Soon” he draws the attention to the plights of the victims of AIDS and mentions his friend Ryan White.
January 26, 1993: At a press conference held at Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, Michael is presented with a $200,000 donation from the National Football League and the Sponsors of the Super Bowl. He gets another $500,000 from the BEST Foundation for his Heal The World Foundation. At this occasion the foundation of “Heal L.A.” is officially announced.
February 1993: In association with Sega, launched an initiative to distribute more than $108,000 of computer games and equipment to children’s hospitals, children’s homes, and children’s charities throughout the U.K.
March 1993: The foundation of an independent film company is announced. They will produce family-oriented movies. A part of the earnings will go to the Heal The World Foundation.
March 27, 1993: At a meeting at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Michael gives a 5-minute speech to 1200 teachers and politicians.
April 26, 1993: Within his “Heal LA” tour, Michael visits the Watta Health Foundation, and two schools in Los Angeles South Central.
May 5, 1993: Former President Jimmy Carter and Michael, who are chairmen of the “Heal Our Children/Heal The World” initiative, are in Atlanta to promote their “Atlanta Project Immunization Drive”.
June 1993: Michael has announced that he will donate $1.25 million for children who have suffered from the riots in Los Angeles.
June 1993: 100 children from the Challengers Boys and Girls Club visit Neverland.
June 10, 1993: Michael promotes the new DARE-program. The purpose of the program is to inform children about the dangers of drug abuse.
June 18, 1993: Michael pays a visit to a hospital in Washington. He spends several hours with the young patients and plays chess with some of them.
August 1993: With Pepsi-Cola Thailand, donated $40,000 to Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s charity, the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, in support of school lunch programs in rural villages in Thailand.
August 1993: In conjunction with Pepsi-Cola International, donated new ambulances to the Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children in Moscow, Russia and the Hospital de Ninos Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
October 1993: Donated $100,000 to the Children’s Defense Fund, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girl Clubs of Newark, New Jersey.
October 22, 1993: Michael visits a hospital in Santiago.
October 28, 1993: Michael makes it possible for 5000 underprivileged children to visit the Reino Aventura Park, where the whale Keiko (”Free Willy”) is living.
November 5, 1993: Michael is guest at a children’s party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Mexico City.
December 1993: With the Gorbachev Foundation, airlifted 60,000 doses of children’s vaccines to Tblisi, Georgia.
December 16, 1993: The Heal The World Foundation UK supports “Operation Christmas Child” delivering toys, sweets, gifts and food to children in former Yugoslavia.
1994: Michael donates $500,000 to Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation.
January 7, 1994: On the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Michael gives a party for more than 100 underprivileged children at his Neverland Ranch.
February 22, 1994: “The Jackson Family Honors” is televised. The earnings of the show are given to their own newly formed charity, “Family Caring for Families”.
August 6, 1994: Michael and his wife Lisa Marie are visiting two children’s hospitals in Budapest. They distribute toys to the ill children.
1995: Michael wants to free dolphins who have been locked up for years. He believes there should be legal guidelines about the way dolphins have to live in zoos and parks.
March 1995: Little Bela Farkas received a new liver. Michael and Lisa Marie met this 4-year-old boy during their trip to Hungary in 1994. Michael did everything to help Bela, whose only chance to live was getting a new liver. The Heal The World Foundation covered the surgery and the cost for caring.
June 21, 1996: Michael donated a four-times platinum disc of “HIStory” in aid of the Dunblane appeal at the Royal Oak Hotel, Sevenoaks in England.
July 18, 1996: In Soweto, South Africa Michael is laying down a wreath of flowers for youngsters who have been killed during the fights involving Apartheid.
September 1996: The first Sports Festival “Hope” was held for orphans and disadvantaged children. 3000 children and 600 volunteers took part in the Sports Festival and Michael Jackson was a special guest.
September 6, 1996: Michael visits the children’s unit of a hospital in Prague.
October 1996: Michael visited a hospital for mentally challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan and offered 2,000 free tickets to the sold out performance in Kaoshiung.
October 1, 1996: Michael donated the proceeds of his Tunisia concert to “The National Solidarity Fund”, a charity dedicated to fighting poverty.
October 3, 1996: Michael visits a children’s hospital and brings small gifts for the patients during a HIStory tour visit in Amsterdam. A room in the hospital (for parents who want to be with their children) is named after Michael.
November 1, 1996: Michael donates most of the earnings from a HIStory concert in Bombay, India to the poor people of the country.
November 7, 1996: Before his first concert in Auckland, New Zealand, Michael fulfills the wish of little Emely Smith, who is suffering from cancer, who wants to meet Michael.
November 25, 1996: Michael visited the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, delivering toys, signing autographs, and visiting with children.
December 9, 1996: During a HIStory tour visit in Manila, Michael visits a children’s hospital. He announces that a part of his concert earnings will be donated to the renovation of the hospital.
January 25, 1997: Michael waved his personal fee for his Bombay appearance and donated $1.1 million to a local charity helping to educate children living in slums.
April 4, 1997: British magazine “OK!” is publishing exclusive photos of Michael’s son Prince. The magazine pays about 1 million pounds for the photos. Michael donates the money to charity.
June 18, 1997: Michael signed the “Children in Need” book auctioned by the charity UNESCO.
September 1998: Michael meets 5 year old Aza Woods, who suffers from cancer, at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Michael introduces Aza to the attraction “Star Trek: The Experience” and spends the rest of the afternoon with the little boy. Finally Michael invites Aza to spend some time with him at his Neverland Ranch.
November 16, 1998: Michael arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is a member of the American Delegation invited by the Minister of Defense. The delegation thanks the government of Zimbabwe for helping to keep the peace in this area.
September 4, 1999: Michael presented Nelson Mandela with a check for 1,000,000 South African rand for the “Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.”
January 22, 2000: During Christmas last year a violent storm ravaged the park of the Chateau de Versailles and destroyed 10,000 trees in the park. The estimated cost for rebuilding the park is around $20 million. Some celebrities are supporting the restoration of the park. French officials are reporting that Michael Jackson is one of them. He was one of the first people to donate money to this cause.
October 28, 2000:Michael painted a plate to be auctioned for the “Carousel of Hope Ball” benefiting childhood diabetes research.
March 6, 2001: Michael donated a black hat, a birthday phone-call and a jacket worn at the Monaco Music Awards in 2000 to the Movie Action for Children auction, an event being given by UNICEF with all proceeds will going to UNICEF’s efforts to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Africa.
March 26, 2001: Michael handed out books to young people at a Newark, NJ theater. The event, which helped to launch the Michael Jackson International Book Club, part of his new Heal the Kids charity, aims to promote childhood reading and encourage parents to return to reading bedtime stories.
September 15, 2002: Michael donated 16 exclusively autographed items consisting of CD’s, videos and 2 cotton napkins to aid in the support of the victims of a severe flood in Germany. These items were auctioned off for charity and managed to raise 3935 Euro (US$ 3,814).
October 12, 2002: Michael Jackson invited more than 200 Team Vandenberg members, who recently returned from overseas deployments, and their families to his Neverland Ranch. This was to show his appreciation for the sacrifices the military in his community make.
November 19-29, 2002: Michael donated an autographed teddy bear dressed in his likeness to Siegfried & Roy’s celebrity teddy bear auction. This auction benefits Opportunity Village which is a non-profit organization based in Las Vegas (USA) that enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Michael’s autographed teddy bear raised $5,000 for the charity.
November 21, 2002: Michael donated a jacket to the The Bambi Charity Event in Berlin which raised $16,000.
April 25, 2002: Michael Jackson performed at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at the Apollo Theater in Harlem helping to raise nearly $3 million dollars towards voter registration.
June 2003: The Wolf family, who experienced serious damages to their belongings during the flood in Saxony, Germany last August, was invited to Berlin by Michael Jackson when he was at the Bambi Awards. On that occasion Michael invited them to Neverland. In June, they spent three days at Neverland, meeting Michael and his children.
I see Oprah makes the cover of her own magazine every month. Big surprise. I see that rag on the newstands and just laugh, and shake my head. Talk about self-absorbed. I looked for a statement from her on Michael’s death. There was none to be found. You can be sure, that with the mouth on that woman, she would have said something by now if she was going to. She is not what she is cracked up to be. She is full of herself. I refuse to watch her show ever again, not that I did that much anyway, but she is not anybody special. She’s got a mouth and money. That is it. Rest in Peace, Sweet Michael
It’s now August 17th, and still no word from the big O about MJ. this is curious. And, even though she’s on cruise, was on cruise, whatever, I am sure they receive daily email, and news. this does not appear to be an oversight.
I dont care about oprah… I care only about Michael Jackson! Wheather she comment or not about his passing,its still didnt change the truth that Michael is loved by many… If few people doesnt believe Michael’s innocence its only because they are the one who is weirdo’s and just full of insecurities. Look what uve done in the world and look what Michael did.. Truly he is one of the greatest human being..Thats why he is loved by many.
gee, wonder if Oprah reads these… This blog, except for the ones on her own site of course. only mention of her reaction to Michael’s passing which I would not dignify with the word silence. Silence is such a beautiful word. Anyway, no comment is certainly a reaction. Hmmm what of ABC, CBS & NBCs reaction to Oprah not saying anything. Not that interesting is it ?
Oprah, I’m looking forward to an actual statement from you soon after Michael’s burial on Sept 3rd.
I disagree with those who say that her response is a private matter. She took on a responsibility w/her role. Noone made her. And we out here are what made it possible for her to…well where would she be w/out an audience. Does she only want 1/2 an audience now ? Priorities seem a little out of perspective for her to have so much to say about some things but not the passing of one of the most loving,giving,creative & known people of the last 4 decades, who she also knew (knows ?). Condolences to the family; yes that’s private. Many people look up to Oprah & she darn well knows it.hmmm…
Ms. Oprah is supposedly one of our greatest humanitarians, like Michael. So we shall see whether or not she recognizes the passing of a “fellow” humanitrian. She could sure put together a heck of a tribute together of Michael which could bash the bashers.
I’m sure she is aware of of Michael’s truth. Whether she honors the real Michael or not, we shall see. Inevitably, more will be revealed.
gee, wonder if Oprah reads these… This blog, except for the ones on her own site of course. only mention of her reaction to MJ’s passing which I would not dignify with the word silence. Silence is such a beautiful word. Anyway, no comment is certainly a reaction. Hmmm what of ABC, CBS & NBCs reaction to Oprah not saying anything. Not that interesting is it ?
Oprah, I’m looking forward to an actual statement from you soon after MJ’s burial on Sept 3rd.
I disagree with those who say that her response is a private matter. She took on a responsibility w/her role. Noone made her. And we out here are what made it possible for her to…well where would she be w/out an audience. Does she only want 1/2 an audience now ? Priorities seem a little out of perspective for her to have so much to say about some things but not the passing of one of the most loving,giving,creative & known people of the last 4 decades, who she also knew (knows ?). Condolences to the family; yes that’s private. Many people look up to Oprah & she darn well knows it.hmmm…
Ms. Oprah is supposedly one of our greatest humanitarians, like Michael. So we shall see whether or not she recognizes the passing of a “fellow” humanitarian. She could sure put together a heck of a tribute together of Michael which could bash the bashers.
I’m sure she is aware of of Michael’s truth. Whether she honors the real Michael or not, we shall see. Inevitably, more will be revealed.
L
Like Obama and many other celebrities, I’m positive Oprah expressed her condolences to the Jackson family privately. If you are a true Oprah fan, then you sincerely know that she is not a publicity stunt individual. She goes through great efforts to keep her personal affairs private. The manner in how we grieve & mourn is very personal. Oprah’s mourning is not like yours…it’s different. As a MJ fan, I learned from him how to embrace those who are different. Please do not stand in judgement of others.
I continue to be amazed Oprah has not spoken about MJ’s death. If it’s because she believed in the lies and accusations about him being a pedaphile, I’m truely disappointed in her.
We call for complete vindication of Michael Jackson by mainstream media.
Michael Jackson was exonerated by a jury of his peers in 2005. Not good enough
for his fans. For his children’s sake, mainstream media must become more
responsible. We discuss how truth can compel mainstream media to publicly admit
it wrongly accused Michael Jackson of despicable crimes. Many people still
believe Michael Jackson was guilty of these crimes. People were influenced to
believe the allegations were true by a biased mainstream media.
This group is NOT about vilifying the boys who falsely accused Michael of these crimes. They were kids who were easily manipulated by their parents. Our desire is that these boy accusers (now young men) will summon the strength to come forward and vindicate Michael. This group is about supporting these two young men, so they can do this. Please join us.
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Vindication_Better_Than_Tributes
am sure that’s why Michael Jackson refused to perform at Persident Obama’s inauguration,because of Oprah’s sillyness
I won’t watch any more Oprah shows at 4 P.M. I am done, done, done with her. She basically used Michael Jackson to elevate herself and her program and now after his death she won’t say a word, not even send condolences to his family. . . totally disrespectful. I’ve lost respect for her. I don’t care what her selfish reasons are. . . . he was proven innocent . . . .
I am no longer dissapointed with her NOT making any type of comment I am done with watching her show altogether and I’m sure her team has informed her of the 38% drop in ratings,I guess her having Whitney Houston on as her new fall debut is an effort to pull us (viewers)back in…..NOT GOING TO WORK, Whitney and others will be guests on other shows….. Shame on you Oprah and I won’t take it back!!!! We Love You Still Michael
I just want to say that when Michael Jackson died it broke my heart. He had such a kind heart and tried to help people all around the world. He didn’t do it for recognition, he did it because he truly cared for people. I know Oprah has done great things for charity but I always got the impression that it was to show people how great she is. I stopped watching her show a long time ago and I think its sad that she hasn’t said anything about MJ.
The world will never be the same without him. I know Michaels fans in Ireland and around the world have a special place in their heart for him and his family. May he finally rest in peace.
Love you forever.
I have found this article on the internet.(July, 28)
DOES OPRAH HAVE SOMETHING AGAINST MJ & CHRIS BROWN?
THE FACTS
Freddy0.com reports that Oprah Winfrey refuses to discuss Michael Jackson on any future episodes of her show.
THE SPIN
If you’re expecting an episode on The Oprah Winfrey Show centered on the life of Michael Jackson, you can forget about it.
It seems Goddess O is not down for talking about the King of Pop…at all.
Via Freddy O:
After speaking with one of my good friends that works with her, they told me as of now she has not and WILL NOT be promoting Michael Jackson because of the past child molestation charges brought against him. I was telling them that MJ was the King of Pop and they went on to say: “Cool, but we all know that he he also had other things going on … and people tend to forget the things that matter.”
According to my source, Oprah “does not cover people who hurt children” and said “why give them shine on our show, we never have and never will.”
Is Janet gonna have to choke a chick?
Also, MJ isn’t the only one with problems getting love on the show. Apparently, Chris Brown’s camp has been trying to schedule an interview, but Oprah isn’t trying to see his face either.
The source added: “It’s not about the interview, it’s about the lives that we touch. Every day millions of people watch our show, white and black, so whatever story we decide to cover, we have to make sure that it is only good energy.”
Yeah, if her ratings keep slipping I wouldn’t be shocked to see a week full of Michael Jackson episodes.
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Posted at 7:03 am | Permalink | Comments (53)
July 8, 2009
OPRAH IS STILL HEADMASTER
THE FACTS
Oprah denies rumors that she is closing her South African academy.
THE SPIN
Alright, so Oprah’s school hasn’t exactly kept up with the lovely PR campaign it initially had going.
A source told the National Enquirer:
“Oprah was choking back tears but she was plenty angry. She read them the riot act and basically said she would consider closing the school if she hears of any more incidents. It was a rather blunt warning – no more scandals or else!”
However, Oprah, Goddess of the Universe would like you to know one thing: She is not closing down her school.
The school has received criticism after sexual abuse allegations surfaced shortly after its opening in 2007, and in March 2009, a group of girls were expelled after being accused of sexually harassing other students.
Her publicist has slammed suggestions that the talk-show host is contemplating closing down her prestigious girls’ school.
Oprah’s publicist says that she is not going to close down the school because she is very committed to it.
YOUR SPIN: Should Oprah close the school? Tell us here.
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(*The views contained herein are solely the views of their respective authors, and do not express the views of TV One. TV One does not take responsibility for their content.)
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this blog is NOT an Oprah news update !!!
It is “about” Oprah’s lack of response to “her” public regarding the tragedy on June 25th.
She took on the responsibility to address her fans & their interests; noone made her.
The facts about the allegations put on Michael a few years ago have been out a long time now; above & beyond the fact that he was justly aquitted on all counts.
“Michael Jackson Conspiracy” by Aphrodite Jones explicitly proves the false charges by these kids & their parents. She is a lawyer who smelled a rat & pursued in exposing thoroughly invested facts and is of strong enough character to expose the perverse sensationalism of the media.
Furthermore, there has been a video out “The Untold Story of Neverland” by Larry Nimmer who one may purchase it from and/or see on youtube. The facts as more easily accessible including videos of the lies in action.
If Ms.Oprah doesn’t know about the book; avid reader that she is and/or has not been made aware of this video, I would be quite surprised.
By this time it appears as though she just chooses to ignore the whole thing. Why ? well, all’s I can say is that more shall be revealed.
Two of her radio talk-show hosts have already sided with the wrong side as per that horrid trial.
Damage has been done. How she will rectify pouring oil on the fire which I believe has much to do with the demise of MJ, hmmm…seems humility is the only way.
The media fails to look in the mirror, will she ?
They made millions off of their own perverse sensationalism. ABC happens to be one of the biggest culprits. hmmm…Bashir edited his interviews w/Michael. Was he paid off to do so or was he scheming from the start. You can also see the unedited parts on youtube now.
The truth is comin out more & more,
The book sales are up and so are many of the countless humanitarian acts of Michael Jackson.
Isn’t Oprah of humanitarian spirit herself ?
For Oprah- someone who talks values, ethics, about getting honest with oneself, the joys of service, love one-another and spirituality will she speak again about one of the greatest humanitarians of our time.
See “Michael talks about Princess Diana”. It’s so Michael & so sweet & GENUINE.
Gee, Oprah could sure create a great special about how Michael gave & gave & gave. By doing this, she could avoid bringing up the trial stuff simply by shining light on who Michael really IS, unless of course someone interviews her.
I say IS, in ref. to Michael, for his spirit is so strong, to so many, throughout the world, he lives on in very powerful ways.
Oprah’s on reruns all summer but she’s hosting a tribute to Michael on September 16th. This is a huge honor for Michael & perhaps now he will get some respect. I really hope he was inocent of those accusations but I must admit I always believed he was guilty. Still, I respect Oprah for giving him the benefit of the doubt.
I am glad to see that Oprah is doing a special on Michael. However, I don’t think it’s an honor for “Michael”. It’s the other way around actually. Oprah was lucky to be chosen by Michael for the interview.
I haven’t seen her programs on Martin Bashir interviews so can’t comment on them. However, Bashir should be ashamed of himself for trying to ruin a fellow human being’s life and career. In the end, Lord is the final judge of our actions..
I am ashamed of the fact that I was naive enough myself to believe the media and did not do the research myself. This is one regret I’ll have with me forever. This life experience has taught me so much..
Here’s the real truth about Oprah, is she was never going to do anything on Michael because she believed Michael was a “child molester”. You know Oprah doesn’t like child molester’s and men who beat up women, so she never puts these people on her show. Go into search and type the title “Oprah refuses to talk about Michael and Chris Brown,” The writer of the article said he talked to a friend of Oprah’s and said she won’t talk to people who are molesters and beaters. Now the reason, you hear that she will is because her ratings have gone low and her once upon a time fans have not written good comments about her since Obama became President and Michael Jackson’s death.
TOLD YOU!
Dear Micahel Jackson:
Thank you for your honesty. I’ve been a huge fan from the beginning, it’s much better to write that we must be kindred spirits. All my life I wouild listen to your music, long before I actually understood the words. Wow what a strong presence.
Sorry that these false accusations ever got any coverage. The media really jumped all over this one. But I knew how sad the trial made you. Remember you can make youself sick wanting people to understand you. Some of you fans, including myself would of loved to meet you face to face, how awesome would that be. Lots of artists have fans, but your fans are different. Their more intense and understand you better. They, like myself, want to know you past the artist/singer. Your fans have stayed loyal throughout everything, they believe in you and know you are the most special human being ever.
Were you ever proud of all your accomplishments, was it ever enough??? I read somewhere that Blood on the Dance Floor ended up being the bestselling re-mix CD ever and that you received a whooping 197 awards!!!!! We are all proud of you.
I’ll Be There………………Your Fan
Dear Oprah and Co:
So glad you’re having this Michael Jackson show on, I was sure happy when he did this interview. You are very lucky that you got to know him, someone as amazing and special as him. I admire him sooo much. Isn’t it a refreshing change to meet someone with such talent? Everyone mentions what a beautiful person he was and wonderful personality. Just to be in his presence would of been everything. Unfortunately the fans have to keep their distance. We can only support him from afar.
I’m of course a big fan, but don’t let that stop you from reading. What can I say about Michael? We are both shy, have few friends, maybe sometimes too quiet. Everything I write can only sound superficial cuase its beyond liking his music. He’s had such a strong impact on me for most of my life. Its extremely sad, especially knowing he wanted this comeback, the fans were still there buying tickets (London shows sold out in three days). Sometimes I’m looking at his pictures not even thinking sad thoughts and start to cry, other times just proud/happy that I was always there–behind him 1000%
Many of him fans are writing on Jermaine Jackson’s blog–much support for Michael and Jermaines mission. Theres an article entitled ‘We killed Michael Jackson’ by Tamara Conniff who talks about the media being responsible for his death, lots of coverage but at least he’s getting the credit he deserves for the good articles written. The above author also talks about the fact that more could of been done, several people tried but then gave up too soon. Its fustrating because what can the fans really do–hang out beside the grounds-we never get to make a real impact.
Recently I bought Invincible, History, Blood on the Dance Floor and Dangerous. Unbelieveably good songs. Not all reporters and some tribue magazines are saying nice things about him, they should be ashamed. Its terrible when they make fun of his skin disease. I too have a disability and it can’t be helped.
The fans all know that these accusations were ridiculous and I never sven read anything about it until recently. He’s the last person that would ever hurt children. I only read the reviews of a book written about the trials.
Some fans want Neverland opened to the public, with tours for the fans to see everything he held dear. Like his awards. Maybe Jermaine was listening, I know must be in dream land.
And yes, I love him music, his dancing, his pictures, his voice, his shyness…………………………………………………………………..
i love michael jackson and want to see the interview oprah gave, will she have it on again soon because i would like to tape it.
I just want Oprah to know that nobody is born perfect in this world and no one has the right to be judgemental towards anyone. This is a free world withot borders. Its round…so what goes around comes around.
Just because she is Oprah dosent give her the right to be sitting in her comfy red sofa and playing GOD and having the plasure of the whole world watching and thingking that they are her beliver.
I admit that she has done so much for charity and its good but she ought to know that MICHAEL JACKSON has done MUCH MORE.
He has his name in the World Book OF Guiness Record.
Its not like the whole world is free of plastic surgery…Even she has done it before. Just because she cant turn white that dosent give her the right to condemn anyone else. He has stated clearly about the skin decease and is she deaf and blind to comprehend it. Just because she thinks that she can talk she talks far too much.
She dont have to pretend to say something nice about Michael when its not comming from her heart. So she can just shut up.
Let her know that Michael is GOD to many people around the world. He have a great impact on us. We love him very very very much. No matter what happens he will always stay embedded in our hearts. Nothing she says or any other followers of her can make us melt. She ought to just keep her mouth shut rather then commenting on others and loosing her popularity because of her dirty, filthy mouth. Oprah please have the sensitivity towards a soul that has passed on. Its a sin to talk about people that are in gods hands.
MICHAEL…RIP and You still have us to always love you till the end.
Not impressed with Oprah or Obama regarding an innocent man michael Jackson and their silence. Any doubters need to read redemption by geraldine hughes, mary fischer article for GQ, conspiracy by aphrodite Jones and the untold story of neverland dvd by Larry Nimmer.See:
zimbio.comMicheal Jackson Accuser Jordon Chandler takes father to Court
Anticipating what Oprah has to say about Michael Jackson this week. Hope everyone is wrong and that she sincerely cared for the one of a kind…heart of gold Michael Jackson. It will also let me see who Oprah really is and the spirit that dwells within her heart.
Lawd have mercy – Oprah Winfrey! You upsetting a load of people with your no comment attitude. But I will tell you why you have not said anything – you a wannabe and afraid of what people will say about you. Jealous, because although you do give charity work, Michael Jackson put the barrier so high without even trying to. People are not talking about YOU.
Every other artist or celeb can give recognition of why they see themselves where they are today.
If you were in Michael Jackson’s shoes I think you would have ‘broke’ a very long time ago. You see he was black and so are you, he was abused and so were you. You always chiping about how you overcame abuse, etc etc. He never gave up no matter what, how, why people hated, all the judgement, accusations, and say so. He remained constant on his reasons and never changed from it whether it was understood or not. He embraced love and showed love. He was never afraid to show emotion.
You cannot distance your colour honey, your race and who you are because it will always be there.
So for the sake of YOUR fans and those who love Michael Jackson, speak out – show your emotions (if you have any) and give your condolences.
I’ve been to your website and yes there are candid comments on rememering Michael Jackson via your interview with him, but it’s much more people are looking for from you.
Michael Jackson currently is a very ’sensitive’ topic. He is loved by many all around the world.
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I think your great Opera. Like the saying goes,”You can’t please all the people all the time and you can’t please some of the people no matter how hard you try!”
Just keep being you and that is enough to please most of us.
Oprah has become so fake. i don’t know if that’s what money does. All she doess is for publicity. Do you know how many celebrities and ordinary people go out and donate to charities? They don’t have cameras follow them.