Jackson Family Speaks Out, BET Awards Honor MichaelJackson Family Speaks Out, BET Awards Honor Michael
June 29, 2009
As the weekend unfolded with non-stop Michael Jackson coverage on television and his music permeating the radio airwaves, his family released an official statement to fans thanking them for the outpouring of support. The family issued the statement on Saturday, which read, "In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter. Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times. We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you — who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever."
Meanwhile, family patriarch Joseph Jackson and sister Janet were on hand at Sunday night's BET Awards, which focused heavily on tributes to Michael. The ceremony, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, kicked off with New Edition singing the Jackson 5's "ABC" and "The Love You Save." Host Jamie Foxx took the stage wearing Jackson's outfit from the "Beat It" video and performed a dance sequence from the video before moonwalking across the stage. In the front row, Joe Jackson watched performances by Beyonce, Jay-Z, The O'Jays and more, most of whom said kind words about Michael and highlighted his influence on their own careers. Ciara also performed Jackson's "Heal The World" and Ne-Yo did the King of Pop's "Lady In My Life."
Toward the end of the show, Janet surprised the crowd by taking the stage to say a few words. "My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful, so they elected me to be here," the teary-eyed Janet told the audience. "To you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family, and he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love. Thank you for all of your support, we miss him so much."
She was followed by Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo singing a heartfelt duet of the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There," while pictures of Jackson were displayed on a video screen.
Meanwhile, the exact cause of death remains a mystery. Even though the autopsy was completed, the Los Angeles Coroner's Office won't rule on the cause of death for several weeks until toxicology and other additional testing has been completed. Chief Coroner Craig Harvey said on Friday afternoon at a news conference that more tests have been ordered and will take approximately four to six weeks, but authorities have found no evidence of external trauma or foul play. Harvey said that prescription medication was present in Michael's system, but they don't know whether those drugs were involved in his death.
In other Jackson news, Sony/ATV Music Publishing said it will keep control of the publishing rights to more than 200 Beatles songs, in which Michael owned a 50 percent stake. Michael famously paid $47.5 million in 1985 for the catalog, outbidding Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono. But the purchase caused a rift between Michael and Sir Paul, and Britain's Daily Mirror reported in January that Jackson planned to leave the Beatles rights to McCartney in his will to make amends. However, whether or not Michael did so was never confirmed, and a source told Bloomberg News that Sony/ATV will continue to hold the Lennon and McCartney catalog.
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