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Michael Jackson - Source: Reuters -
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Michael Jackson's sudden death at the age of 50 brought reactions from across the entertainment world and elsewhere. Below are some of those reactions.
- Music producer Quincy Jones, who collaborated with Jackson on
three of his best-selling albums, "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and
"Bad," said in a statement:
"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at this young age, I just don't have the words.
He added: "He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today and part of my soul has gone with him." - Jackson's sister, Janet, was grief stricken and devastated at
the sudden loss of her brother and flying back to California to be
with her family, according to a statement released through her
manager.
- Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of rock great Elvis Presley and
who was married to Jackson in the mid-1990s, said in a
statement:
"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me.
- Actress Brooke Shields, a longtime friend of the "King of Pop,"
said in a statement released through her publicist:
"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing."
- Pop star Madonna told People magazine: "I can't stop crying
over the sad news ... I have always admired Michael Jackson. The
world has lost one of the greats but his music will live on
forever. My heart goes out to his 3 children and other members of
his family. God bless."
- Representatives for actress Elizabeth Taylor, another of the
singer's longtime friends, said she was "too devastated by the
passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at
this time" but promised one later.
- Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, who performed Jackson's
1991 hit "Black or White," said: "Really sad news about Michael. He
was talent from on high."
- Entertainer Liza Minnelli told Entertainment Tonight: "He was a
kind, genuine and wonderful man. He was also one of the greatest
entertainers that ever lived. I loved him very much and I will miss
him every remaining day of my life."
- Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy, the
group that organizes the Grammy Awards, said in a statement:
"Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility and sheer star power carried him from childhood to world wide acclaim.
"A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael's career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories."
- Rudy Clay, mayor of Jackson's hometown, Gary, Indiana, called
Jackson the "world's greatest entertainer," who had made Gary
proud.
"Wherever a person from Gary, Indiana, went in the world, people would say, 'That's Michael Jackson's home town.' So Michael helped Gary just by being from Gary," Clay told the Chicago Tribune. - Rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy said that Jackson had raised standards of music and performance to new heights, but was a victim of the culture of celebrity. "Jackson probably died of a broken heart and a broken soul. ... He was a victim of the drug of celebrity and he was never trained to wean himself off it."
- Motown Records founder Berry Gordy said in a statement that he was shocked beyond words to hear of Jackson's death. "Its like a dream - a bad dream. This cannot be! How can Michael Jackson not be here?" Gordy said.
- Filmmaker Steven Spielberg told Entertainment Weekly magazine: "Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend."
- Disco star Donna Summer, in an interview with CNN, said Jackson's death came as a total shock. Of Jackson's talents as a performer, Summer said: "His greatness was perfection. Michael was one of those people who wouldn't stop until he was perfect and he would keep going after that."
- Spoon-bender Uri Geller, long a close friend of Jackson, said
of the entertainer's life and death: "He lost his childhood, it was
gone, finished. And then the trauma of suddenly becoming so famous,
becoming a legend, becoming a millionaire, this is hard."
What's your reaction to Michael Jackson's death? Discuss it on the message board below. Or if you have a special story to share about him email us at interactivenews@tvnz.co.nz
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Post new commentmotukowhai said on 2009-07-08 @ 22:20 NZDT: Report abusive post
"If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then the pain, sorrow, failure and short life would be a calamity; but if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective." Quote by President Spencer W. Kimball. Take your rest now Michael and do so in peace.
Vaai said on 2009-07-08 @ 14:01 NZDT: Report abusive post
REST IN PEACE KING OF THE POP WE LOVE YOU
jaxlino said on 2009-07-08 @ 12:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
the media killed the princess and they did the same thing with Michael, do they have any respect? now Michael can rest and just watch upon his children ..i saw Miss Rowe being pressured by the media and gosh thats how much in your face they are!! they darn right wanna know your business..I know it's their job but they don't need to ruin peoples lives.. michael i have three words for you.. "GO GET EM"
jaxlino said on 2009-07-08 @ 12:22 NZDT: Report abusive post
RIP my friend, and hope you haunt the media stalkers.. they ***** with your life now it's your turn for revenge..sad to say I honestly and personally think he topped himself because of the media on his tail constantly and they let the whole world know his business, we loved his music, his children and his family not his personal indepth life, he was tired and couldn't fight no more, he had a huge debt that no-one gave a toss about, and now hes gone, all the media is like poor michael... whatever!
boyracer said on 2009-07-08 @ 11:00 NZDT: Report abusive post
Some people will always look at the negative side of things! Thats just the way they are. MJ was a VERY talented individual (Not just a singer and dancer), His message is in his songs (which comes from the heart). I was watching the memorial service this morning and thinking to myself how many people he touched on positively and what he means to them. His music will no doubt live on, and people will know in 20+ years who sang his songs!