(eurweb.com) – In a statement to reporters at UCLA Medical Center, Jermaine Jackson spoke about the death of his brother, pop music icon Michael Jackson.
“His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate my brother, as did paramedics who transported him to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Upon arriving at the hospital at approximately 1:14 p.m., a team of highly skilled doctors, including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for a period of more than one hour but were unsuccessful. Our family requests that the media respect our privacy during this tragic period of time.”
Crowds of hundreds had already been gathering at the hospital and were playing his music and keeping vigil while cable news channels and media outlets were reporting conflicting accounts of his medical status. TMZ.com was the first to report of his death based on sources. Their posting went up at 5:20 p.m. EST, several minutes earlier than his reported time of death.
By the time news of Jackson’s passing was being confirmed by the Los Angeles Times and CBS News, radio stations had ditched their normal playlists to play Jackson’s songs, celebrities had taken to Twitter to express their thoughts, BET’s “106 & Park” audience was in tears and MTV was airing the entire 13 min 41 sec “Thriller” video in his memory.
An Associated Press reporter who happened to be in New York’s Times Square’s said there was a noticeable “loud moan” reaction when the Jumbotron announced that Jackson was confirmed dead.
TMZ reported that Elton John was in the midst of his annual “White Tie and Tiara Ball” when he was informed of Jackson’s death. He reportedly dedicated his song “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” to Michael, as guests Liz Hurley, Hugh Grant, Lily Allen, and Kelly Osbourne looked on.
Rev. Al Sharpton stepped outside of the Apollo Theater in Harlem to talk about Jackson’s legacy. Above him, the venue’s world iconic marquee was changed to mark Jackson’s death. Behind him, a crowd of several hundred had gathered.
“Incredible Hulk” star Lou Ferrigno, recently Michael’s trainer for his upcoming tour, and his wife, Carla, were both distraught upon hearing the sad news. Carla, crying, told TMZ: “He was so great and we all loved him. Lou can’t even form words right now — he’s in total shock … he thought he was going to be training Michael tomorrow. He was planning on flying back to Los Angeles to do it. He’s very shocked right now. Michael was so cute and sweet — he didn’t deserve this.”
MiJac’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame had been covered up most of the day Thursday by red carpet in preparation for the premiere of Sasha Baron Cohen’s new movie “Bruno,” so fans began leaving flowers at the star belonging to British talk show host Michael Jackson.
Debbie Rowe, the mother of two of Jackson’s three kids, was said to be “inconsolable” according to TMZ. The Web site noted that she gave up all parental rights to the two children — Paris and Michael Jr. Therefore she is not legally in line to take custody.
The following statements have been released regarding Jackson’s death:
• Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson’s legendary “Thriller” album: “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the 80’s. To this day, the music we created together on “Off The Wall,” ‘Thriller” and “Bad” is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. 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 former publicist Michael Levine: “As someone who served as Michael Jackson’s publicist during the 1st child molestation incident, I must confess I am not surprised by today’s tragic news. Michael has been on an impossibly difficult and often self-destructive journey for years. His talent was unquestionable but so too was his discomfort with the norms of the world. A human simply can not withstand this level of prolonged stress.’
• Longtime friend Liza Minnelli: “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.”
• The Recording Academy CEO/President Neil Portnow: “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 worldwide claim. 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. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news, and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss.”
• Reverend Al Sharpton: A friend of Michael’s for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in the hour. I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family.
• Dick Clark, host of the old “American Bandstand”: “I knew Michael as a child and watched him grow over the years. Of all the thousands of entertainers I have worked with, Michael was THE most outstanding. Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched.”
• Russell Simmons: “Michael Jackson was my generation’s most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He’ll be missed greatly.”
• California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: “Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Though there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe.”
• Dionne Warwick, singer and Jackson’s friend: “We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow that they are now going through. He will live on in my memory and most definitely through the music he shared with so many.”
• Madonna: “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 three children and other members of his family. God bless.”
• Lisa Marie Presley, who was briefly married to Jackson in the mid-1990s: “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.”
• Brooke Shields, who briefly dated Jackson: “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.”
• Gary, Ind., Mayor Rudy Clay: “Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, and our hearts are heavy, heavy here. Michael Jackson was the world’s greatest entertainer but more than that, he was a great humanitarian and a great, humble individual. The people of Gary, our hearts are full of tears because of the loss of Michael Jackson.”
• Elizabeth Taylor, one of Jackson’s closest and longstanding friends, was “too devastated” to issue a statement, her rep tells People.com She rushed to the singer’s side at UCLA Medical Center when she was called Thursday about his grave condition.
CELEBRITY TWEETS
• John Mayer: Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ. I think we’ll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player.
• Miley Cyrus: michael jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings
• Ludacris: If it were not for Micheal Jackson I would not be where or who I am today.His Music and Legacy will live on Forever.Prayers to the famR.I.P.
• MC Hammer: I have no words.. I loved Michael Jackson.. RIP.. [A second tweet stated., “I will be mourning my friend, brother, mentor and inspiration… He gave me and my family hope. I would never have been without him.”]
• Kelly Rowland: Michael you left such a legacy on this earth, have touched SO MANY!!! We thank you for such a driving inspiration in music & our lives!! This has got to be one of the saddest days in music history!! Michael Rest In Peace! WE miss you!
• Demi Moore: “I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!”
• Ashton Kutcher:”Pray for his kids.”
• Wyclef Jean: “he lives forever in my heart i will never forget the day he came to see me in the studio and i played him music… R i p to Michael Jackson my music god … Some lost Elvis Presley and we lost Michael Jackson… I cried today because Michael Jackson was a Father that we all lost!”
