Michael Jackson Memorial
Is it safe to turn on the TV yet? Earlier today there was nothing on any of the channels except the Michael Jackson memorial. I know his death has been a major media event from the start, but we’re at a week and a half now since his passing, and there’s no sign of the coverage letting up.
First, there was all the speculation surrounding his death and autopsy. Then there was speculation about whether or not he had a will and who would control his estate. Then there were rumors about his debts vs. assets. Then there was this star-studded televised memorial with the worldwide lottery to determine who could get tickets.
You’d think that would be all, but I’m sure there’s more to come. The coroner will release a final cause of death, and if it turns out that Jackson accidentally overdosed, then there’s going to be lots more coverage. And what kind of term life insurance rates and policies do you think a guy worth an estimated $500 million had at the time of his death? Would his policies become void if it’s proven that he overdosed?
And let’s not forget the children here. To us outsiders, Jackson was a spectacle, a superstar, sometimes a freak show. But to his kids, he was “the best father in the world”, as 11-year-old Paris said during the memorial. How are they going to handle all of this?
Looks like the tabloids will continue to feed on Jackson’s death for months and months to come.
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, Pool)