Why do rich and famous people not have their legal affairs in order when they have so much money for wills, trusts, custody issues, etc. Why do people leave such a mess? The lawyers will end up with a lot of the money anyway. It seems like a common situation.

Reverend Sharpton shows up to "manage" anything and everything that happens in the African-American segment of the US population. Maybe that is what his mission in life is but it looks a little opportunistic to me. As long as the family wants him there to do this then I see nothing wrong with it. If the family does not want him there to manage all this then he needs to step back graciously and let them run the show.

Sharpton as usual is trying to stick himself in the front of the camera.
Shouldn't Michael's manager and the attorneys be the ones to handle all of the issues? He and Joe Jackson should ride on the same sinking ship, and leave Michael to the people he trusted, his manager, and his attorney, not someone that Joe has chosen and certainly not the good Reverend Sharpton who has not done anything for Michael. I do not understand why they seem to think that they know all about MJ, after all they were not there with him. Michael had very little to do with his father. It seems to me like Joe is waiting on the autopsy report to see if there is someone he can sue for money for his record business and the Reverend is just wanting to spouting off for the cameras. No one will forget what Michael has done for music, civil rights, or world cultures. They would certainly enjoy more of Michael at this time without the 2 of them sticking the noses in front of the cameras.

I don't know why they want to bring up the racial thing. After all, when you hear MJ on the radio, you don't think about his color, you just think abouth the music and the words of his songs. I have never seen a less racially motivated performer. MJ just did his thing because he had a gift from God and put it to the use that he was supposed to. I don't remember ever seeing him say "look at me, I'm black" and that makes me a better musician, dancer, etc. He just did his entertaining for everyone.

Our media doesn't feel that there are any more important things to report on; besides Michael Jackson? What a joke! Let him rest and let IT rest

Here we go again, Al Sharpton sticking his nose into other peoples lives just so he can keep his name in the spotlight.

Thank you Jamie Foxx for letting white people share in the joy of the music from 'your' black man michael jackson.

Looks again that money makes the world go around. How sad. Such is this life...or....can we change it? Let us think about his children and his message in his music and pray he rest in peace.

I think that Rev Sharpton has thus far shown himself to be doing what he says; getting the message out about Michael and reminding us of who he was in all he did. He was the first black artist on MTV. He started foundations; he raised money with We are the World. It is important that we remember the good, the music and the contributions that he made to improve the world. Thus far Rev Sharpton has been the only one doing it.

Exactly!
Nan ~ June 30th, 2009 4:43 pm ET, put it just the way it is, I feel the same way.

Joe, please, please leave Michael alone!!

Al Sharpton really creeps me out! So does Joe Jackson...this whole thing with Michael Jackson's life and his family reeks of abuse, control, secrets, lies...the whole thing just stinks.

Poor Michael, can't even Rest In Peace.....

Anything that Shapton is involved with loses credibility. It becomes a joke. Did everyone see Jessie Jackson hanging on as well? Losers both of them

Just the other day Sharpton was campaigning to get David Letterman fired – or so it seemed. Otherwise, if it is black he drops his media seeking attention for the colour of ... well you know. Joe Jackson has obviously been deranged in raising his children and obviously Katherine took off for her own benefit, so what's your point? I think it is pretty clear. I hope that Michael's children gets far away from Joe Jackson as possible. He only wants the money, and I hope the governess stays in the picture as the closest mother they might have ever known. It would be hard for me to distance myself from them in her position.

I have heard people close to MJ say he was surrounded by leaches his entie life. Seems like his death wont be much different.
Is this really what we want Michael Jackson to be remembered by?
I prefer to remember the extraordinary artist not the legal s**t storm left behind.
Rest in PEACE Michael.

Let the man RIP.

I'm empty. Cannot read anymore of this tragedy.

Isn't there a way to just sue Sharpton for blatant HYPOCRISY, and put him out everyone's misery?

Well said Nan!

Isn't this what Michael had tried to avoid his entire life – people micro-managing him and sticking their noses in his business? It's true that I didn't know him, but I can understand what it's like to have people in your life that are negative influences and that are only out to profit or benefit from you in some way.

I think what should truly happen, is the will should be probated, and have the lawyers dictate what was written in his will... no matter what it says, it's his last will and testament, and is his legal and binding wishes for his estate.

For once, think of Michael before yourself.

I don't understand why people let Al Sharpton insert himself into their private business. What does he have to do with anything related to Michael Jackson?! Please, please make him go away. Please Anderson, stop talking to him.

Also, I found Jamie Foxx's performance on BET awards insulting to Michael Jackson and his family. His comments were also racists. Michael belonged to NO ONE, but he touched EVERYONE!

Who remembersTawanna Brawley?

How is he an opportunist? I don't get that. I respect Rev. Al Sharpton for allowing us to focus on the fact that Michael Jackson was not weird, he was a genius. And if someone can debate that, then they can't.

Even in death Michael is a site of controversy and media frenzy! I'm glad he's gone and won't ever witness these shameful acts by all. God rest his soul for no one can ever hurt Michael again!

In times of grief, a family, especially a Super Star like Michael Jackson's, needs to help fielding the calls and requests while they put theie energy towards taking care of Michael's needs. I haven't heard anyone mention that across the world everyone applauds Michael Jackson's life and not one drop of violence.

It is my opinion that the removal of anything from the Jackson compound before a Will was located, is suspicious at best. The premises, again in my opinion, should have been "sealed" and guarded until direction for legal distribution was determined. A video of all belongings should have been made by "independant" bonded witnesses, an itemized list of each item removed and signatures for each item received obtained. This is a high profile case and should be handled as such. So far, not so in my opinion and according to the news reports!

It seems that the Rev likes the lime light....kind of like Judge Ito.

Al Sharpton and Joe Jackson both need to take a seat. Al is like a fly to dong, and I have no respect for a father speaking of some record label that his 80-year old self is trying to create while his son has just lost his life and his grandchildren have lost their father. I don't need Al Sharpton to keep Michael's musical legacy alive. It's alive in me every time I hear one of his songs. Just shut up already, and turn the music up. It speaks volumes for itself.

The family should be concentrating on what killed their son.
And who is responsible for his death. There are too many suspicious people employed by Michael Jackson–the main man is Miko Brando.
Miko Brando knows more than he is acknowledging on tv.

I really can't see the Jackson family allowing anyone to take advantage of them. Has anyone ever thought that Al Sharpton is doing exactly what the Jackson family has asked him to do and what they need him to do. He is no stranger to that family. Give them some credit, please.

The "Rev" is just like Joe Jackson. He is an oppertunist. He takes advantage of any lime light to promote "his" agenda. Joe and the Rev are riding on Michael Jackson's coat tails. Birds of a feather flock together.

ever thought MJ would pull a Tupac on us? staging his death for all the succes that a dead MJ would bring? giving irony to the term re-birth?

CNN can we move on now????????????????????????????????

What a circus. where were all these people who want the best interest of Michaels to be guarded ,when he was alive ! OMG he isnt even buried yet. I hope it setltles down especially for the children. Maybe Debbie Rowe would be the best choice . They all seem so money hungry. Its sad. Penny S . Indiana

I've been intrigued by the whole Michael Jackson media coverage ever since his tragic and untimely death. I always considered him a gifted talent, and a beautifully sensitive person who was victim to many nasty parasites who took advantage of his kind nature.
It is (1) surprising to me that people expect such a genius to be orderly and conservative in his personal life and yet exceptionally creative in his professional one, and (2) as a result of watching the BET and the Apollo tributes, I am negatively impressed with the racial statements made by the black presenters. It is my opinion that Jackson is not being represented by them. They are stepping backwards in the efforts to blur racial borders. Michael did the opposite.

This is the most The Jacksons have had air time since The Jackson 5. Its to bad it took this to bring them out

I am confused as to why REV Sharpton and/or REV Jackson would be treated as if they had any official capacity in this Michael Jackson circus. Wasn't Michael a Jehovah's Witness?

Why is CNN pandering to this total idiot? Whenever there's bad news about a black person, from the ultimately false Duke rape accusations, to the Jena 6 (who went on to commit other crimes) to MJ, he does all he can to grab media center stage and exploit things. Sharpton has spent his life making bad situations worse, and profiting in the process. I'm no Obama fan, but at least he doesn't blame racism, slavery, et al for every bad thing that happens to a black person. Usually the only racism around Sharpton is his own.

this is such a historical moment in our life time that the news on it will be never ending for some time to come. Keep up the good work Andreson !

Two words: Tawana Brawley
If you know anything about that case, you know all you need to about Al Sharpton.

@Mike, Syracuse, NY

Mike, too bad you'll never get a job with CNN or HLN, and we're the worse for it. You always make insightful comments.

Media circus indeed. I am sorry about MJ. However, can the media, including CNN cover Iran? Iraq? N. Korea? Honduras? Healthcare? Global warning? It seems as if all these vital stories have just dropped off the edge of the world since a superstar died.

Again, I am truely sorry about MJ, but please cover all the news that is important.

Thanks,

personally , i think al sharpton and jesse jackson should butt out of this matter all together. come on folks, mom at target and dad promoting blu ray!!!! . sounds like mourning to me. michael j we all miss and love you, RIP MJ. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.

Anderson, This RN mentioned that she never heard about Diprivan (propofol), if she is a Nurse Practitioner she should know about this medication. Why did she decide to berak "her silence' today.
This medication is used mainly in patients in the ICU who are mechanically intubated to elicit a sedtaive effect.

Joe Jackson should be locked in a bell tower, he damaged all of his kids and ultimately set-up the demons that drove MJ to his grave. How tacky, to use tributes and heart-felt grief for (your son) as your moment to peddle your pathetic music label, is he suffering from alzheimers or is he jst an ahole?

I'm black and I've always thought Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson and the lot are a bunch of race-baiters and slime bags. Always looking for a race war to keep their checks coming and their 15 minutes of fame. However, I had started to think since MJ's death this is the most respectable I've seen Al Sharpton ever. Then he stood next to the "Prince of Darkness" AKA Joe Jackson.

By the way I do remember remember Tawanna Brawley, what a fiasco. I was ashamed.

Chuck- Why you guys would give this fake time and cred is beyond me.....How your unit could go from HEROS and VETERANS type work to loud mouths is beyond me and sad.

If "Rev" was for real he wouldnt have to parade arund a 20 yr old picture of him and MJ. Or, kiss Joe's a$$ in fron tof the cameras.

So sad.....cover news and infomation-not play into this joke.

If a camera appears, out come the Rev. Al and the Rev. Jesse. Folks, this is NOT a "what would Jesus do?" moment, but pure self gratification on both their parts. And yes, wonderful point, Jenny- Michael Jackson was a Jehovah's Witness! Not even their professed religion! Where in their training did it say "be whatever is in the news! Just get on the TV!!!!" This makes me ill. Two weeks ago, poor Michael Jackson was nothing short of a cautionary tale. Now he is God. Maybe that is why the Revs showed up.

I don't understand y people keep tryin 2 make michael look bad. I shouldn't matter if he there father or not. He took care of them from day 1. Those people just want the kids because of the money and his mother ain't about 2 have that. Ya'll need 2 leave michael along. He did nothing 2 nobody and ya'll treating him like a bad person.and it shouldn't matter if he change his skin color. He STILL BLACK no matter what. So 2 all ya'll who keep puttin him down will get nowhere. Never make a person look like nothing cause u ain't nothing and didn't have what he had...

It was really sad to hear Michael passed away. He really did a lot of good for the world. He had heart, loved people and always gave. Why not look at that instead of all the negativity around. Maybe he was or may he was not the father of the three children, but he was probably a better father for them then most men out there. He protected them, gave them love, respected their privacy. He did not want them to be a "show" like he was. D.Rowe gave up her interest in the children completely. What mother could do that. Katherine Jackson loves the children, they should be with her (especially now that Joe does not live with her). LET MICHAEL REST IN PEACE.

I think if Michael was looking down right now it would sadden him even more to see his father opening up about his future plans and Rev. Al Sharpton's comments about being black (RACISM)–they need to look at Michael Jackson who was not a racist, I didnt get to watch the BET Awards but was told how there was racism added into the awards, how sad that is. Rev. Al Sharpton just needed his 5 minutes of fame, I found it really funny that he fly's clear to New York to be at the Michael Jackson tribute at the Apollo, seems like there could have been a better person out there that could have represented Michael Jackson. God will bless him well, this is my second ICON in my life time lost and one was white one was born black and to me they were both human and I dont judge one on their color I judge them on their music their talent as everyone should even Rev Al Sharpton.Janet Jackson was the closet of anyone of the family members and I pray she gets some of the control over his estate....Denise from Florida.....

someone mentioned miko brando, one of marlon brando's sons. what does he have anything to do with this?

I hope this will not be a prelude to the content of Soledad's 'Black In America 2'

As a Black woman, I would like to say that Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are NOT the spokepersons for ALL Black people! I am so sick of them popping up to give their opinion on ANYTHING that has to do with a Black person as if they are the authority!

Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, "Just leave him (MJ) alone!" As he said in his song!!

This was the second straight night of Anderson Cooper 's nearly wall-to-wall "coverage" of the MJ story. Not that he's much different from Larry King, MSNBC, etc. I'm new to cable TV, and stil don't know what to make of CNN careening between what sometimes appears to be serious TV journalism (the Iran story) and devolving into a Tabloid of the Air (the MJ circus). It must be tricky to fill an hour show with about 10 minutes' worth of "news", at about the level of reality TV or Fox.

It is amazing how many termites come out of the woodwork when there is the possibility of a dollar involved. Where were all these supporters and big names when Jackson was in trouble and crisis – where were they then~ Nancy Grace said God will judge Michael Jackson – that same God will judge the rest of you too!

I feel sooooo much saddness in my heart for a man who died so young, and was sooooooooo full of pain. Michael Jackson expressed for all the world to hear about the abuse he suffered, both emotionally and physically from his father. It explains why he made choices in his adult life that many of us shook our heads at. I hope Micheal has found peace now, and all the pain he carried throughout his life here on earth, is gone forever.
R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Thank God Michael Jackson can be in a place now where he doesn't have to put up with listening to and going through anymore BS!!!! This is Unbelievable what is going on now after this loving mans death. Just goes to show what a Pathetic world we really do live in.

I TRULY hope and pray that people can Remeber who he Really was. Obviously he was not only an AMAZING entertainer, but an AMAZINGLY Loving, and Caring man!!

I will NEVER forget you Mr. Michael Jackson!!
The World TRULY Loves You!!

I can't take all the rick a mond roe about the biggest man in the world i feel so bad about the passing of Michael Jackson I just pray that they let him rest in peace Michael Jackson you forever be loved and missed by the universe because he was loved ny the world

There are clearly two sides to this Michael Jackson tragedy. The positive reports versus the negative reports. Anderson Cooper who did a fabulous job during the Obama campaign has lost many points during this Jackson family ordeal. The reportings and interviews done up to today on your show could be determine as done in bad taste. However now to question the biological relationship of those poor children to who they know as their father, and may I remind you, were on the scene when he passed, is just despicable journalism. There is a good chance those children could hear these reports by watching your program. Ironically the unethical practice of reporting for ratings contributed to put Michael into a depressed state at times, and now to prey on the children who called him father? Shame on you!

J.Jackson and Sharpton.....what a discrace. taking and making a profit on one of the our world's greatest artists. This is solely about MICHAEL not you....he was put on this earth for a purpose and it seems to be that his talent and performances was his purpose. He is indeed a child of God.

I was adopted and the only parents I knew were the parents who raised me. MJ's kids are his and his alone. Those beautiful children only know MJ as their father. Can't you just leave it alone and let MJ rest in peace. God bless his wonderful mother and the rest of the family. Especially the kids.

Michael Jackson was our angel here on earth and now he litterly is an angel we all love you Michael and you will always live in our hearts we shared more then just an entertainer/fan relationship you were family Michael once made a statement that he was here to make others happy but i am ashamed that the U.S. didn't give him the happiness and love that he truly deserved it took him dying in order to get any kind of love and respect I wish he were here to see it all another great gone to soon the worlds biggest and best forever an angel

Just a poem from glen

michael jackson, yea you were bad,
truth be know you were really sad.
dad he pushed you, never were a child,
fame got to you,got much to wild.
success and money,what did it do?
truth be known dad because of you.
take pauls songs,that was really wrong,
the beatles are sacred can't buy them up,
oh michael jackson,much to abrubt.
king of pop,oh this is true was it really worth it ,
or the end of you? michael jackson, you were the man,
the drugs got to you ,was that in your plan?
the world will grieve, cause you were the best, but now its over
god let him rest.

Sharpton is very articulate. I love hearing him speak. He has always stuck beside MJ through everything. It is said MJ made bad choices about the company he kept, Al Sharpton was not in that inner circle but at the same time he did his best to make sure the right type of light shined on our superstar.

Has anyone ever seen buzzards circling road kill?

i feel very bad for michael jackson's family, but i feel worse for his children, i have watched all of this unfolding and cannot believe that nobody is in fear for his children. michael himself has said on tv on numerous occasions that he was physically and mentally abused by his father, which is one of the many reasons he was like he was in his life, however, now, the poor children are in the care of his mother, who was obviously unable, or unwilling to stop the abuse of her own children while they were growing up, now it seems that his father will be able to raise his own children, who may or may not be his own, and possibly do what he did to his own children, michael jackson is not even buried yet and his dad who abused him horribly is already trying to once again make millions off of his son, enough is enough, cant social services, or perhaps the children's mother finally step in and put the children before fame and fortune?????

Can we all let this pass? The guy was a talented individual who had challenges in his life. He meant well in all of his dealings and now the vultures are going to make this a circus!

Al Sharpton is a hack....what a looser...

Anderson, as a registered nurse myself and based on Mr. Jackson's status the night prior to his death, a lethal injection of something have to be the only logical explanation for this sudden turn of events. Now, we must figure out who is lying, Dr. Murray or that Nurse Practitioner!!

Al Sharpton, what a joke!

He always comes out when there is controversary so he can
make even more controversary.

Michael knew he was African American, he only tried
so hard to alter his appearance because, as a young teen his father
told him he was ugly and had a flat nose.
Michael is loved and appreciated so widely because Michael
broke racial barriers, he loved everyone, no matter what they looked like,
irony is that the way Michael loved people is the way his father should have loved and accepted him.
Michael was just a cash cow/meal ticket for his pathetic excuse for a father...

There seems to be much evidence that Michael Jackson suffered from Lupus. There have been many reports of him suffering from the disease since the mid 80s. In 2003 he attended a Lupus LA fundraiser. In October, 2007 "sources close to the pop star" told Fox news that he had Lupus. After Michael's death, spiritual teacher and medical doctor Deepak Chopra told People Magazine that his longtime friend Michael Jackson suffered from Lupus for many years. There are numerous pictures of him with what could easily be a Lupus rash on his face. Lupus might explain his avoidance of the sun, his rumored drug use, or some of his erratic behavior.

So, the question is, why are none of the major news outlets covering this story? Why is nobody investigating these reports? I can only guess it is because the story of a superstar abusing drugs for recreation is a far more tantalizing story than a man suffering decades with chronic pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, etc. and using medications to try to get through each day like hundreds of thousands of us do every day.

I for one can very much relate to balancing a fear for your safety and life with the desperation to ease the pain and suffering. Taking a little more medication than last time because you just have to get some relief and rest but being terrified that this time it would be too much.

If this is what happened to Michael Jackson, the world should know about it! Not only does he deserve the truth but it will save lives! And, even if his Lupus had nothing to do with his death, the awareness that could be brought to a disease that desperately needs it, while filling in a missing piece of the Michael Jackson puzzle would be world changing! Please cover this story!

To AMB 1433

Amen to your blogg...
So Sad,
but so very true...

Joe Jackson="Prince of Darkness"

Michael was nothing more than a cash cow for him and now Michael's
kids will be also...
God bless Mrs. Jackson.

Anderson Cooper,

Would you please, please,please submit Michael's will
on tomorrow's program?

All of Michael's fans would love and appreciate seeing in black and white what Joseph Jackson did NOT get...

Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson,

They are just riding that GRAVY train again with Joe Jackson
beside them smiling all the way.
Joe Jackson can't greive, that comes naturally, without thought and one
cannot control greif, especially one day after your son's death.
Shame on you Joe Jackson, you are not fooling anyone, and certainly
not God.

i think that really the media shuld respect the fact that a legend is gone and that his family is grieving...he was a good person inside and out regardless what the media had said about him.his family has been through good and bad times and i feel like for a young female like myself Micheal should be well respected,to many he was a role model and regardless of his race he mad music that went to your soul.so i Jasmine Alexander from Baltimore will say that i wish that God rest his soul and that he is a true Legend to me.and i really wish that the media show a lot more respect.........thankxxxxx

I notice that none of the media have touched on Michael Jackson's religious upbringing and the religious beliefs of MJ.s parents. I was raised in the Jehovah Witness religion and I am no longer part of that cult. I'm sorry to offend anyone's religious beliefs out there, but I know for a fact from first hand experience and from the research I have conducted that being part of that particular denomination causes a large majority of its congregation a great deal of life miseries. This does not include all of Jehovahs Witness' but like I said there a great deal of them who have sufferred numerous life challenges as a result of practicing this religion. There are several books on the subject , one titled 'Jehovah Witnesses and Mental Illness'. One example of a belief by Jehovah's Witnesses is that statutory holidays such as 'July 4th. ' are not observed due to the connection to politics and wordly events, so the fact that Michael's memorial services being held on that weekend is not an issue for the Jackson Family, as they do not celebrate this holiday according to their beliefs. I have observed numerous members from this particular religious group and have found that many of them become rebellious in nature against their beliefs, perform numerous offenses and such. I work in the area of social sciences working with persons from many diverse backgrounds. It bothers me that the Jackson family has in so many ways destroyed Michael's soul and mind by the brainwashing that goes on in that religion as well as potentially harmful other things.

I am curious if anyone else can comment on this or has any experience or knowledge on the topic of JWs. This is my first time commenting on a forum such as this. Thank you.

@ Cheryl
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAmen!!!!!!!

Al has a radio show but what does Jesse do besides
run his mouth? They both need to get somewhere and
get a real job and stop bumpin' their gums! Michael
had a real job and worked hard for many years.It's
time they do the same.

i cant belive we are focusing on one person dying, there are hundreds of people dying in in iraq and in the world, and they dont get this much attetion. Also mj wasnt the only celeb that died this week;. what about billy mays, pharra, and ed. also mj wasnt a hero Only people that can create change is a hero, like obama, and soildiers. We just need to remember that he is dead and we cant bring him back

EVERYONE HAS TO DIE AND THIS WAS HIS TIME TO GO

Me, my family and co-workers are all so tired of seeing Al Sharpton being interviewed about this tragedy. We are sick of him sticking himself into the middle of everything as if he is truly the person that should be in the spotlight with regards to Michael Jackson AND sick of the media for treating him like a legitimate resource. How did Sharpton become so important to this story anyway? Has he found a new niche for himself soaking up the spot light when a celebrity passes away? I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he travels with the motorcade to Neverland just as he traveled with James Brown's body. I am so irritated by his obvious desire to be in the limelight that I now change the channel every time he appears.

Even funnier. I recall reports somewhere that Michael Jackson converted to Islam not so long ago.

The 2 revs just follow the $$, hoping to get some of it to pay their salaries.