


Editor's Note: Below is Michael Jackson's 2002 will that was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court today by John Branca, the performer's longtime entertainment attorney and advisor. Among other things, it names legendary singer Diana Ross as the backup caregiver for Jackson's three children should his mother Katherine, the primary caregiver, pass away. For the latest on the will and the rest of the fallout from the King of Pop's death, tune in to AC360° tonight 10p ET.
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Filed under: 360° Radar • Documents • Michael Jackson |
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Them rumors bout him messing with them children is nothing but lies they only wanted his money and that's what put him down I feel sorry for his children and I really hope the family fines the truth out what really happen to him and also the neverland ranch is awesome I love u and miss u mj always I also love ur family
I'm only 15. But Michael Jackson has touched me in many ways. That's all i have been doing is watching his videos,trying to get the dance moves right. He made me wanna reach for my dream. And i am. Michael was a human person with a heart. We need to thank him as a person for what he has done for the music world. "The king of Pop" will never be forgotten. My prayer and strength as a person goes out to his family. Fly away Michael. Rest In Peace.
More important than Micheal Jacksons will,is that three children are cared for and loved unconditionally.Hopefully Michaels not the only one who clearly understands this. Be blessed Jackson children in away that only God can, purely.
During major events, it really drives me crazy when the press reports things as though they are facts without checking anything. Example: the "nurse" that claimed she worked for Jackson for 3 months at the beginning of the year and then received a call from him last Sunday. Does anyone know if she is even a nurse? Anyone know of her working with Jackson? Did the press even bother to check her out?
Also...the selective reporting by the press to sensationalize. They keep pointing out that the will says that Debbie Rowe is excluded. Well the sentence before that says his heirs are excluded...both except as stated in the will or trust. So there is nothing to say he did not provide for her in the trust.
I really do not see how anyone's Will be it MJ's or John Doe's should be public record for the world to look at. This is crazy and really no one's business but the people involved directly as sited in the Will. I understand people are interested in this story but at what point does a person's financial issues become the entire worlds business. Come on people. We have lost a lot of famous people in my lifetime but I do not recall the news publishing anyone's will as they have today. By looking at all of this insanity, I find it easy to understand why Michael trusted no one and clearly was not comfortable around others. So sad.
I truely hope Michael is now in peace and his demons are arrested. There are some things fame and money can not provide for the soul.
I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the entire Jackson family. I feel like I too lost a family member, but I have fond memories of him through his music. R.I.P Michael, love ya Arlana
Hi Anderson,
CNN and all the other news media, shame on all of you for reporting about
Michael Jackson not being the kids bio dad. Someday these kids will read
this and how do you think they will feel.This is not important to the general
public. Let Michael rest in peace, he was and will remain one of the best
entertainer of all time. My condolences to his kids and family.
R.I.P Michael Jackson and may god bless you.
My God be with the kids and Jackson family of the lost of a son & brother we the fans call Michael.
I am ashamed for some of the comments I read. First of all Michael Jackson has passed and was the father of 3 children. It's not our place to discuss where the children should go or who the bio's are. This is a place to send our prayers and blessings not only to Michael but to his family.
Everyone is saying Michael is probably in Heaven singing and dancing. Gee, I hope not. I hope he is playing ball and having the childhood he missed out on having. Rest in peace Michael. Hit a home run. Love Ya 4 ever!!
It makes me so incredibly sad that Michael Jackson's children are being dragged through the mud! Who cares if he is not the biological father- he is their father. There are many a sperm donor running around in this world who have no business being a parent! To those three kids he is their Dad, and I am sure they are going through hell right now. I wish people could grow a heart-those kids have done nothing wrong!!!
Is anyone concern about .......The initials of his name on the Will they
all look different, wouldn't at least a line or curve look the same. Have they determine if it's really his signature on this document?.
Michael 's mother is the best person to take care of his children, that is their grandmother. Yes she is 79 years old, but she will have plenty people to help with t he children physically needs, while she will be able to guide them emotionally , spirilually and physically. Children need love and attention, i believe that she can provide this for them. I doubt if Joe jackson will have enough time to do any harm to the children. He is a very old man now and he should be trying to live on this earth a little longer by keeping quit and remaining where he has been of of this time.
God Bless Michael!!He is at peace in heaven.He never abused a child and I am tired of hearing him slammed especially when he is dead and is no longer able to defend .Regardless we have lost the most amazing iconic figure of our generation.Jackson will forever be in our souls.God Bless MJ 3 kids Hopefully god will lift the great pain of their loss.I hope Debbie Rowe steps up and acts like a mother.I feel she should at the very least have a part in the raising of her kids.The childeren need some kind of blood connection.The suprising thing is that why would MJ want his abusive father anywhere near his kids.STEP UP DEBBIE ROWE!REST IN PEACE MICHAEL
I think CNN has done an excellent job in covering the Michael Jackson story. He is not the first, nor will he be the last celebrity whose life has been on the news. Michael Jackson will be remembered because of his wonderful music and unfortunate because of life choices.
My prayers are with the Jackson family. I know what it is like to have a child die in the prime of their life and I know what it is like to raise a grandchild; but it will be done out of love and respect for Michael Jackson.
Thank you CNN for your coverage.
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I don't want the comment I am about to make to appear on the blog. I feel the Reverend Al Sharpton should stay out of the lime light, as others who are so willingly coming on news programs and then acting like fools with their comments to questions asked them; and sounding so surprised at the questions. Michael Jackson made history and people are curious and that's what makes news.
I have been glued to the CNN television station every since BREAKING NEWS came of Micheal's death. I feel the pain of his mother,because of my own personal experiences." Please put all yourt trust in God,"He is the only one will see you though.It is such a shame people don't know how a mother feels about her children,GOOD or BAD they will always be yours.As for as that Will/ I am sure thats the least thing on Mrs. Jackson's mind at this time.
Was not able to read Mike Jackson's will.......please send via e-mail.......THANKS
i was wandering if micheals body had security guards like anna nichole smith?also im very happy that there was a will,i continue to follow all the coverage i can,one thing that does upset me though is all the negitive reports,mainly about if he is the biological father do you really think them kids need to hear that now,and does it really matter,micheal loved them kid with all his heart can you people understand that constant news like this is what drives a person mad i know we all love the gossip but come on a wonderful man just died here his family is grieving he had been talked about enough and made fun of lets let him rest now and not damage anymore lives with constant negativity and really remember all the good and happiness he brought to us. love u micheal R.I.P. jeannie c. colorado
To the jackson family I'm sorry u lost the best singer in the world my thoughts and prayers r with yall and I have my douts how he died to I love u all and to. Joe do u regret what u done to mj
I think people need to think positive on this as will and testament on Michael Jackson, I think also past interviews, documents and other things like that can also reveal a lot on his death and what he has been through the pass couple of year and his past with the Jackson 5 and situations with his father
That nurse that is talking is violating HIPPA and should no longer be a nurse!! HIPPA is for life and death. Nurses and doctors are not allowed to discuss patients, their meds, or concerns with anyone!! She is a disgrace to the medical community and is only looking for the spotlight! Leave michael's kids alone! They're going through enough!!
Michael changed his looks in his quest to achieve
Perfection, because he thought that is what his father wanted:
A perfect son!
My prayers are with the family and his children. I hope Michael has his life in order with the real judge up above. I really hope that the safety net that Micheal Jackson had for his children will be continued he did not expose his children to popparrazi and I would hope whoever has custody will continue to give his children a loving home and safety net.
I am just so heartbroken over Michael's death. I still can't believe he's gone. He was such a wonderful person and entertainer. I grew up with his music and have loved him since I was a kid. My heart goes out to his children and his family. He was a key person with the way he influenced so many people with his music and all of the good he did with his charities. Michael and his music will live on forever. Is there any address to send a card to his family?
When I think of Michael three words come to mind, Father Humanitarian, Legend! Anyone who is famous knows there is Good and Bad press. But threw all the ups and downs Michael still gave his heart and soul, to his kids family and his work. My brother and I got the chance to see Michael in concert, and he amazed us way beyond our expectations! He is and always will be the King of Pop.
I hope the courts listen to his own words and let his mother Katherine care for the children. Michael you will be missed.
Regardless of Mike's personal life, he is a musical genius and shared his God given talent which always united people...shame on the media who speculate and shame on those who continue to judge him. May Mike RIP and may his father RHM "rest his mouth"...
i think they should consider laid michael to rest at neverland ,because the state of california could do well ,of tourism income ,as si graceland.
He was an icon , he was a legend , he was immensely talented , he gave millions for charity and created organizations for children , during his time there was the racial barrier , all the audiences were towards him basically , he was a black , and plus accusing him and putting him down means a lot of money , imagine how white artists must have being suffering at that time due to michael jackson , so obviously they wanted him down , its not like today during dose times racial barrier was more extensive , he was a good man , really sensitive ....he says in his song childhood "before judge me try hard to love me " he never had a childhood Joe Jackson took it away , its quite obvious that michael is saying the truth about this although Joe denies he abused michael , both the instances Joe represented the media , he went on boasting about his Record company , can u believe it .....Is he a DAD? come on his son is dead rather than weeping or giving remarks on Michael he starts about his business , i feel soo sorry for Michael he had a miserable life right from childhood although i think he enjoyed dancing and singing , please leave him alone at least now RIP michaeL
also why would anyone in there right mind want to place his remains at the ranch? He wanted no part of it after the trail why would you bring him there NOW???? seriously...
You came in this world with a CROWN at birth. You left this world CROWNED with pain. People who surrounded you didnt speak out. Now that you are gone words are spoken no doubt. I wish I could have been in you presents and close to you to show you love when you needed it.
The world is touched that we lost so much. A singer,dancer,songer writer,producer an ICON. You name it you did it with pride. On stage is where you had to hide your pain. A KING is what you are and you will live on forever. I like to thank you King Michael Joseph Jackson for the music and the entertainment that you gave and left behind. LOVE YOU FOREVER. Thanks. jljones Oakland California
Let us not be surprised when Joe Jackson contests his son's
will.
I know that I am expecting just that.
My prayers and thoughts go out to his children and family. I feel that with all that went on in his life he just couldn`t deal with it anymore. it did make him look guilty when he settled with his accusers, so he just turn to meds to help deal with looking at himself day in and day out like any other addict we all try to escape reality but it comes back the next day. His pimp {father} @ the BET Awards to me he was like yeah its my time to shine being that he was always sitting in the back collecting but not being seen. The children I apologize for any harse statement i only pray that the lord guides you to where you need to be. RIP MJ your children will be alright i have faith.
The reason that Joe told his wife to tell the court that Michael
did not have a will was he was hoping against hope that
Michael did not make one, knowing very well, Michael
would not name him in his final will and testament.
Joe also hoped he could control Michael's assests and keep the cash cow going for his selfish greed!!!
Joe, you got your just deserts!
THERE IS A GOD..
Looking back over the past week events of MJ (supposedly) tragic life. All I want to remember is the way he was and not reported as to what they say he became and the turmoil in his life.let Mike rest in peace if Allah wills
To: Amber Lewis,
I know that I would love to be the fly on the wall at that home
as they read the will...
Loved the will.
Kuddos to Michael for not mentioning the blood sucking
father he had!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is a clue for you Joe Jackson = HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Good for you "cowgirl".
Loved your blogg!
I am sure that Joe Jackson knows how Michael's fans feel
about him. Most importantly, as per Michael's will,
Joe now knows exactly how Michael felt about his parenting/abuse...
Let us pray that now Michael's kids do not suffer the same fate.
Anderson needs to report how that longtime abuse factors
into a full fleged custody fight?
I think MJ had it more together then we gave him credit for. First I ' am so glad to hear his father was left out of his will. Michael was the only Jackson child that stood up to his tyrant of a father. He was the only one who told the truth about the abuse the Jackson children suffered by the hands of his father. When I watched the BET awards and saw him talking about his record company, wearing all his bling and laughing.....I thought to myself ...Michael.....you were right to kick this man to the curb. I also want to say I was very disapointed with the tribute BET gave Michael Jackson. Jamie Fox saying ..this is "OUR BLACK MAN" and we gave him to all of you and P Diddy saying it was because of Michael that Obama is president.................Please! Not to mention all the bleeps for the foul language in all the songs performed. Other then Beyonce and Neo this tribute was a joke! Michael was a humanitarian and a perfectionist. Jamie you definitely had nothing to do with giving us Michael........and P Diddy your comment was just plain stupidity! MJ, I hope you are finally at peace! Thank you for your music, your beautiful lyrics and watching you dance! You were truly gifted and will be missed by many.
May MJ RIP. Wow I'm shocked and very saddened by this circus, the man hasnt even been buried yet and all these stories, speculations and rumours are going around and people start believing all this until a statement is made by the family to set things straight. It makes one see how things were for this poor soul when he was alive. I mean people are making such a big deal about the paternity of the children. Who cares those innocent children knew him as their dad and he WAS their father. What about all those adults out there that cannot have kids and adopt or use a surrogate or donors, ask them and they will tell you that that child is theirs even though they have no biological link, but because this is MJ its hyped and made out to be as weird and unusual. When the story broke in Australia I had just woken up and I cried and still am. May he rest in peace my deepest sympathies go to his 3 little angels and his mother and family. Always in our hearts MJ.
Iam not happy that m.j treated the father who made him what he is today . To my understanding mike was a very stubborn boy growing up and if the father had not taken the steps mike discribed on oprah he will never be this famous even at his death. iam sure when he was alive he reads the the bible sometimes BUT he forget to read the parth that says honor your FATHER and your MOTHER for YOUR days shall be long. may his soul rest in perfect peace amen. Mr joe, you have done a tremendous job raising your children and god will continue to bless you for what you did.Iam from nigeria if i have a father like you , the sky would have be my limit
I agree with ubella30's comments. I also believe that it would be in the best interest of the children that all three should remain together and not split up. I hope that everyone, including his former wife, keeps this in mind if they truely love those kids and want what's best for them.
My 10-year-old daughter and I had a Michael Jackson music marathon last weekend. We danced and sang until we were silly! We both had a lot of fun and she learned how to moonwalk. I told her why her banjo picking, bluegrass music loving Mama (literally!) was such a fan. I grew up listening to the Jackson 5 and remember watching their cartoon on a black and white television. I was 20 years old when the Thriller album came out and my Dad was dying from cancer. I wore that first album out and had to buy another. Michael's music helped me through a rough time.
Rest in peace. My prayers are with his children and family.
To clear one thing up you don't have to be dark skin to be mixed those kids do look mixed both have a tint to there skin.
After 10 plus years it really doesn't matter if he's not the biological father . These kids lost the only father that they know.
I think its funny that when he does make a settlement that he suposedly paid the family off but when he fought the second charge he was found not guilty because of who he was. You can't have it both ways
I think even tho joe may not beat kids anymore. he would find a way to exploit the kids by making a singing group out of the kids if you have doubts look at tito's kids and rebbie's kids also watch the video for. 2300 jackson st
1st, Michael Jackson was an icon for his innovative and genius approach to his art work. 2nd, he was not a child molestor... He was stuck in his childhood and money hungry parents sought a way to take advantage of it. He should have used better judgement but didn't hve the discernment to do so. I believe that after the initial family sued him the other families should have been reported to child protective services for child abuse and neglect because they knew he was niave and they sold their children. If doctors treated him with medications under false names they need to lose their license. He performed and was on the punlicete since he was 5....you and I would be strange if we were in his shoes.... Don't judge. The average person doesn't even want anyone staring at them too long, better yet having their every move monitored. The media created this "strange" and them ostracized him.
everybody seems to for get the man beat all odds the news just dogs him out after his death. is this world heartless are we not realizing MJ was a son,brother,and a father .dont people realize that MJ Kids are watching the news and watching there dad getting bash all over news.people say they love him but all i see is greed let the family a lone they have been though to much give them there space he is not in the ground yet and the world is worry about the will who get the kids let them have one moment of peace as a family to start healing and stop bashing and let MJ rest in peace let the childen have peace it will be a long road a held of them
One of Michael Jackson's little boys seem to favor him quite a bit but they are now reporting that the children are not biologically his???
Michael was unique, unusual and remarkable and no star now or has ever measured up to his status... there was something very special about Michael Jackson where his music made happiness amongst the world's populace of the common, the rich, the pauper, the Doctor, the Lawyer, the Preacher, the six year old, the thirty year old, the sixty-five year old, the quiet, the noisy, the media, the movie stars, the Presidents, the Senators, the three races of man and "Bubbles".
It is yet very hard to difficult to realize and comprehend his death... but time will heal us all... May Michael rest in total peace.
Well Cathy,
I am 56 years old and have been a fan of M.J. since day one when he and his brothers stepped onto the Ed Sullivan stage. I've followed his career, his music, his ups and downs. The only real joy he had in his life was his children. He put on a big front for the whole world but I don't believe he was truly happy. He tried to be what everyone thought he should be.
In reality he transcended beyond everyone's wildest dreams with his music and his dance. He will be missed by all of his fans.
I urge everyone to stop the gossip, stop the rumors, wait... all your questions will eventually be answered.
Pray for Michael's family, his children, his brothers and sisters – they are deeply mourning Michael and they need our prayers.
I personally dont understand why people are bringing up so much dirt. especially about the kids not being his. this is a tragic time for them and his family. just let the family grieve at this time. and just like his song " just leave him alone" and let him rest in peacefully for once in time.
Thanks Anderson & Erica
for showing us Bubbles,
that was nice. Michael did have another home in Miami,
wonder if he wanted to stay close to Bubbles?
Katherine Jackson file bankruptcy 10 yrs ago w/Joe Jackson as unlisted and no address. They have bee seperated for years, her in Ca. him in Las Vegas. Joe Jackson deserves nothing , shouldn't have any access to those children and certainly is no patriarch. That went out the door when Janet turned 18. As for the children it doesn't matter who the mother or father was. Michael lived and loved those children. They were is only salvation. He has done more than most men do for their children as many as 35% of american fathers are dead beat dads. Thanks to Joe Jackson, MIchael was a tortured soul looking for peace. And sadly he now has peace. May your soul rest in peace. God bless u Micheal and your children. I pray they will eventually have a peaceful life.
Michael Jackson has always been in my heart since early eighties, my kids now are in their twenties. He has touch all generations. I'm in my late fifties and I still love watching him dance and sing. Can't get enough of him. from his early days to the present. Michael was a product of Hollywood. This is the result of pushing and abusing an innocent child over the limits and not given enough love and encouragement. And people wonder WHY he was like that.???? He was all about love. May he rest in peace, O wait he is now.
ANDERSON KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!! GOD BLESS EVERYONE AT CNN...