Hello, everyone! Thank you for joining us tonight. Erica Hill anchors from New York tonight. Don't forget to tune in on Monday as Anderson sits down with President Barack Obama in Ghana!

evening, bloggers. randi has some very interesting new information for us tonight... great exclusive from the incomparable michael ware... and a fascinating and somewhat frightening story out of mexico tonight, courtesy of gary tuchman.

Yay! Devna's on the blog. One of the newest members of the AC360 staff and we are so lucky to have her!

Hi Anderson.

Hi bloggers.

Hi Anderson, I wish you have a good time off, and wish to see you again soon and have a good night. Wish see again soon but safe, yes always!

An.

@Erica You are as good as AC! Let's get cooking girlfriend!

Evening, Erica!
Glad to have you again anchoring the show!

Evening, 360 team, David (Indiana) and friends!

hello Erica and fellow bloggers

Hello Erica (nice to see you in "the seat" & Team 360.

Hello fellow bloggers.

Amazing news on MJ tonight!

Good evening. And great to have Erica in the anchor chair tonight sitting in for Anderson.

A criminal probe into Michael's death? So many twists and turns as this story progresses. It makes me more sad each and every day.

Good evening bloggers. How nice to see Erica anchoring tonight.

Good evening, Erica, Devna, and bloggers!

Such sad news regarding the drug abuse. I had certainly feared as much.

@ Devna AC360°

You were in the liveblog during the Memorial of Michael, right?
Welcome!

Greetings to All! Lot's of new info on what happened to Michael Jackson....All of this just makes me so sad..

Listening to Randi's story, it is surprising he lasted so long. Such a sad story. So much pressure and unfortunately, the outcome is tragic.

Michael Jackson can now be mentioned with even better company

Jimi Hendrix
Janis Joplin

I'm missing AC but Erica, you are equally talented and beautiful at that.

Have a great show!.

@Erica – Aw, you're making me blush! Don't worry, special present for you in store at the end of the show...

@Maria Isabel – Yes I was, and thank you! Great to be here.

Will the king of pop ever be able to rest in peace? we need to focus on who drove this man to drugs rather than oh my god he had an addiction todrugs Obviously it was someones fault to let him fall into this unfortunate death.

@ Erica: It is always good to see a highly qualified and respected Mom in charge!

Hi Erica, great to see you anchoring!

Why not leave the Jackson family alone.

This stuff about "down from 30 to 40 pills a night" sounds like quite a stretch to be being put forth as news.

Hello Erica and Fellow Bloggers –

Good to see Erica in the anchor seat. Sounds like a good show tonight - Michael Ware and news out of Mexico!

@Devna - welcome to the blog - will Anderson be anchoring his interview Monday night? Really looking forward to his following President Obama in Ghana.

Makes me wonder if MJ's kids saw or questioned his behavior.

Great insight from Dr. Gupta – stay tuned, we're covering stories all over the world and will have more information on the Jackson family later in the show.

What was that line in We Are The World? It's the choice we're making, we're saving our own lives?
MJ sure didn't do that, sadly.

Hi Erica, team, bloggers. Having worked in the fields of addiction and psychiatry for many years, this is so very typically a tragic addiction story. It is complicated by the fact that a very wealthy person had such huge access to these drugs. The average person would never have this kind of access. Thank you for bringing light to this serious problem.

I heard that drug addicts need stronger and stronger medication in order to sleep. That might explain the Diprivan.

What a selfish choice. MJ chose drugs over his family. Now his children get to suffer for his choice.

Last night Dr. Klein said that Michael Jackson suffered from Lupus. If so, that could explain both the Xanax and Opiods. Lupus can cause anxiety disorder and also joint pain (that might need to be treated with long-term opiod use).

Lupus would also explain the use of umbrellas since Lupus can cause oversensitivity to light.

You might look into this angle.

It is sad to know about the drug abuse and to know that he can't be helped to change his life

My goodness it sounds like MJ was walking and dancing dead for years.

So Jackson was carrying on this drug addiction with the children in the house. The average person would have had their children taken away.

I think there is a need to understand the root cause of the addiction. It's pretty obvious outside of the physcial pain, Michael had some psychological pains that contributed to his addiction.

I'm glad that the public is made to pay attention to this prescription drug abuse. It's so sad that someone first has to die in order for the problem to make the news, though.

I have seen friends/family go through addiction and detox and withdrawal.

It is all crazy.

Doctor shopping occurs when you have a pain doctor, a therapist and you go to the ER....3 different scrips....that is how my friend was doing it.

We told her to stop.

She is now 1 yr sober.

@Calli – the 360 team is hard at work untangling the web of Michael Jackson. As you've seen in our reports over the last week, in order to address what initially drove Michael Jackson to these severe medications, you also have to establish who was involved.

@Lori That is correct! Anderson's report from Ghana with President Obama on Monday night.

My heart aches because MJ has left us.

M.J. Fell thru the cracks many many years ago. It was too late for anyone to save him!

What Dr. Gupta just said about having a national registry would violate HIPAA. What happened to patient confidentiality?

I still wonder why it took Dr. M 30 min. to call 911. The notion that MJ wanted to have someone with him that night leads me to believe that he wanted to use the IV medication to sleep. They said that there was no landline phone in MJ's room and Dr. M did not know the address, I still can't believe it would take him so long to find help. There is definately something funny about this situation.

I saw Blanket's profile on TV. He has the jackson family profile.

That "drug abuse" was back in 2004ish. He admitted he had a 'problem' and that he was getting help for it. That's not the REASON he's dead now tho. He's dead now because he had a Cardiologist do something that only an Anesthesiologist was suppose to do!! And I HOPE and PRAY the doctor is help responsible for that!!!!

@Carmella good point. I believe that MJ had his own demons which haunted him, whatever they were, we may never know.

The only issue I am worried about is what impact these stories will have on MJ's kids. It is just one of those unfortunate celebrity stories. Like his brother said at the memorial, maybe now they will leave him alone. What about the kids though?

Why don't pharmacies ask for picture IDs before dispensing medication? And saddest part of all this are all the enablers around him. Fame and fortune really buys you great friends.

If you're going to talk so much about Jackson's condition and alleged drug use at least be fair and mention the fact that he had Lupus which explains a lot of his behavior and can actually explain his death.

Although I believe he had a drug dependency, the people coming out of the woodwork with their "horror stories" is typical.
The same happened after Elvis died. Where were all these people when Michael so obviously needed help???

I think it is pathetic that none of these doctors would say know to michael just foor money! Horrible! It is sad we lost a great legend!

And no body would tell him NO....!!!...and thats a shame!! They were all to worried about getting PAID instead of this mans LIFE!!!!

It is sad and pathetic to run someone in the ground who is not even here to defend himself, he was someone, he was a legend and because he is not here it is jealousy that allows the fabricated stories from the tabloids mouth.

@Jo Ann – Interesting point. As Dr. Gupta explained, if you start with a small dosage of a drug, you develop a tolerance. Think of something as simple as caffeine and the individual and lifetime effect it can have.

wow is this for real?

It is a shame that the death of Michael jackson is what is needed to bring this drug concern to light....I am sure this type of thing has been going on all over the country for years...if an individual has the cash...he will be able to find doctors that will over-prescribe.....as the old saying goes..."Money talks"

@Carmella, I'm sure every addict can come up with a 'good' reason for their addiction, but ultimately it's their own choice. He was offered help and refused it.

The abuse of these drugs by others makes it harder for us who require these drugs to obtain them.

i think all these people that are speaking up now should have opened their mouths a little sooner. what good does it do now?

Michael your music will live forever!

It is probably the media that makes these celebrities want to take the drugs to escape. Who really knows what happened behind closed doors. Lets just leave it alone not going to bring MJ back.

It is deeply disheartening to hear all the exploitation over Michael's drug use. It is amazing to realize how deep his emotional and physical pain ran. The same pain that brought us this pop genius is the same pain that killed him. Let's talk about the pain and his response to life with drugs.

All these allegations about Michael's alleged drug use. Why don't we all just wait for the toxicology report instead of speculating about what killed him. Afterall, the man is not here to defend himself.

Celebrities will ask for the drugs/prescriptions..but the doctors need to learn to say NO..Don't they take oaths for these things??? Even if Michael Jackson got down on his hands and knees and begged for Diprivan, the answer should have been a resounding No.

@ Devna AC360°
It's very good having a very good producer blogging with us!

Hi Erica and Devena

Great to have you on blog and welcome to the 360 club !

Remarkable how far this is all going Michael Jackson death possible homicide charges. The plot thickens what's next.? Lets hope Michael is remembered for what he did and not for what was done to him???

Hi Erica....glad to listen to you tonight.

His last years were so much like Elvis-sad

I've heard Michael had lupus. If he had lupus, that condition could explain a lot about his pain and need for medication. What about looking at symptoms and treatment for lupus?

@Jules - Makes me wonder how credible these "sources" are

I understand the concern about MJ drughabitt, but I think we should make it known, that MJ had this habitt because of illnesses and excruciating pain, not just a habitt, but a outcry for help to be painfree.

Did Michael Jackson have a form of Lupus? My husband just passed away, heart attack/lupus complications. I've heard the medications and it's all to familar to what my husband had for pain management. I also feel the children need to be left alone with his family according to his wishes. Thank you

It is NOT the doctor's responsibility to check if someone is "doctor shopping". It is the patient's responsibility NOT to do it! When will people take responsibility for their own actions!

If law enforcement knew all about Jackson's drug use and these doctors in 2004 WHY didn't they do anything about it. IMO they are just as responsible for his death for doing nothing.

hello erika i have a question
if some doctors new that jackson will take lots of pills heavy doses why would ent they say something /??????

@Vivieen – A truly tragic story indeed. As we reported last night, the Jackson family tried, unsuccessfully, to host an intervention with Michael. Particularly, Janet Jackson was very concerned but Michael would keep anyone away who would try to speak with him regarding this concern.

Mike is gone so why don't we let him rest in peace. The world has done enough to him

Always enjoy Dr. Sanjay Gupta's insight and sharing of information.

Had minor surgery last Thursday - was given Propofol (Dirprivan) as my anesthesia (in a hospital by a board certified anesthesiologist) - was surprised at how fast I was asleep and how fast I woke up. None of the groggy, gradual waking up - just wide awake. (no side effects) Had a very good and funny conversation with my anesthesiologist (who was standing at the foot of the bed watching me) when I woke up - thanks to the info I learned from Dr. Gupta on AC360!!

I'm very saddened to hear this news about the quantity of drugs Michael Jackson was using. I'm a 56-year old school teacher working to detox off Xanax as we speak. The situation of involuntary dependency on prescribed meds is worthy of national attention. It is very easy to go from "chemical dependence" to full-blown addict behaviors. God bless MJ and family!

Wasn't there someway the Jackson Family or Friends could've had the police involved to get Michael Jackson committed to a hospital for help with his suspected drug addiction?

Hi, the man that you were just talking to said that Dermiol was a pain killer. I thought you've been saying it's a setitive.

someone should have got michael some help sooner than never

I want to know why the media isn't discussing the fact that Michael Jackson had lupus. My cousin had lupus and she was on many different medications just to function. It could have been the same for him.

Micheal 's demons played havoc with him his whole life and it caused him not to love himself it's so sad he was a beautiful person and it's a shame he couldn't see that .

Where were his kids when this was happening? And it must have happened a lot.

Erica, nice to see you in charge. You are doing as good as AC!!

I am a Canadian and have been listening to the information on Michael's doctors who were so obviously taking advantage of him. It is so frustrating to hear that this can happen in the American Health Care system. In Canada, no health care practitioner is allowed to have any kind of personal relationship with a patient.

Interesting show tonight. As an RN, I believe there should definitely be a national database for the medicines doctors prescribe. As for the employees of Michael Jackson, shame on them for not getting him the help he needed. The people close to Michael Jackson that do not want to talk about this are perhaps guilty too. Sadly, It's all about the money. Hopefully something good will come out of this sad story and help people who are addicted to drugs.

My prayers to the family. Tthe aftermath and what is unfolding is tragic. How is it that Dr. Klein can reveal details about his patient , what about HIPPA??

All these drugs they say that Michael was taking, would play a huge role on his liver. The autopsy obviously would show damage done to the liver from all the toxins. I hope they find out for sure why he died so young. Its a shame for sure.

It is true MJ made the choice to take drugs (whatever the reasons), but the doctors as such have the responsibility to help the patient and not assist in the deterioration of his condition. I agree with Dr Gupta that better regulations are necessary.

i think that we should leave michael jackson alone he is not here to defend himself now

When I had a sudden and very traumatic death in my family, my doctor prescribed xanax. I took it for nearly five years, and at one point I was taking up to 15 pills a night. It took me about a year to wean myself , and completely stop taking it. My doctor never questioned why I needed so much, and I did not "doctor shop". I have been free of it for over two years now, and when I get upset, I think I would love to have a xanex or two or three.

Love the insight that Dr. Sanjay Gupta has on the medical troubles plaguing Michael Jackson.

Hi Erica,nice to have you on,finally I think full attention will be paid to the use of prescription drugs,sorry it had to take the death of MJ to get that done.

I think the person or persons for this dr shopping should be brought to justice, it makes me sad that this is going on around the world A haul over of this problem needs to occur world wide.

I'm not sure Michael's former security guards are being completely honest in their descriptions of obtaining prescription drugs. Could they have been disgruntled former employees, or had some other reason ? Their stories should be verified.

I understand but now there is questions on who his kids belong do are they mikos? that is just sad what if his kids are watching this, ill tell you i am twenty two years old and i am watching.

Listenting to all the comments about Michael Jackson's drug usage and how he was addicted to drugs. Not condoning overuse of any drugs, but no one is addressing the issue, why he got addicted to the drugs in the first place...... Apparently he was in a lot of pain...... I myself know what that is like. To be in so much pain that you want to die....... no one knows what a person has to deal with being in that kind of pain unless you been there....... I have...... So stop judgeing Michael until you been where we have....... Janice

I just wish the media & everyone else would let Michael Jackson rest in peace. It is becoming nerve wrecking.

I wonder where his true friends were, Why didn't his family come together and help Janet. God Bless her. And these drs that hands out those types of drugs like candy, can they be held accountable .Why was his addiction kept such a secret? His true fans would have been there for him.

MJ suffered from that crazy life of fame and fortune. I don't really get into Hollywood and all of that stuff because it's not real.

The saddest thing about MJ's death is all of his friends, family and doctors who were trying to protect him by keeping his secret, really did him more harm because it just enabled him to become more and more addicted. Miko, the doctor on LKL last night and even the family all seem to be hiding the truth. We can't fix what we won't face. Addiction is in many families. So the worst part is to pretend it doesn't exist, and unfortunately, the result is what happened to Michael. I wish the family peace.

He had lupus people. This is a painful chronic disease. I know...I too suffer from lupus. This requires us to be on numerous medications including antidepressants and pain killers. The wheelchair is also because of the lupus a flair up can cause ones joints to be so swollen and painful that you cannot walk. Weakness is also a symptom. Please investigate this angle of the story. It is very hard to watch you all calling him an addict when I have the same disease and people need to know that lupus is a dibilitating disease.

I'm taking everything said by Michael Jackson's acquaintances with a grain of salt as I believe there are often opportunistic people looking to make money from this sort of thing.

When Michael Ware and other journalists are on the battlefield seems so dangerous!

I hope the doctors who were MJ's suppliers are thrown in jail. If the allegations are true, they are murderers, plain and simple. Money shouldn't have been able to buy the ethics of these doctors.

i'm tired of doctors who have traded their oath for cold hard cash irregardless of who they hurt. I can see scapegoats but not many doctors brought to justice.

As it seems, the only person who could have helped Michael, was Michael.

Great reporting on Michael's drug dependency, abuse and addiction.
HIPPA laws seem to interfere with family seeking to help identify and expose inappropriate drug use with physicians. National drug registry on these addictive drugs would save lives!!

His problem that nobody would help him with was ENABLED. A beautiful person gone because of ugly persons.

This is a tragic story and the only way it was going to end, but I find it hard to believe that someone could take 40 xanax in one night and wake up the next day. That is more than one full perscription every day.They would have had to have been filling 2 perscriptions a day. How long can that go on?

The side effects of taking so much of one medication is blowing my my mind.

Michael Ware is just so good. I caught him on CNN intl on "Back Story" the other day...wish 360 would air his segment on that show.

These doctors are what we call legal drug dealers. They have no heart for their patients at all. Maybe Michael death could bring about some serious change in the American drug policy where the drugs are legal or illegal! RIP MJ

erica. you are the best...... you and anderson have a coomon bond which is great. i was wondereing if mike brandon knows more than he put on as he looked a little neverous on some questions.... if he said he was such a good friend then why did he not help him.

MJ's sudden death is such a tragedy. We are seeing something good from this terrible loss: a real discussion on the harmful effects of prescription drug addiction and/or the overprescribing of prescription medication in general. This is a huge wake-up call for everyone. Think before you take anything-review what you are taking, etc.

I saw in some pix of michael jackson what looked like a silver medical bracelet on his left wrist. What might that be for?

@eople abusing painkillers is making life hell for us who really need them. I have 3 triple fusions w/titanium implants and I feel embarassed and condemned for taking pain medication.I am sure we will suffer again each time a star dies.

@Evelyn – To my knowledge, those laws pertain even after the patient passes.

I believe Dr.'s are responsible for the death of MJ. These Dr.'s must be investigated. Quite a few Dr.'s are pill pushers and are never investigated..
Also MJ had alot of money and money can persuade people to do things that are unethical.
I feel sorry that MJ had to go thru all that pain in his life as he really was a kind , caring soul that has been misjudged by several people.
Would he still be here if it wasn't for the Dr.s who supposed to take care of people???
The statement made at his funeral.."MJ was not strange " I believe the Dr's who prescribed all this medication know that as well.. It is strange how Dr's are allowed to prescribe medications at their own discretion.

I think the Dr. is not talking about the Lupis he had. What is Lupis and how do you treat the condition that he had? Sometimes people with lupis end up in weel chairs His scalp was burnt from the pepsi commercial. .Lupis can kill you also.

Michael was rehearsing and preparing daily for the imminent concerts. If he was a massive addict, how could he function and for that matter, hide it from people around him and still perform. If he was taking sleeping meds, etc. why would he had died between noon and 2:30 pm? The level and type of drugs in his system at the approx. time of death will reveal much.

Thanks for the great times MJ ! as hard as they are trying to discredit your legacy .. You are & always will be the KIng

i will always remember michael for his music! i just think he was in a bad state of mind and all these pathetic doctors were not helping the situation! whatever happens to them they deserve it!!!

The family clearly knew he had a problem but did nothing to help Michael or protect the children. Nobody taking that amount of drugs could possibly be responsible for 3 kids. Obviously his friends are trying to protect him by saying he was a "hands on Father".

Haven't we learned from all those that fell before Michael? (J. Hendrix, J. Joplin, E. Presley...) If the family unit was strong, this would not have happened. Poor Michael!

I agree with the blogger that we should understand what drove this man to drugs. Lupus is a terrible disease that attacks the organs. Many victims cannot sleep. I'm sure Michael did whatever it took to get rest. Unfortunately he had the money and power toaid his own detriment.

Sometimes watching the news I can't stop thinking what a sad world we live in. Fighting, violence – are we that separated from what makes us human? I guess some can argue that part of being human is hurting others...

How was MJ a good father to his children, if he was so drugged up. What must their observation of him really be?

when are you getting your own show erica? y ou are awsome

Did Dr. Klein violate HIPPA rules when he discussed Mj's lupus diagnosis since that was not public knowledge?

Janet did the right thing by trying to stage interventions.Micheal chose to take these drugs and there should be more reguylations and it shouldn't be that easy for people to just get these percriptions filled under false names .

Everyone around Michael Jackson was involved in this drug use. Now they will have to find another job. Who will pay them now? They didnt see this coming.

@Calli – The children are currently under the custody of Michael's mother, Katherine. Permanent custody will be played out in court in a few weeks.

I believe that we need to look closer at michael's lupus diagnosis and how it affected him. My self a victim of lupus can relate to the dibilating pains that he may have endured. This may also have triggered the addiction to pain killers. Elesia in Kingston,Jamaica

Has anyone considered the possibility that Michael Jackson had undiagnosed bipolar disorder? I highly suspect it.

That would explain so many, many things... his bizarre behavior, his reclusiveness, mood swings, OCD, Body Dismophic symptoms, his excesses, manic behavior, inability to sleep, recklessness, and so on.

Many people who are bipolar try to self medicate with anti-anxiety, hypnotic, sedative, and pain medications.

It would be a tragedy to find out now that he could have had less anguish and a moicum of normalcy had he been treated for bipolar illness. How sad.

The death and life of Micheal is so tragic. It must have been hard for him to live. We should not forget that people take drugs to experience an alternative state of consciousness. The suffering of MJ must have been unberable that he needed to experience a state of nothingness.

All this breaking news about the past, Just let the man rest in peace. It just making it worst for his children and family.

If you lived where I do you'd know there are plenty of people who continuously abuse Xanex, Diluid, Demoral, Methadone, Soma, etc, etc. Drug-seeking is a "BIG" problem, even for the not so rich or famous

Ok, so people are no longer buying things they do not really need. What a loss!

I would also like to know more information on Lupus and its symptoms and what drugs would be used to treat someone who has it.

Hi Erica and Bloggers.

Lupus is an auto-immune disorder. It can affect all of your organs. Lupus makes your body attack its own cells the same way it would with a virus or infection. It hurts, makes you tired, and it can make your hair fall out and give you rashes.

The lines between doctor and patient have been blured i thinl it has to do with money Micheal had so much and it got taken advantaged of

Dr. shopping is scarry - way too many drug interactions possible - I always use one pharmacy even though I have a general practioner and a sepecialist writing scripts for me. Also, both drs. are well informed of all medications I'm taking. It's for my own safety –

@ Devna - will the show be live from Ghana on Monday night or segments of the recorded interview shown from the studio back in the NYC? - Would be so cool to have him anchor live with the Cape Coast Castle in the background!! Really looking forward to this interview (Also, hoping to someday see the Roxana Saberi interview he did a couple of weeks ago!)

Love the new words! Haha. I'm such a nerd when it comes to the dictionary. Thanks for the update.

It's time that adults take responsibility for themselves. Having national prescription data would probably hurt the patients that really need medication. The celebrities will always find a way to obtain the drugs they desire.

how can you take 30-40 pills a night and overdose immediately? Common sense is a virtue!

This nation has a huge problem with prescription drug abuse. I agree with the doctor , there should be national registry. It is terrible someones life has been lost for this country or for that fact the state of California, now they want to get involved. I know I have reported a couple of doctors for over prescribing, the state gave the doctors a slap on the wrist.So when my relative dies, who will be responsible?

Who is leaking documents from a police/trial report?? Was the statement verified??Wasn't that the guard MJ had fired?? I vaguely remember something about it back then.

Rather than join media that thrives on speculation, Sanjay Gupta should educate us about lupus and vitilligo and the effect these diseases had on Jackson's medical condition..

Since it has been stated mj could have died from an overdoses of divin being that is used in surgery and most surgery are pefromed in a hosptial sounds like there is a hosptial or hosptials involved as well?

Thank you to the people sharing stories about being in pain that requires the intake of drugs. I guess unless we are in such a situation ourselves, we can't really judge the person doing it.

Hi Erica, glad you are anchoring for AC tonight!

I was devastated when I heard of the death of Michael Jackson, I love him. I'm bothered by the different stories told through magazines and media. One magazine said, he fell in the living room in front of his son and then his bodyguard and doctor carried him to room. That's not the same story the doctor told. The nurse, is supposed to be a mandated reporter by law. I felt that her stories changed as well. If she heard him through the phone sounding drugged up, I felt she should have called for help right away, rather than saying he needed to go to the doctor, then crying about it days later. I have so much to say about all of this. It's sad. God bless the family and kids.

Everyone knows b4 prescribing or taking these meds how addictive they can be, so for docs to continue to prescribe them, esp. in other people's names, is completely criminal. Also it is ridiculous how all these friends like Brando and the doc Klein are acting like they didn't notice anything.

MJ's kids probably never saw any of this. He cared enough to make sure of that. They had a great nanny, who did a great job with them. They were insulated from it all. I would say they were far from the average kids of an addict. They had meals, clean clothes, etc., and did not have to fend for themselves.
Whatever Michael's problems were, it's obvious, they were loved and cared for.

No one can help you if you can't help yourself .Micheal didn't want help or to hear what they were trying to say .

From the start I was skeptical about the doctor that was supposedly with him. How hard is it to go outside to get the address. This was Michael Jackson's home, I am certain there were other people in the house that could have called the paramedics.

@ BettyAnn - I agree, the only person who could help Michael, was Michael. Afraid he's going to be just another in a long list of the rich and famous who have abused drugs and paid for it with their life.

@Carolyn – There is a possibility that the Michael Jackson death will become a homicide (instead of an accidental death.)

Did Lupus cause MIcheal to start taking drugs ?Does it cause liver damage or kidney damage ?

I can not imagine taking 30 pills at a time. I couldn't keep all that down.

If MJ's death was a result of illegal drug use it was essentially suicide. Assisted suicide perhaps thanks to unscrupulous doctors, but it was HIS CHOICE. No one forced him. Stop making excuses for irresponsible behavior.

Blaming MJ's family is unreasonable. Families can't cure other family members of addiction any more than they can cure them of cancer or diabetes.

Hi, Carole Knapp Johnson here. Once again massive talent, public adoration, unlimited money and drug addiction go hand in hand. Humans need to know who they are and not what the media makes them into. It is called alienation and it is lonely. I am glad he at least had a mother who was still alive and knew who he was as a person.

So, Erica, who is paying the costs for the first family to vacation through France, England, Russia, Italy ,and finally Africa? I hope not the cash strapped tax-payers! Maybe AC can ask the Obamas if they paid back the 80,000 for date night in NYC. I thought we were in an economic slump.

I find it amazing that the police had all this information on his drug abuse at the time of his trail and still allowed him to have his children in his home - where were Children and Family Services in this whole scenerio? Certainly the police had the obligation to inform them - interesting twist?

Hi Devna,

Welcome to AC360°. We are very proud of you.

Wondering why Michael didn't ask for help?

I believe Dr. Klein has a lot of hidden secrets. He seemed so dishonest last night on Larry King. What does he mean when he says that he will protect the children? I smell a dead rat somewhere in his story and it smells foul.

Even if Michael did have lupus, that is NO excuse for these "doctors" ignoring the obvious and choosing greed over the ethical oath they swore to. God Bless Michael and his chlldren. If something good, very, very significantly good can come from all of this chaos, that would make Michael very happy.

@Lori – Monday's show will compile the major portions of AC's interview with President Obama... fresh off the plane!

Is anyone taking a staycation this weekend?

These Mexican drug cartels are out of control!

obama is doing just fine. how come nobody is chatting about how much mr bush spent . did obama spend over 87 trillion in the last 8yrs , no . and how can here just start to spread all over this cash all over the map. american s are famous for spending , i feel for you all . you scream for obama yet the man is trying to set up medical for you all. why should you have to spend 1300 to have your tooth frozen then another 2000 to have it yanked out , whats wrong with you people start screaming and demanding a change and stop chantting usa is number one. number one at ripping you all off. obama is trying to change it all but its next to impossible when you have bush giving million s and millions and millions to the senior s and then oh the medical thing is fixed no here upped the drugs for the seniors and thats that and your still having to call your insurance company to ask if you can go to a doctor what a joke.

great shows, the last few weeks.
How does MJ owe a drug store over $100,000.00 ? I have to
pay when I pick up a drug. Same as the doctors, did he pay in
cash or insurance ?
Scary stuff for those of us under a doctors care and taking a narcotic
I my have to live in pain.
lois

It is sad that MJ death is a motive 4 focusing on such a life destroying disease which afflict so many common folks...

It is sad that in todays world we have doctors that are more concerned about making money on a famous person then solving all the problems we have in this world. Shame on you.You know who you are.

More media on the Mexican cartel.

More police.

proactive in stopping them somehow.

This industry (the cartels) that generates profits of billions of dollars is strong and there is no interest in tackling it.

Unfortunately, until there are people making millions through the drug trade, to fight it will be extremely difficult.

@ Michelle D. – I don't think an addict is capable of making those decisions for themselves. The drug becomes their reason for living, nothing else exists.

As an RN, I think it is a great opportunity to educate about lupus and vertiligo.

Addiction treatment centers are filled with innocent people like Jackson who went in for surgery and came out as addicts.
We need to look at the doctors who love the money and attention that rich addicts give them!
Mr. Jackson is giving us the microscope to look at these parasites.

The family must not be blamed they tried to stop MJ and he was in charge of his own life .

So much heartache and disturbing news. Honestly, I sometimes wonder how you guys all stay sane in such an insane world when you report it daily.

Peace

They want to live there since they cannot practice thier lifestyle in the USA so they have to live in fear in a dangerous place and it is a choice. You don't get the same protection in Mexico. The authorities there cannot stop the viiolence or control the drug cartel so why do they think they can stop them?

News anchors never seem to ask the questions that I want to know the answers to when i watch a story. On the polygamists in Mexico, how do
US Citizens manage to legally live in Mexico and keep US citizenship.
You can't just "move" to Mexico indefinitely.

@ Devna: Another beach staycation weekend for us. I am off tommorrow!

Makes you wonder who's more wrong. The polygamists or the drug pushers? I'd like to know more about the Mexican gun controls that prevent the polygamists from taking up arms to protect themselves.

Crime and violence, consequences of drugs, reduces economic growth in the region, diverts resources from the government, corrupting the institutions of the police and the courts of law, and take many lives. That is so bad!

I think the polygamists are good 'soldiers' for the US. In the sense that it's no great loss if they get killed while fending off the cartel.

Great story Polygamist Sect vs. cartels thanks for presenting real issues

Corruption and fear of the cartel....that is why they don't do anything.

"You gotta stand for something or you'll fall for anything." country song lyrics.

Evil doesn't just go away.

Becoming addicted to painkillers can happen to anyone! Don't be judgmental of ppl who are addicted, it's not their fault, really.

Polygamist against drug cartels – now that's a story that should make the news.

@Devna: Thanks for blogging with us tonight. I was wondering since MJ had Lupus and it's an autoimmune disease, is there a possibility that rather than some type of Diprivan addiction, he was instead just getting IV treatments for his disease? I know a lot of autoimmune diseases have IV treatments to help with pain and weakness. The treatments are expensive as heck and can be administered in the hospital, in an infusion center, or at home (administered by a nurse).

The FDA is making the money. They don't care about curing people. Samples are given to Dr.s all the time. It is only to drive UP addiction. This makes drugs LEGAL. The FDA is not trying to CURE. us. That would cause them to LOOOOOSE money. Michael was in that loop. Enablers, believe me he is not the only entertainer the FDA has intentionally harmed through prescription drugs for financial gain.

I find it hard to believe that Tijuana, the ENTIRE city of Tijuana, would be considered dangerous (population around 1.5 mil). I wish Gary could be more specific. Surely there are areas which are minimally affected, if at all, with regards to the drug wars.

Aren't Mexican citizens aloud to bear arms?

woah, Erin Brokovich? She is great! What a power woman! Thanks for giving her a platform!

Michelle...."On the polygamists in Mexico, how do
US Citizens manage to legally live in Mexico and keep US citizenship.
You can’t just “move” to Mexico indefinitely."

You don't give up your US citizenship when you move to another country.

Gary Tuchman on the border...Great story (everything he does is great)...Think we should have more involvement with this region...Drug cartels are running wild down there and Mex Gov has run their anti-drug offensive, but it's still like the Mob down there...needs to get fixed from top to bottom...Calderon has taken steps but needs to do more and US should be more interested in this... instead of other less important "national security" issues...

Why can;t they take down the cartels .They are evil and need to be stood up against.

@ Michelle: These US citizens get visas to live in Mexico. I know several people who purchased property in Mexico. They live there 3 to 4 months a year and go back and forth. Many US companies have plants there.

@Devna - thanks for the info - have to love the jet-lagged AC!

Does staying home, paying bills and catching up on housework count as a staycation?!! I'm guessing NOT!!! (Was introduced to the concept of "staycation" on the TV show Corner Gas - a couple of years ago - it's a Canadian program, not sure it's still on.)

@Renee – Awesome! Hope you have a great time.

@Michelle – Be sure to keep commenting here and respond to our "TEXT 360" questions so we can ask what you're thinking!

@Jolene – Happy to be here! The specifics of Michael Jackson's medical history will no doubt be uncovered by the investigators that are involved.

The environment is our lungs.

Genetics alone do not determine your risks for disease...environment plays a very big part.

I wish that song could have been finished, it would have really hit home for people to understand that WE can fix this Earth.

I wish Nevada would get on the Recycling bandwagon and "Go Green"...we have the space here.

Solar, wind, recycling.

As always, Gary did a great job on this report! Two of his best stories, on polygamy and the drug cartels have come together in a rather unexpected way.

I am excited that Anderson is going to Ghana with Obama. I hope that Anderson will share both the positive and the negative aspect of the country and not dwell only on the negative as usually portrayed by media. I hope you like it there.

The Iranian protesters shouted "Death to the dictator". That is so courageous of them! I fear for them. They are regarded as the enemy now and the gov. will try to arrest them, and maybe torture them. What is going on in Iran right now is so important, please keep covering it!

@Devena Is the Jackson family trying to get him buried at Neverland Ranch still and it it true they are planning second memorial in London ?

If this many people are rising up against their government, then why doesn't the government realize it and decide if it is valid....this student uprising seems to have validity.

I love the media for showing what is really going on....do the right thing or suffer the consequences for not.

For those of you who missed Randi Kaye's bulletin, a "staycation" is defined as "a vacation spent at home or nearby" from the Merriam-Webster dictionary. I'm sure that includes a bit of work around the house too!

Roy boy, I have to agree with you, IMO, Gary is the absolute best journalist around!

Hi Erica, great to see you! I hope you fill in for A.C all the time. Great shows lots of info.

Interesting report by Reza - Isn't the man he talked about who held up his shirt, was photographed, jailed and escaped the same man Anderson interviewed earlier this year?

How brave of the protesters today - reminds me of the civil rights protests in this country many years ago. Change often does come, but slowly....

I hope Anderson will have questions on economy and jobs the postive as well there are not only bad things in the world .I hope safe travel .

Is anyone from Ghana, or has gone to Ghana to visit?

He lived a life full of secrets and drugs oneof the biggest of all.
So talented yet sad!

i need to work on juggling the show and the blog a little better – too much chatting with the crew and control rm during the breaks!

G8 is a good thing...leaders talking civilly to each other and coming up with global solutions.

The president is not a magician, it took a while to get stuck, it will take a while to get unstuck.

He has to get up to speed, and then react...lag time.

Erica, I've worked in the Addiction field for over 15 years and America has become a take a pill society. Just watch the ads in one evening on TV. Our views of prescription & over the counter medications must change. Unfortunately we as a society didn't learn when Elvis passed & while there are great ideas and firm convictions now. My greatest fear is this moment will pass in vain too.

@Erica ahh, you're doing a super duper job! Just don't try to juggle eggs right now~

@Lori – You are correct! Great memory, and a very interesting analogy too.

So people expect the President to fix an 8-year mess in 6 mos?

@Erica – I think you do pretty well! You gotta have a chat w/ Anderson about his interactivity, but first teach him how to log-in. Just curious, how do you chat with the control room? Must be a different setup than the last studio I was in.

Gary Tuchman is a rockstar, as is Randi. We have an incredible team of correspondents on 360.

@Minou – have you heard from your uncle in Iran?

Does anybody really think that our serious economic problems are going to be solved in a few months. Do they want the Republicans back? Please. It's like the drug thing. We want to take 2 aspirin and wake up with a perfect economy. Instant everything.

Incredible reporting from Michael Weir tonight. Keep up the awesome work.

I live in San Carlos, Mexico, about 5 hours south of Tucson, Arizona. There is no drug violence here, or in MOST of Mexico. When you say this drug violence is "business as usual" for Mexico, you should say for the "Border Areas of Mexico"... not for the rest of this quiet, peaceful country.

Doing a great job as always Erica, really looking forward to a great show on Monday.

Erica - you're doing great - and your blogging with us is better than that guy who usually sits in the anchor chair, but I won't mention any names!! (Smile) It's great to have Devna on the blog with us.

The unity of the Jackson family in difficult times is very striking.

thanks for keeping us connected to events in iran! The end of the repressive regime must surely be everyone's dream-except khamenei

It is nice that their family is soo close knit.

They seem to have issues like all families but it is nice that they support each other.

I like the ones that are happy to be in the background.

@ Erica – thank you so much for asking, that is so kind of you !! yes, he actually decided this was a good time to go on that Asia trip he always wanted to take! He's still in Asia now. We would have appreciated it if he had let us know a little sooner about that, but I hold no grudges... just glad he's safe and sipping pina colada on a beach somewhere..

monorail of disney.... Oh, Gosh!

The Jacksons seem like the normal American family. They seem human. There is only one Michael. But I think that they are only human, with common problems many of us face: divorce, children, jobs, getting old.

Our animals have always enjoyed watching movies with us. Even our dog likes the TV.

Erica

Thank you for asking Minou if she has found her uncle yet. We have wanted to know that too.

The swimming pool incident is truly unbelievable in this day and age. I was one little boy crying over what he had heard from some of the so-called grown ups at that club.

Loved getting the update on "what are they doing now" with the Jackson family. Thanks for that.

Who would have figured that shelters want TV's now for the cats! Too cute!

@ Erica: You are the best! Of course Moms know how to juggle or spin plates!

@ Randi: Always good to see you as well! A real happy team!

Bruce, thank you for letting the rest of the world know about non violence where you are

Randi and Erica are so cute when broadcasting together. Very entertaining and sincere.

So horrible all these people dying with prescription drugs. Can you have a show that focuses on the legislation needed to create a registry. It will help to save lives.

thanks for a great show Erica and 360 team. You're all awesome!
Oh, and so are the bloggers and twitter friends too!
XO

I am so disappointed to hear that Michael had posession of all these drugs and that doctors provided this to him without putting their foot down to stop him from harming not only himself, but hurting his family, his children and his fans. Michael was a beautiful and gentle soul who suffered from the day he was born. Let's just get this over with and let him rest in peace at last. I love you Michael now and forever. Sweet Dreams "King of Pop"

@ Erica

Uhhhhhhuuuuuuuu.... George Clooney!

Janet Jackson should step in. She & Michael were always the closest. Maybe it was meant to be-that she never had children of her own-maybe this was her calling. You could see how the kids were leaning on her & hanging on her. Maybe the kids sense something warm in her that reminds them of their father. She's a lot like Michael. She has got to step in.This is the most heart breaking thing I think I've ever seen.

So what is the cause of all these train crashes?

They are computer controlled so it shouldn't be 0 errors except human error if the computer is overridden ....right?

And Ya, Anderson is the King of the Silver Foxes for sure...1000%...

George Clooney is short, saw him on set, Dr. Drew doesn't have the pazzaazzz

No one takes drugs( prescription,etc ) for no reason at all. Michael Jackson probably had some issues, whether they were physical,etc that were overwhelming to him. Then the trial in which the whole world was watching him, and judging him for all the wrong reasons. Yes, he was different but so is everyone else in the world. I just hope whatever the outcome of all of this, that everyone should take this prescription abuse more seriously. This type of drug abuse is happening more ofthen to the young and the old.

I think its horrible that people who worked for Michael stood by and did not intervene to help his with his addiction. They were more concerned about a pay check. Its too late now to tell what you knew about his issues. Shame on you.

Good night Erica & Team 360. can't wait to see Anderson's interview with the president tomorrow night.

Good night fellow bloggers.

Erica – you rock! There is a great dance vigil in Stockholm, Sweden as well if you youtube michael jackson tribute stockholm.... huge fans!

Have a fantastic evening!

Very nice show tonight! Good night!

Good show tonight! Doesn't surprise me with all the "Girl Power"..... Thanks Erica, Randi, and Devna......not to mention ending the show was some George Clooney.... :O

Have a good evening bloggers!

Awesome show tonite! good night everyone.

"I want to love you, P.Y.T.!" Excellent Shot!

Have a great night, everyone! And Erica, nothing but love for Anderson, but you need your own show.

The update on the other Jacksons – when Marlon mentioned his twin at the memorial program I wondered what had happened. Thanks for answering the question.

The Valley Club, do we really expect that this club would admit to racism? Of course not

You can show the George Clooney picture every night as far as I'm concerned!!!!

It's about that time - good show tonight - Good chatting Fellow Bloggers, Erica and Devna!

Until tomrrow night .... peace....

Enjoyed seeing the videos of the crowds breaking out singing and dancing to Michael Jackson's music.

A little "Billie Jean" for your Thursday! Be sure to join us tomorrow for Erin Brokovich, the latest on the Michael Jackson investigation, and all of the day's top stories. Thanks for joining us!

Good night, Erica and Randi!
Good night, friends!

A great show today, as usual!

Anderson Cooper to be careful ... Women are dominating the show! Yes!