Michael dedicated his entire life to sharing what was in his heart at all costs. He was an expert at hiding his own pain, so he could serve others. This is a story I wrote a while back that illustrates how many of those working on THIS IS IT, the crew and many staff, never saw his pain. Michael was being threatened, but he also had a deep feeling of responsibility to his family and fans to bring what moments of joy he could, to a world that was experiencing so much pain, from financial strife, war and to environmental destruction. As soon as Michael left his dressing room…it was Showtime.
Michael was headlining two benefit concerts for the International Red Cross, Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund, and UNESCO. MICHAEL JACKSON AND FRIENDS. The roster of performers and their entourage flew from Seoul, Korea where the first concert was held, to Munich on a chartered plane. It was such a wonderful flight because we were able to spend some time and get to know everyone. There were performers from all over the world. We arrived at the Munich Olympic Stadium in the afternoon on June 27, 1999 to prepare for Michael’s evening appearance. Michael introduced Andrea Bocelli in the late afternoon. The sun was setting. The darkness changed the entire feeling of the arena. It was a hot summer evening. The crowd had been enjoying performances by other artists all day: Luther Vandross, The Kelly Brothers, Ringo Starr… but it seemed the audience was waiting for Michael. The excitement was building. Magically, the stage was being transformed with emerging walls of lights, screens and equipment that had been created for Michael’s show, that were hidden behind the other performances. Michael Jackson, Michael Bush and myself were using the last minutes to take care some details in the dressing room, just stage right. A long check list: Microphones, wires, wardrobe changes, towels, song list, ice, Gatorade, fans, grease paints, powder. Michael did some stretches to warm up, as the lights lowered in the house. I could feel the energy of anticipation the crowd directed towards us. Any hint of Michael’s appearance created excited chaos in the crowd. He would peek out at the audience from behind the curtains. The band came up the back stairs. Michael met them for the traditional prayer joining their hands. The show began with all the frenzy and excitement that they all did. We have been doing this for many years. After I prepared for the next change, I watched from stage right. Everything was going perfectly…. the medley…Beat It…Black or White with Slash…Billie Jean. The local performers for Earth Song started filing on stage. Earth Song began… then the bridge appeared, just as it had done in Korea. The children and adults slowly entered and filled the stage. The song builds…. Michael flies up the bridge and gyrates and pounds his feet, twirls as the bridge lifts away from its braces. Smoke, explosions, bombard our eyes and ears…the bridge continues higher and higher, but unlike rehearsals, and the last show…. it didn’t pause at its pinnacle… INSTEAD it came careening down gaining speed with Michael tightly grasping the railings… still singing. I started screaming, but I could not even hear my own voice over the pyro, music, and the audience. I started running out from behind the stage in horror as the bridge quickly disappeared below the front of the stage, slamming down on the concrete floor. Security grabbed and stopped me, thinking I was going to ruin the performance. Backstage, there was crying and screaming, only the crew and performers knew there was something desperately wrong. From our vantage point we had lost sight of Michael, as the bridge had fallen below the front of the stage. My heart stopped beating, while in the strong arms of a perplexed security guard. Even though the show continued for everyone else, time stood still for me, as I could not imagine how Michael could have survived such a fall. But slowly, and after what seemed like an eternity, as the music and applause continued, I saw one arm reach for the floor of the stage…then a long lean leg, another arm, another leg…he was up, center stage… finishing the end of Earth Song! My mouth dropped open in relieved amazement. Looking dazed, he made his way to our side of the stage. “Michael, sit down….” ”NO!” He demanded. ”Security… please get him to the hospital!” I was begging. “NO!” He grabbed the microphone and ran out to finish performing “You Are Not Alone”. I could not believe what I was witnessing. He finished the song, took his final bow, and returned once again to his stage dressing room and then… collapsed. Security whisked him off to a hospital in Munich. Band members, dancers, Slash and crewmembers all shocked and amazed at what we had witnessed wrapped up the show with prayers in our hearts. Once back in the hotel… I started making the phone calls to find out how he was. I got the reports that nothing was broken, but he was badly bruised, and his back was very badly strained. It had been a miracle. Being the performer he was, he knew how to land. The next day we were to leave for Paris for a photo shoot. This had been postponed until he was better. I asked him…why did you continue? I cannot believe you were able to do that. ”You know Turkle, the only thing that I heard in my head, was my father’s voice saying to me, MICHEAL, DON’T DISAPPOINT THE AUDIENCE!
I remember once seeing that incident on video and also couldn’t imagine that he wasn’t badly injured. If only the world had known more of Michael’s commitment to his craft and to others and less about what the media thought was “important”.
I watched it in a video last night then my friend share me this link. I cried immediately after reading … Dear Michael, you had given us so much and all, what more we can give back to you? My heart is aching and tears running down … ;(
From this I understand… he didn’t want people to share his pain.
But rather, he felt he would fight his pain(s) by making people feel good, by giving all he had to offer.
He felt complete only by giving. Unlike most of us. We are only used to take.
Karen please I know this is not the place to ask you for this but check your twitter and sign&RT that petition! Help Michael, for his sake!
Thank you very much!!
Dear God!
You know, yesterday was Joseph Jackson’s birthday. I honor him because he is an elder and because without him THAT PERFORMANCE and the person who performed it wouldn’t have been here to make the world a better place. But there are also times when I wonder what kind of man would have emerged under a kinder, gentler father. Would he have been the same Michael Jackson? This of course, we will never know.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 KJV
Thank you for sharing, Karen.
Iris M. Gross
Why weren’t these kinds of stories more reported rather than the shroud of weirdness and BS that the media created around Michael.
He did so much for his fans, his audience, he turned the pressure of having the world as his stage into an opportunity to give so much of himself for the better good of all! I cant imagine your horror Karen, i’m sure my soul would have just about left my body!
A question if i may please…. the photoshoot you mention that had to be postponed because of this incident??? Was this the blue eye photoshoot??? The timeline fits….
He gave so much to all of us. His work ethic and his professionalism are of another world; something we will never see again. I am so thankful for him and to him, but I can’t help but wish he would have taken more time for himself, to heal and to learn to share his pain with others. He gave so much and although he was incredibly blessed, I wish he could have been a tad more selfish and pampered himself more. However, I know selfish is never a word that would describe Michael. I wish so much I could have had the chance to give him a hug and sincerely tell him that I love him, not for his talent but for his heart, the wonderful man he was and all that I learned from him. Karen, you are so blessed to have been able to do that so many times.
this is the moment you’re talking about. .. i watched this over and over thru the years …scares me each time i see it as if ..it happens now…
His strength is amazing… makes me think of the many moments we back out because of pain or fear…yet he went on … can’t help myself imagining what if …we all train ourselves to go on like that… i don’t know how is it for you but for me, being the person that he is and having that amazing strength helped me in many many situations i thought i can’t go thru. Thank you for sharing this, Karen…i’m sure we all need to be reminded this once in a while … and find it within us to go on…
wow what an amazing story! I have read it before. It’s incredible that he continued the show. People have to appreciate it and give back instead of constantly bashing him!
I am choked with emotions to say anything right now. Michael is pure wonderment!! dedicated and a genius!!!
This world has to learn so much about him.. so much..
Thank you so much for sharing.
Love
Neyha
thank you Karen for sharing this. I was at this concert. Your words bring back all the memories, all the shock at watching this happen. I remember all around people worried about Michael. We didnt care about the concert, as long as he was ok. I remember next morning going to the hotel to look for information, and everyone was just relived that he was back at the hotel and not still in the hospital.
You last words are soo true. Michael never wanted us fans to see his pain, he wanted us to only see him smiling and happy. We worried about him, and when we saw the mask slip, and at times saw that things might not be ok with him, we helped keep the perfect image he wanted the world to see.
I´ve read it before. But thank you Karen for sharing it again. He´s amazing and a fighter. That´s not always good though.
Karen, I don’t know how the powers to be could not see Michael’s pain during TII. To me it was so obvious and I have struggled with why. I went to see TII so I could see for myself what conditon Michael was actually in after hearing from so many people that he was in fine shape. He wasn’t in fine shape. I felt fear and hesitation from Michael all the way through TII. He had lost too much weight and was way too thin. I cried throughout the film. I said to my husband, why, why didn’t the powers to be stop this production and get Michael help? Well Karen, I got my answer and it broke my heart. Michael was a commodity, not a human being with feelings. The powers to be looked at him as just making money off of, they had no emotional connection to Michael the human being. So the show must always go on, but without the human being that we all fell in love with a long time ago! Thank you for sharing this story Karen.
You are perfectly right when you say that Michael was a commodity for some, the money makers who don’t know anything about artists and don’t care at all ! I have seen TII too but I have copied it because I didn’t want to
buy it ! and any more material from Michael also. I had a strange feeling on watching TII, it’s difficult to explain (sadness of course but also it was like I didn’t recognize him…
The incident of the brige shows us how Michael was a professional, a perfectionist ; I think it was how he was raised, it was in him, he must have been a very strong man but if only he could have been less tough with him…
I was wondering how many artists today would have react like him when he falled down the bridge ?
Karen, thank you for sharing that story with us that I’ve read from you once before.
LYM.
I agree with these comments. I have also seen TII and found it difficult to watch. In spite of the bridge accident years ago, Michael was in charge of his destiny. I may be wrong but in TII it seems like this wasn’t the case anymore. I feel he was used as a commodity as well. Thinking of it makes me ill. I’m gald you were able to be a support for him Karen.
Ugh… This makes me cry every time… You told us before and god, when I look at the clips from that accident, the crash makes me flinch in pain. He did so much and the bastard responsible for the whole thing is a coward! Always was, always will be.
As amazed as I am by the way he carried on with the show, as saddened am I by the fact that he was raised to feel like he had to EARN to be loved and appreciated. It breaks my heart that everything he did, the way he perfected himself so much, the way he went back onto that stage in spite of his body screaming at him…was because he wanted us to accept him.
I respect and appreciate his immensely professional attitude of not wanting to cancel (not all artists carry the same professionalism towards what they do) but I wish he could have known how the only thing that mattered to us, was his health and happiness. I don’t care if he ever performed again I just wanted him to be happy.
What a heart-wrenching story! It was painful to read but thank you for sharing it just the same. What more can be said about Michael? He was very special, a true “Bodhisattva” – which is a heroic-minded person who is motivated by compassion…one who seeks enlightenment and true happiness not only for himself, but also for every human being. He felt this was his mission in life, to create joy in the world through his artistry. When someone is so dedicated to their mission in life, nothing can stop them. That is why even in death, Michael can still touch our hearts so deeply. He is still with us though we cannot see him. Thanks again Karen.
Michael is now in Heaven, and I know he is watching over his loved ones, his friends, family, fan and most important his children.
I miss him daily.
I agree with you, sag, it´s been so hard since he was gone to all of us. I MISS HIM very very much and it will be like this for the rest of my life…..
Like Alex said, this gets to me every single time. And putting it into context was certainly enlightening. How can there be doubt in anyones mind after an incident like this that Michael could and WOULD put on his game face when he got on stage DESPITE whether or not he was actually “okay”. There really isn’t much of a question in my mind about this……..
Here is what I do question though, and I am trying to think of how to phrase it properly…I understand Michael hearing his fathers voice and the incredible pressure of not disappointing the audience by not completing a show. And I understand that he was a perfectionist too…right? But, what I wonder is whether he knew that his audience or his fans, or at least most of us, that we would much rather have seen him happy and healthy than seen him finish singing YANA or see him do 50 shows in London………and I know that TII was FAR more than Michael not wanting to not disappoint his fans and there were other more, um, pressing reasons that he had to go through with them.. I am speaking in general.
I remember going through Shmuley’s book and there was some conversation that he had had about his fans, I don’t remember exactly, but Shmuley was saying something about the difference between conditional love and unconditional love and whether he thought his fans loved him because he could sing and dance or if it was unconditional love… and Michael said something like (don’t quote me, ’cause it’s been awhile) how he wasn’t sure, because he wasn’t them, but he thought it started out that way but then the fans get to know what he is about and it becomes unconditional love. Something like that. It at least gave me some hope that he did understood that to his fans, I mean to the fans who DID know more about him than his songs and dances and who DID know what he was about, did love him for far more than his dancing and his singing (although obviously those things were beyond words amazing… I don’t want to sound like I am belittling them at all. Michael’s music and dance were magical on their own.). But, sometimes you still gotta wonder if he really got it….. if he really got how much he meant to people all around the world and WHY. I hope he did.
I hope you guys all understand what I am trying to say. Apparently the part of my brain that allows me to express myself properly is on vacation today.
you make perfect sense and I have wondered about that too… following the days he passed away this was one of the main questions i struggled with, whether he knew how much he truly meant to most of us or not. having read Sammy’s and some of the other girls final letters to him, it reassured me that he at least passed away knowing how much he was deeply loved. however, i fear his turmoils had more to do with what he had experienced and endured ALL his life. not sure if that makes any sense….
i think karen is better person to answer this but that’s my two cents
Thanks, Z, glad I at least made sense. You’re right about the letters. Having re-read them, perhaps they did help re-enforce that….. at any rate, I just hope that he understood not only THAT he was loved but WHY.
I understand you VERY WELL. And Yes I think that MICHAEL knew that his real fans loved him unconditionally. He had and will ALWAYS have a special connection to all of us, he understood us more than we can imagine. He knew us very very well and the love that we shared and still share with him will NEVER STOP.
I MISS him daily and the pain for his loss will be in my heart till I die, but I know that he´s with me all the time. I can´t explain it with words but it´s a very special and deep feeling. I hope you understand what I mean.
L.O.V.E
Dear Karen,
I think also, he never wanted to disappoint his audience. Thank you for sharing of your memories.
colourofamber
Yes Lilly…MICHAEL always GAVE ALL on stage…and in life…he made countless sacrifices for us, for everyone….for L.O.V.E
karen’s why we love both Michael, and never disappointed.
Dear Karen
Thank you for sharing your memories. Jezus Maria this is really terrible. When I had watch video from this accident, I was really scared. Michael was really strong man.
What Michael said to you in the end gives me goose bumps. Unbelievable. I don’t know what to say.
yes. same thing with me…gave me goose bumps when i read that ….and the fact that there was no change in his way of performing…he kept on going ….and i understand why most people didn’t even perceived what happened and the gravity of the situation … reminds me also of that moment when a crazy fan jumped on that crane he used to climb when singing earth song ….
Karen,
Thanks so much for sharing this story. MJ was the best…and he inspires me to be my best no matter what.
Thank you Karen, this wonderful example shows us again how Michael was an outstanding and exceptional human being. He pushed his professional conscientiousness to the end, at the risk of his life … he has spent his life giving… giving his time, giving his money, giving his attention and his love, giving to others unconditionally at the risk of forgetting himself. During his childhood he has been conditioned to be perfectionist and to be always the best but his entire life also was placed under the sign of the gift …and he still had so much to give to his family, his friends and fans, to the entire the world.
I can’t think of any (public) figure today, who is ready for this kind of sacrifice for their craft and mission. What else could we expect in the culture based on strengthening of Ego?
Yes, I remember this and thank you again for sharing dear Karen.
HELLO TO EVERYONE HERE. I LOVE YOU!!!
Dear Karen,
I was there too that day and that is one memory that I will never forget. The next day when he stayed at the Bayerischerhof hotel and waved to us from his window was the last time that I saw him. I just wish that he would finally know that he NEVER disapointed us.
So much love and greetings from Spain! Juliana.
[...] is Karen’s horrifying account of what happened that day, in 1999: The children and adults slowly entered and filled the stage. [...]
It gave me the chills when i first read it and still does to this day
Wow I think of how we fans felt about Michael and then you relate the insights you have of him and cant imagine what you felt.
How weird that Michaels leaving left a hole in our hearts but left us the inspriation to fill it again. Your loss was so great being close to him if spirituality and hope works for you, surely it can do wonders for all of us. Thanks for leading the way.
Wow, amazing, he was so dedicated, what a true hero he was and is! This makes me cringe to think about it, but for him to be so strong and loving to get straight back up and continue is a testament to his true loyalty and love for his craft and for us, his fans. Thanks for sharing this Karen. LYM
Rachael
Love is the bridge between Michael’s heart and his fans.
Incredible.
Shae
Wow!!! That was incredibly heart stopping!!! I’ve seen the video of that on You Tube and it’s alarming. I wondered about what happened and how Michael was afterwards. Ouch!!! You can see him climbing back on stage and continuing with the performance. What a pro!!! Like you said Karen, hiding personal pain to bring joy to others. The audience must have been on the edge of their seats during this. Were there screams from the audience? Did they know something had gone wrong? Although you do say that only the crew and performers knew something went wrong. Thankfully Michael’s injuries weren’t more serious. What an awful experience but it also highlighted the strength of Michael’s character and integrity.
This might be a strange comparison, but Michael’s harrowing experience reminds me of professional athletes that I’ve seen who rise above difficulty in order to complete their event. I don’t know if you’re a tennis fan, but many years ago (1996 I think) Pete Sampras became ill on court during the U.S. Open. He fought valiantly through dehydration and throwing up on court to win the match (of course this didn’t have the potential dire consequences of Michael’s situation). I believe Pete did go to the hospital immediately after that match. Pete was committed to finishing the match just like Michael was committed to finishing the concert despite great discomfort. People would have understood if either one had decided to call it a day but that wasn’t going to be the decision. Pete Sampras was considered brilliant on the tennis court in the same way that Michael was brilliant on the stage. Both displayed a strong sense of duty and commitiment to their craft and their fans.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
It appears that Michael was forced to learn early on in life > that one has to mask his hurt, pain and sufferings as “the show must go on…” even if it means compromising one’s own well-being
What level of endurance, self-determination and self-perseverance he must have had! Michael, didn’t ever have to ‘give’ anything more, as he had given more than enough to us all… I wish he knew that. But it has got to be hard to truly believe this when one has mostly experienced conditional love during pivotal periods of his life.
Its unfortunate Karen that you weren’t the only one who knew Michael would sacrifice himself to bring some level of escapism, happiness, and awareness to the world, as it is evident that this very acquired nature of his was what was partly used against him, in the end.
It all just breaks my heart.
*sigh*
Dear Karen, I’m so happy to found you again!! I missed you so much. Love you so much!
Thanks for sharing Karen.
This is just a reminder of what a consumate professional Michael was. He always gave 100 percent of himself, no matter what the cost to his physical, mental or emotional well being. It makes me very sad that after suffering this fall, instead of worrying about his own health, all he could hear was Josephs voice in his head telling him not to disappoint the audience. It seems that it was instilled in Michael from an early age the performing was more important than his own well being. That I find tragic.
I know he would never have wanted to let his fans down, but I have to believe that his fans cared more about him and his safety than any performance that would have been left unfinished.
Michaels character and professionalism speak for itself. He was strong, determined, charasmatic, and electrifying on stage. And off, well he was the bravest human being there ever was. I miss him.
my only fear is that his greatness was his torture…:(
thanks for sharing Karen………
))
Dear Karen,
I was there too that day and that is one memory that I will never forget. The next day when he stayed at the Bayerischerhof hotel and waved to us from his window was the last time that I saw him. I just wish that he knew that he NEVER disapointed us.
So much love to everyone!
It always amazed me his strength and his will to make us happy by giving us perfect performances and songs…everytime I watch that part of the concert it makes me think “OMG, he is made of iron or he’s from another planet or what?”
We would be first for him, not him, he gave us so much,
I’ve got a question, Karen. What did the people responsible of that said after the accident, what did he say to Michael, did tgey apologize or something? I mean, there’s always someone responsible for technical and scenography stuff right?
This is a very good question. I did want to address it, but not in my main statement, because it is true, and a very cruel part of the story.
Kenny Ortega was the producer and director of this show in Germany, and was ultimately his responsible for everything that took place on stage. Kenny left town IMMEDIATELY, without even calling to see how Michael was, or to say he was sorry after Michael’s bridge failed.
Michael never forgot Kenny’s cold and frightened response.
One of the first things Michael told me when I began working on TII with him was “guess what? Kenny finally kinda said he was sorry for that fall in Germany”.
This only validates how self centered and thoughtless Kenny Ortega is. It took Kenny 11 years to say he was sorry. Michael ALWAYS remembered that. During that 11 years, Michael often mentioned to me, that “Kenny hasn’t apologized yet”. It was only when Michael gave him his next job with him,on TII, did Kenny think about saying he was sorry.
Too bad Michael accepted his apology….Michael might still be alive if he realized that Kenny was heartless, and only cared about his job and the money.
Hi Karen,
You of course have the insight into Michael’s way of doing things that few people have. But your answer just makes me wonder something. 1) If Michael felt so slighted by what happened in Germany, why did he use Kenny again in the first place, didn’t he have a choice? and 2) It’s one thing to say what could have been or what might have been, but I guess the fact of the matter is we don’t know what might have been. I think what your OP story best illustrates is that once Michael made a commitment to do this show, he would have gone through with it no matter how hard or what it would have done to his body, and this largely self-imposed pressure to follow through (with Joe’s admonition in mind) and anxiety no doubt added to his inability to sleep. Perhaps the resulting tragedy would have happened no matter WHO was in charge of the show, simply because Michael would have spared no expense to avoid letting down the people who showed their faith in him by buying tickets to his show and selling it out. I guess we’ll never know.
We can then expect, he will never say I’m sorry to Michael’s family for what he did (not) do for Michael on TII.
My opinion is, that Michael did realize that Kenny was heartless and care about his job and money but Michael gave him another chance, which amazes me…
Thank you for the truth Karen.
We can then expect, he will never say I’m sorry to Michael’s family for what he did (not) do for Michael on TII.
My opinion is, that Michael did realize that Kenny was heartless and care about his job and money but Michael gave him another chance, which amazes me…
Thank you for the truth Karen.
Karen you are right to let the people know the truth. Because in TII Kenny showed the world how he was “friendly” with Michael, like when he said “Michael hold on” when he was on the bridge, “Michael tell me if everything is ok” “Mike drink some water” blah blah… All lies! I remember you also said that he shouted to him!
Unbelievable!
But how was Michael’s reaction when Kenny shouted at him?
I hope one day justice will be served, Karen. But what justice can be served? He lost his life. No justice can compensate this, at least in this life.
Thanks Karen, I hug you!
After reading this comment, my first and most hasty thought was, “Then why didn’t Michael sue Kenny Ortega and whoever else was responsible? And why on Earth did he continue working with him?!”
And then, of course, I remembered who we’re talking about — this is the man that accepted only a paltry sum from Pepsi following the horrific pyrotechnics incident (which was in turn donated to the hospital that treated him), and then went on to continue endorsing Pepsi’s products and accepting their sponsorship for years afterward.
Much of what I have always loved about Michael is his ability to see the best in people, and to forgive and move on. Time and time again we see examples of this in his life — whether it be his attorneys, his managers, his producers, or his family. His ability to forgive (even when an apology is not offered!) is mind-boggling.
It’s easy to say that this ability to forgive and move on is what led to of the many hardships and deceit and problems that Michael had in his life, but if you take that quality away from him, you have a different man. This is who Michael was, and this is why we love him.
Thank you, Karen, for sharing your perspective on this situation. I’d read the story in the post before, but it’s interesting — and heartbreaking — to see this addendum.
I find this statement interesting.. Considering Kenny came off as being such a good friend to Michael.
I wish I didn’t read that now looking at tii gives me whole new perspective.
I like the truth
Oh Michael I am so sorry for the cruelty!
How many times has someone rip a piece of Michael’s sensitive heart out and chewed it up. This is a testament of Michael’s Spirit, he bled so much yet still forgave. I am a forgiving person, but here Michael puts me to shame, for I could not. God bless him.
he only apologized because he needed to work with Michael….such a coward …now that explains a lot why people around him never noticed anything wrong with Michael…and Michael’s worst mistake was to have such a big heart and give that cold guy a second chance….
Makes me feel so sad realizing, once more, that in this world, it’s very dangerous to be kind a good and love everyone the way Michael did. I can’t think of a better word for LOVE than Michael … that’s his true, God-given name: LOVE.
Wow Karen, why didn’t kenny say sorry sooner. Did he care about Michael? I didn’t know that Michael cllasped after the show.
I thought nothing more could shock me about all of this… but alas I’m wrong. Michael was such a beautiful and noble soul. Yet, how many times was he exploited and mistreated by cold-heartened individuals, who obviously equated his kindness, generosity and goodness as a form of weakness?
At the risk of sounding redundant, thank you Karen for continuing to share with us these heavy truths, which are necessary clues that allow us to better understand how pre-existing conditions facilitated what took place on June 25, 2009.
I think KO’s behavior back then, is relevant to his behavior after Michael died. He still has NEVER said, I knew Michael was not well, and several people were alerting me to it, and I did not do enough to help him. I saw KO on TV with Travis Payne and Randy Phillips telling the world how strong Michael was. I saw everyone promoting themselves and producing a lie of a movie and making millions from their producer credits, running around the world promoting and protecting themselves from what they knew was the truth. This time Michael is gone so they don’t ever have to say they are sorry.
I always feel guilty for not doing enough, for not knowing enough. This is the pain I must take with me the rest of my life. I had no idea that Murray was going to kill him that morning…no idea. I could not have waltzed down the red carpet for the opening of TII for anything. There was NOTHING about what had happened, that I was proud of.
Your answer has left me astonished, you’re right when you refer to it as the “cruel part of the story”, I can’t believe Kenny’s heartless response. You had told us about it, and his cold reaction after Michael’s passing, plus his big smile when they presented the movie TII, made me think you were totally right…but I must say that a part of me still wanted to believe that he cared and loved Michael and that it was just that he is really strong to bear such a loss (lol, innocent me! huh?)…now the story of his behaviour after that accident says it all: he never cared about him, he wouldn’t have reacted that way if he really cared.
It doesn’t surprise me that Michael accepted his apology and never demanded it to Kenny personally or complained to him before, cause he was so greathearted.
THANKS FOR ANSWERING MY QUESTION KAREN, THANKS FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW THE TRUTH AND SHARING THINGS MICHAEL TOLD YOU.
GBY,
Abi Rangel
“Apologizing doesn’t mean that you are wrong & the other is right, it means that you value their relationship more than your ego.”
I don’t know the author of this quote but I saw it since reading about KO and it struck me very deeply. It is a very sad, cold and lonely place to be if ones ego has greater value than ones relationship to others.I’ll never understand KO’s behaviour during and after the bridge accident and I’ll never understand his behaviour during and after TII and Michael’s death.
Anna @ D16 (09:16:17) : “His ability to forgive (even when an apology is not offered!) is mind-boggling.”
I was reading Anna’s response and thought about it for a long time. The more I learn about Michael and the way he responded to situations the more I’m led back to the Bible for an explanation to his actions. Although I’m quoting from the Bible here, these principles are in many ways universal and not exclusive to the Christian faith.
I looked up these verses:
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 (NIV)
“The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,” Colossians 1:10 (NIV)
My understanding is that Michael was VERY well versed in the Bible and I believe he took what he learned from that book VERY seriously. I’ll try to not be too preachy with my thoughts but I think we all know that God calls us to forgive each other through His grace. He calls us to not hold grudges. It’s not easy to do, in fact it is very hard! I can’t help thinking that this Biblical principle might have played a role in Michael hiring KO, although there may have been other reasons too. (Please correct me if I’m wrong.)
Michael definitely bore “fruit in every good work” in his life and tried to live by God’s principles in his interactions with others. The more I learn about him, the more impressed I am with him.
You were a strength for him Karen. I firmly believe that.
Blessings to all,
LYM
Sandy
DEAR KAREN,
I JUST JOINED YOUR BLOG AND I AM SO THANKFUL THAT YOU STARTED THIS. I JUST READ YOUR COMMENT ABOVE AND IT JUST STRUCK ME TO THE BONE. THE FIRST TIME I SAW TII I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE WHOLE SITUATION JUST DIDNT SIT WELL WITH ME. MJ LOOKED ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE AND FRAIL AND I EVEN TOLD MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT SOMETHING WASNT RIGHT. YOU MUST GET THE TRUTH OUT TO THE WORLD. THE WORD CONSPIRACY COMES TO MIND AND I THINK THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR MJ’S DEATH. MICHAEL’S DEATH HAS HIT EVERYONE SO HARD, I AM STILL HAVING TROUBLE DEALING WITH THE LOSS OF SUCH AN INCREDIBLE PERSON, A PERSON WHO STILL HAD SO MUCH TO GIVE TO THIS WORLD. I THINK THE TOTAL INJUSTICE OF IT ALL IS MAKING IT SO HARD FOR PEOPLE COME TO GRIPS WITH HIS PASSING AND TO MOVE ON. MY HEART ACHES EVERYDAY BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF ONE OF MOST AMAZING TALENTS THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY THE LOSS OF A HUMAN BEING. A PERSON WHO SUFFERED SO MUCH AND DIDNT DESERVE IT. IT IS ONE OF THE SADDEST THINGS I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED. THE WORLD MOURNS AND WILL DO SO FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. SO THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH MJ. IT DOES GIVE ME SOME PEACE. KEEP SPEAKING THE TRUTH AND MAYBE JUST MAYBE THERE WILL BE SOME JUSTICE FOR MICHAEL.
Bonjour, HI big family !
Michael was a king, I mean he was really a true king.
Michael was a star, I mean he was really a true star.
Michael was a man and an humain , i mean he was really a true man and a true humain. So many people must look at him for example, he was LOVE and we need so much LOVE, it’s also why so many people miss him
sorry about my english, I’m french and my english il no so good!!
LOVE
Wow Karen…..
I really wish , i could say something else, but it’s what came out from my mouth after read your words…..
I’m speechless…
Michael…. <3
Thanks for sharing this with us Dear Turkle**
God Bless You.
Hi to everyone here,
Love <3
Karen thank you very much
I think this world is without michael bacio taught us so much and gave us so much love I can only thank God for a gift as great as it was michael
Dear Karen,
I’m so glad you developed your webpage. And before I go any further, I know I speak for many when I say, THANK YOU! for always being there for Michael; for being a loving, caring friend, someone he could trust and lean on–a velvet rock if you will! For all Michael gave to the world, there were so few people in his life who sincerely had his best interest at heart. There is no doubt that you were one of them. I find it incredibly sad and unjust in some respects–especially since he was deserving of everyone’s love, admiration and respect. Sadly, we all know what he inspired and lavishly bestowed on the world wasn’t returned. What he received in-kind was deceit, avarice, unfathomable abuse and pain.
I read your story a few weeks ago and late last night while I was “Michaeling”, watching Ghosts again, I happened on the YouTube video of the Munich concert. I knew the story of what happened but I was unprepared for what I saw. My heart skipped a beat and I gasped!
Were it not for his keen instinct on how to react, and God’s watchful hand, who knows what would have happened to him. I cannot imagine what effect witnessing this horror in real life had on you.
For him to to rise up and gallantly finish Earth Song gives us just a glimpse into his complex being.
I listened with great interest during the interview you, Michael Bush and Dennis gave during the recent 20-20 program. When it was your turn to talk and you shared about the agonizing and heartbreaking way you would stand with Michael during the trial, how you lovingly would wash his hair every morning and how he would lay his head on your shoulder and the two of you would cry and pray together, I just lost it. I broke down, sobbing and couldn’t see the TV for the flood of tears. There’s no question but that what he had to endure during the hellish trial slowly destroyed his spirit. And what made it even more tragic was the fact that a 14-count “NOT GUILTY” verdict wasn’t enough! What that Nazi DS, the Arvizo liars and a legion of media interested only in grabbing ratings did to him, it robbed him of his brilliance and vitality. Propofol may have stopped the beating of his heart, but it was the hatred and misunderstanding that really took him from us.
Day after day I struggle to understand how something so senseless could have happened and more importantly, why? There are some extraordinary efforts underfoot that are quietly and with determination working to both expose the truth and restore Michael’s dignity and integrity. It won’t happen overnight, but one day people will talk about and remember Michael Jackson’s brilliance and love, his deep concern for humanity and our Planet and its inhabitants. People will one day honor him for all the wonderful efforts he put forth, they’ll celebrate his unprecedented accomplishments and the unforgettable music he created for us and there will never again be the temptation to associate any unkind or negative words with him. Hopefully, those who love him will drive those disgusting words and thoughts into oblivion.
We are all better people for having lived during the time of Michael Jackson. I wish somehow I could have just met up with him long enough to say “Thank you!”
God bless you, Karen. May God comfort you and allow nothing but the joyful memories you have of Michael to surround you. I don’t know what your faith might be, but I believe we all share fundamental truths and I know that we will behold him again one day and it will all be good!
Take care and I wish you much success and joy!
–Susan
Karen,
This story is so Michael. I often wonder where the man got the strength and endurance to go on. I know he was deeply spiritual. He must have gotten so much of the love and compassion and sense of mission from that spirituality. In all the interviews that he granted and all the interviewers that questioned and grilled him, none of them asked the really important questions. Like ‘when the entire world would rather ridicule, when you are facing a trial on criminal charges that don’t even live in your consciousness and sitting through jury selection, when your face and name are the subject of nightly talk show monologues, how can you be talking about organizing an effort for tsunami relief? Where does that kind of selflessness come from?’ Those are the questions the world needed the answers to – not this crap about oxygen chambers and elephant man’s bones and plastic surgeries and skin shade – important questions that could make each one of us more spiritually-attuned. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your friend. Many of us share that loss the world over who didn’t know him personally and didn’t have the privilege of comforting him in his aloneness, fear and pain or sharing his joys and laughter mourn with you. Even though, we didn’t know him, we KNEW him and loved him … and still do. Please know that ‘you are not alone.’ – Jan
This story brings tears to my eyes…I just want to say: Michael, we are always next to you, wherever you are.
Thank you Karen for sharing. I love you!
Thank you, Karen, for sharing that experience. I’ve seen the video of this show and confess that I was very nervous here, I imagine how you must have felt … Michael was a complete artist, the best of all, he surrendered even when things went wrong.
Thank’s again, Karen. ♥
Thank you Karen for sharing, I should like make big comments but my english is so bad I am french.
Michael was a wonderful human being. He wanted to help others with their pain and bring joy into their lives. I wish people would have seen the love inside his heart instead of bashing him.
always thanks Karen…..I feel his pain as if my…
Thank you Karen for sharing. Michael always put his fan’s happiness before his own happiness.
About Ortega… How someone can be so miserable? I can´t believe it. Michael had a big heart.
Sorry for my english. Take care!
Kisses from Spain
That story still just breaks my heart.. what a complete professional michael was to even put his fans before his own pain. I wish he would have known that most of us cared about him as a person as much as we loved his gift of entertaining and learned to take care of himself when he needed too. Thank you for sharing this story with us, just once again showing what a beautiful and loving person he was. <3 to you Karen and all my FOKers on here… samantha
Karen – I just stumbled upon (really) your site and blog. I’ve watched TII so many times I could do the moves asleep! Every time I came away with the impression that Ortega was so condescending to Michael; now we know that “film” was shot only within the last days of Michael’s life. Just this morning we hear that 7 doctors have been “cleared” in the case, which leaves focus only on Murray which I believe to be a good thing so he can’t be portrayed as the “last doctor standing”. He can be twisted to state the truth as to who was behind it all. There are many with unclean hands in the last years of Michael’s life; the truth will be known. Thanks for all you did for Michael and for what putting up this site.
Thank you so much for sharing your memories of Michael with us. I know it must be so difficult for you. Michael was a blessing to us all and you were surely a blessing to him. Thank you for being a true friend to him!
To me, Michael was the complete package. A true beauty with unique talent, great Intelligence and a heart of gold. It always bothered me so much the way the media treated him. They knew he was not as they reported him to be and It’s true what they say… “genuine goodness is threatening to those on the other end of the moral spectrum.” Michael was “ginuine goodness”. Thank you for letting everyone know what his family, friends and fans knew all along.
This is very sad and heartbreaking story. Karen thank you very much for carrying about Michael. Michael was professional, but Kenny Ortega not.
This goes show that Kenny is heartless. He only cares about himself.
what !!! I guess nobody knew anything about this story and how kenny ORTEGA was so nasty and bad.Had negative things to read kenny ortega topic on this is not it. I understand better now, and I will not look over the same way TIIKenny ORTEEGA was a devil for Michael and I relly hope he wil nightmares til the end of his life. and I hope God wait for him….I m qo sa
Someone above asked why Michael would ask Kenny O. back to work with him on TII after what happened regarding the bridge collapse and Kenny never apologizing. Now we know Kenny apologized after he was hired for TII. Is there any confirmation to the story that Kenny O. is the cousin of Randy Phillips? If true, that would perhaps explain why Kenny O. was really hired for TII.
You know what tears my heart apart? It when watching TII Michael shows so much love towards Kenny.
You know KARMA is a bitch.
Yeh, like Mattola selling his holiday ‘log cabin’ for $27 million?
Shoot, all I can hope is that he’s short of cash and will eventually go broke.
But then again that was Michael.
Reading Karen’s comment made me think of Michael on the cherry picker in TII and said to Kenny “I trust you.”
I totally agree.
Isn’t there a Youtube vid where Mike goes under the stage in preparation of being shot up on the the stage for his entrance and he says, ‘you aren’t going to hurt me again?’
Looks like his safety wasn’t paramount to some.
Thanks Karen for sharing your stories with us… They really touch my heart.. I hope that Michael will soon have justice!
what!!! Shame on him !!! I guess nobody knew nothing about this story ant the nasty and bad kenny Ortega. I had read negative things about him on This is Not it topic, and now I understand better. I will never look TII in the same way !!
I really hope he will nightmares till the end of his life because of the michael’s death. The devil wait for him !!!
Karen, thank you very much for your kindness and your compassion about Michael and to tell the true ! I feel so sad for Michael !
His death is a real mess. Kenny Ortega should thinck of these children who have lost their father !
I love you more
Patricia
ps : sorry for my bad english
Sometimes people who are cowards come off as heartless and cold…KO was smarmy, condescending and manipulative (not to mention passive aggressive!!lol) in TII…and he was in charge of the film…so imagine what we didn’t see/hear. As far as Michael calling him back…Michael had very little time to assemble a show: It appears he called back the peeps who already had muscle memory and knew what to do…some he loved…some? like KO?? he had hurt feelings over…but it was a SHOW…not a personal get together….it was business.
Show business looks really tough and ugly from the outside…I wonder what a horror show it is from the inside. : ( So so sad. So sad…and apparently that is just to be accepted…what else is there to do with this information? Michael took many many many terrible beatings…it must have been very painful to witness, Karen. I truly hope the good memories balance the pain. with love.
I met Michael the next day in his hotel room and asked him how he was feeling…..cause I was of course worried…. He mentioned his back…. But as soon as I asked him, he jumped… I had the feeling that He was more worried, that the show was not 100%…
Michael was so nice to me that day…. ( I had a knee injury ) I will never forget that… I love him
forever….
How is the book coming along, Karen….?!
I’m looking forward…
But I’m sure it will be tooooo sad to read….
I wasn’t there, but I remember hearing about it. I really belive that Michael heard Joe’s voice several times throughout his life.
*sigh* He never gave up, never stopped fighting, even if it could kill him. The show must go on, god bless <3
He is loved beyond words!
I’ve seen the video clip of the Munich bridge collapse incident, and I can see why people thought it was all part of the show. But they weren’t the ones in Michael’s moccasins, and it’s a miracle he survived it let alone carry on with the song and another ballad!! You must have had all kinds of horrible things going through your head when you couldn’t see him after the fall.
It just shows how he couldn’t have been any more professional. He was totally in the moment of the song and performance. He was giving his ALL for the audience and music itself, he was in the realm that you witnessed him switching into when he started performing on the Beat It short film. As long as he had breath in him he was determined to finish his work, and not give up.
Before I read your blog on this, I had only seen your summarised report on it months ago, and I had thought that maybe his back injury took a while to kick in, like some back injuries can be delayed. But if he collapsed right after the show…
then there really is nobody like him. I wish he didn’t have such a heavy price to pay for just being him, especially all that pain on every level.
I doubt his back was ever normal again, and I can’t see how he was willing to do 10 concert in 2009. He would have been in a lot of discomfort for ages after one concert.
But that’s me thinking about the physical self and wanting someone to take it easy instead of get hurt…. I suppose the Performer in him didn’t think on that level. “What More Can I Give” <—-
I totally agree with “withachildsheart” when she says that in all the interviews Michael did, NONE of the interviewers asked the really important questions, it was always the same stupid questions… Michael was certainly a really complex and interesting person to interview. Imagine if it could have been a fan who had interviewed him, it would have been very interesting !
Karen, I feel sorry for you that you will always feel guilty for thinking you haven’t done enough and for your pain I saw it in your interview 20/20 programm and I heard your sighs… What a heavy heart ! Please, don’t feel guilty because I think you have done what you could (unlike others), your blog here shows us that you care ! Please take care of yourself and thank you again for showing us the truth in all that mess !!! You are not alone !
LYM
I read Karens words and couldnt find a wayto express the hearbreak and regret any better than you guys so I just let you say it for me/us. But I wanted to especially second nicole38 about Karens unwarranted guilt. How many true friends did Michael have? Could anyone have persuaded such a strong willed man to do things any other way? She was there for him and still is. And still spreading his message thru her words to us and anyone who is open-hearted enough to listen.
Karen, it must be painful to write of these things but you do it anyway. For your friend, Michael.
Karen, I have been Michaeling since his death and loved him since I was in grade school. I met you at the first Conrad Murray courthouse visit back early in January and was touched by your support of Michael. I just stumbled across your blog. I wanted to thank you for being at Michael’s side for so many decades. True friends are a gift from G-d and I know that Michael knew you were a loyal, dedicated, devoted friend who never wavered from wanting the best for him.
Although so many people surrounding him were after his finances, I know you were there for one reason only and that was to watch after him. I have read enough blogs, watched enough Youtubes and gathered information to know who was on his team and I decided long ago that you, Karen Faye, were captain of his L.O.V.E. team.Michael’s heart was so big, his compassion so great and he felt that coming back from you. G-d brought the two of you together for many reasons. One is so you could spread the message of what truly happened to Michael Jackson. I sense it is now part of your reason for being here.
I feel it is part of my mission as well to advocate for someone who was misunderstood, judged, ridiculed and even hated for doing nothing more than loving. If you want to see what I’ve written please feel free to look.
Thank you for your caring heart and being committed to the truth of who Michael Jackson was. I truly believe that even though the Propofol stopped his heart beating, his spirit was killed long ago by all the judgment he put up with in his life. As strong as he was, the constant misunderstanding eventually took a toll on him. He was just a little boy wanting to be loved beneath the tough showman he was.
Blessings, light, love
http://hannahkozak.wordpress.com/
makes me wonder how many such episodes happened and people who needed to be kept as far as possible from him, were given a 2nd chance just bec mike had the most wonderful heart of all
. i feel so torn apart right now…sad and angry 
also explains KO’s a**-kissing to Michael during the movie TII. 
cruel story indeed…..and most cruel thing is that while our hearts will never heal, these people are fine and well and nothing seems to affect their good times 
. Sending a lot of love to you Karen, Love heals.
ladypurr9 thanks so much for expressing exactly what I was feeling inside – but because my tears were coming so hot and fast – I could not see the keyboard to type. Even my husband heard my loud sobs and I couldn’t explain to him – how much my heart breaks for Michael’s pain and phenomenally tragic and senseless end. Michael was a supernova, the star of stars – he gave and gave until he had nothing left to sustain his life. My only comfort or maybe deluded thought was – he knew he was loved unconditionally when he left this earth. I’d not seen Michael more ‘worn-down looking’ than at the March O2 announcement – he was unrecognizable in his demeanor and body-language, and watching the out-takes from TII proved it – Michael’s light was being snuffed out. The cold uncaring people in charge of TII were choking off Michael’s oxygen, without which his fire could not burn, it could not sustain.
Karen – much THANKS and big LOVE to you for creating this blog and for sharing glimpses into this beautiful soul. Michael is God’s archAngel now. He is safe and he is free. L.O.V.E you more xoxo
_/|\_ Namaste!
I am very pleased you shared this, Karen. Hopefully it will encourage others to share and still more facts to be revealed about who Mike was.
You don’t have to do too much research to find that Mike was like an old-school hoofer. And you know the motto for those entertainers was always, ‘the show must go on!’.
Anybody in the industry would have know about Mike’s incredible work ethic and it appears that made him all too vulnerable as unscrupulous types (read AEG, KO, Mattola, etc.) were able to take advantage of him to serve their interests.
Karen, first of all thank you for sharing with us. I appreciate you very much.
Michael was such a perfectionist in hiding his pain: physical or mental anguish .
But whose words he heard, whose voice was it, when he was standing calm in front of all those hungry sharks. God’s?… his own?
We have to learn from him how to give all you have and how to receive with gratitude everything what life gives to you.
New story, new lesson, thank you Turkle.
thanks karen for sharing .. really miss him so much..
“Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, and falling in at night. I miss you like hell.”
It is insane how a Stranger can turn your life around, he changed everything for me, literally.
Thank you for sharing these pieces with us Karen… I hope you are doing well…
OMG I didn’t no that about Kenny Ortega. I am truly shocked. How can people be so cruel!! I can’t believe it!
one of the dancers on TII was from Holland. I don’t know if you know him. His name is Timor Steffens. After Michael had died he told in interviews that Michael was ready for the shows. And that he out danced all the dancers. In Holland everyone now believes that he was up for it and he was in top condition and totally ready for it. This explains again that he was just so misunderstood.
Thank u for sharing this story with us Turkle.
BTW How are things going in court? Did you have to testify yet?
karen the world should know the people, around Michael greed not caring the health of Michael, I’m glad it’s you, who can tell the world about this injustice.
kiss
At this point I am going to let the universe take care of Kenny, and focus on what a wonderful gift was given to us for a time, and space.
yuck…This world is so ugly… sorry Michael. sorry for what people did to you, you didnt deserve this… KO, they say karma is a Bi#$%… so watch out
KAREN PLS DON’T FEEL SORRY FOR MICHAEL’ DEAD ! BY SEEING THE SINCE ON TIME YOU AND WE NEW HOW MICHAEL WAS HE WAS HIDING HIS PAIN WITH THE SWEETES SMILE THAT WE COULD THING OFF SO HOW CLOUD YOU KNOW THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING GOING ON ?! AND YOU HAV ALWAYS DONE THE GREATES THINGS FOR HIM IN THE PASS I KNOW HOW EVER I HAV NOT ONE’S MEET YOU I KNOW BY ONLY HEARING YOU VOISE THAT YOU ARE THE SWEETES AND THE MOST CARING PERSON THAT MICHAEL EVER NEW AND BEING AROUND WITH ! SO PLS STOP FEELING SORRY AND BY THE WAY YOU WAS THE ONLY ONE THERE AND MAYBE WE WAS ALREADY THINKING OF SOME THING TO SAFE HIM BUT IT WAS AL IN FANE ? AND YOU NOW FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE BY SPREADING THE TRUTH ( AND YOU ALONE) OF ALL THE PPL HOW ARE THERE ! AND I RESPECT THAT SOOOOO MUCH !!…….XXXX
(KO IS ONE BIG DIRESPECTFUL ASS ) I THINK THAT MICHAEL HAV THAKKING KO BACK BEAUSE MICHAEL IS VERRY FORGIVEN AND RESPECTFUL PERSON
ONLIKE KO HE JUST MICHAEL AS POPPET ON STRINGS (PINOKKIO) HE HES PULL THE STRINGS TO LET MICHEAL ( PINOKKIO ) DANCE ALL FOR BLOOD $$$$ AND THAN SAY HE IS IN GOOD SCAPE WHAT KIND OFF PROF IS THAT ?! ONE THING IS FOR SURE I HAV NEVER EVER SEEN MICHAEL’S ( PINOKKIO ) NOSE GROWN !!! IF YOU KNOW THE STORY YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN ….
KAREN PLS BE STRONG ALL HOW NEW MICHAEL NEW THAT YOU DID ALL IN YOUR POWER TO SAFE HIM OUT OF THE HAND FROM THE $$$$$ EVIL ONE’S
***************L.O.V.E YOU THE MOST ************
XXX LINDA XXX
I thought this was an interesting article, as it reflects the inconsistency of KO’s claims. After months of stating MJ was doing splendid, and then continue on insisting the same months following MJ’s death. It appears KO realized while promoting TII that most members of the public or at least those who saw Michael as a human being than a dancing machine noticed that he didn’t look all that great! Unless one was blind as a bat, then he or she would have seen that MJ was unwell to certain degree. I believe this insight led KO to drastically change his stance and adapt a new tune, in which he was ‘worried’ about MJ’s condition but “Michael” wanted to carry on… thus placing the responsibility and blame solely on Michael and not take any of it on himself!
As KO notes
“There were days where I had my I anxieties and my insecurities. But Michael made it very evident that this was something he wanted to do and in the end it was about grabbing hold and letting him take the reins – plugging in to his belief” Source:http://itn.co.uk9e202d10ca56a77a3cbb39708adb6152.html
Having a better understanding of how KO carried himself in 1999…. As far as I’m concerned KO let MJ down THEN & MORE SO NOW. In addition, KO has not owned up to any of it like hadn’t done so in the past…
Good point about KO changing his tune and his placing the blame on Michael’s perfectionism. Disgusting. I’m assuming that KO was acting on legal advice…..
Not sure about legal advice… perhaps to certain degree. But I think it is clear that he was certainly motivated by his career interests and $$$$ over MJ’s well-being and now even over the truth!
I bet that voice was in his head every day whether he liked it or not.
Thanks again for sharing this and future stories Karen. It lessens the heartache a little bit with each story. To know the real Michael an not just Michael, the superstar, is an incredible gift and I am so grateful to you for sharing this with us.
karen sorry for the mistake’s I made above bluch bluch !!!
Karen, I read your Twitter comment. I’m not sure if you can view other Twitter messages who you are not following, but I wanted to say that you called this a journey in the beginning and I want to express how honored and blessed I am that you wanted to take us along on this fragile ride. We are all hurting, some deeper than others, but we are all hurting just the same. Pausing is part of healing. How would anyone rush these precious memoirs. Thank you for caring about us.
We are people of different worlds holding different lives,
inevitably entwined by will of God…by will of heart.
SunnyShae
Hi Karen, Thank you for taking the time to write this blog. It’s only from people like yourself who really knew Michael that we can discover the real truth. I truly believe that the world does not yet realize what they have lost.
Karen, thanks for creating this blog and sharing your memories with us.
It´s so important to know the truth …
Every time i read this, it brings tears to my eyes…
the part that brakes my heart the most it’s that last sentence: ”You know Turkle, the only thing that I heard in my head, was my father’s voice saying to me, MICHEAL, DON’T DISAPPOINT THE AUDIENCE”
It hurts to see how Michael was raised thinking he always owed others something, that he was an Entratainer, and not a child, not a common person…and makes me understand how this has affected his life, he kind of minimized his value as a person…i mean…his health came first, but he decided it was more important to finish his performance…who ever else would have done the same?
These are the same feelings his song “childhood” gives to me…
I also share with Steph the same doubt: did he really get how a lot of people really cared about him AS A PERSON? that they cared more for his health and happyness, than about seeing him onstage again?
And as far as Kenny Ortega is concerned, I am pretty disgusted by how this man…who knew him for decades, didn’t care at all about him…I’ve happened to see TII special contents…and it was really awful to see how he was proudly and continuously saying that Michael trusted him…I don’t know if Michael really trusted him after what he did to him in that occasion, but for sure betraying someone who trusted you, isn’t something to be proud of.
OMG I read all the blogs from newest to latest and when I finished your first one where it said you realized your gift was Michael and then introduced yourself…… instant tears. I wish everyone realized what a gift he was to this world. I am so greatful that you are kind enough to share your stories with us. We don’t really have anyone we trust to tell us of his life. It made me incredibly sad to know that he finished the concert in so much pain, for I remember seeing this, and even though he was professional, you just knew he was in pain. He would not have let the fans down if he went to the hospital. I can speak for all the ones I know, and they would much rather him think about his health then the show. He always was thinking about everyone else before himself. He was the most selfless person that ever lived and the world will continue to mourn the loss of it’s hero. I love you Michael and always will
Oh one more thing, God bless you and Thank you again soooo much. This must be difficult for you and my prayers are with you.
I carry a piece of Michael with me wherever I go. It’s a small piece tucked away in the deepest depths of my heart. However, it isn’t locked away. I hope his goodness and love shine in everything I do.
God Bless, Karen.
Karen, it’s both sad and distressing to learn the truth behind Michael’s brilliant but tortured and terribly exploited life. God placed you in his life for a reason. Having people in your life that you know in your heart you can trust and rely on, no matter what challenges life throws at you, is more important than wealth and fame. Take comfort in knowing that you always had his best interest at heart. You cared deeply about him and you tried valiantly to intervene on his behalf. We can sometimes drive ourselves crazy with the “If onlys”.
God’s hands touch everything. Perhaps God decided it was just time for Michael to be with Him. We are still grieving and struggling to go on, to find a somewhat “sweet spot” knowing we have all the unforgettable memories but it’s hard, even for those of us who never met him or even saw him in concert. I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like for you.
Many of us have spent the last year wanting to know the real Michael Jackson. What I’ve learned has left me in awe. Not being aware of what was really happening behind the scenes of TII, many of us were blown away by seeing Michael perform. I swear you could feel his aura, his presence come through the movie screen–it was that powerful. The first time I saw the movie I just thought that the concerts would have been mind-boggling. I bought both dvds with the extra discs and having learned so much about Michael since it was first released, I now see the clever and slick ways in which this was created. When the truth finally hits you, it kicks you in the gut.
We’re duped into believing how much Mr. Ortega cared about Michael. Knowing the facts about the horrible accident in Munich, you cannot look at this documentary the same way again. There’s so much deception and deceit. All the excessive expressions of concern were fake.
The whole entertainment industy–and I think we are all on the same page here–played a role in his gradual decline. And the press? Well, I hope everyone who is responsible for the hateful lies, sick stories and rumors is one day so gripped with remorse that they are driven to come forward and apologize and tell the truth. Everyone must give account one day. To have to explain why you thought it was acceptable to destroy a gentle, kind man’s life because you thought him strange won’t be easy.
How do these people live with themselves? Have they no conscience, no heart? Their ultimate quest for TV ratings and breaking news took a loving, devoted father from his three beautiful children. Does that ever enter their minds? Does it even register?
I believe I speak for many when I say that I hope to see the day when whatever is written about Michael, whenever someone speaks about him, it is only with the utmost respect and kindness, and enormous appreciation for what he gave to the world. We need to challenge reporters and news commentators whenever they talk trash about him. Everytime someone says something unkind, we can lovingly say, “But did you know this about him–how much he cared for children and the world we live in?” For every ugly comment, we have pages of Michael’s goodness to share with them. For every negative thought we are tempted to think, there are multitudes of positive thoughts to replace them. The legacy of Michael’s life extends far beyond his fabulous voice, exciting dancing, his genius creativity. His genuine, pure love of children and desire to create a kinder, more loving world is what speaks most strongly to our hearts, beckoning us to “Change the World”. We can. And we will–one heart at a time!
Thanks Karen for sharing. I know it must be difficult for you but we are very grateful that you’ve cared enough to share these little-known truths.
Wishing you peace and joy!
–Susan T
(((hugs)))
Susan, that is wonderful what you wrote. Thanks..I am deeply touched by your words..which are true
You are SO right, Susan.
MICHAEL was the MOST AMAZING HUMAN BEING EVER… and he had to endure so many INJUSTICES…so much pain…but on the other hand he had KAREN, a TRUE FRIEND that really cared about him and did all she could do given the circumstances that MICHAEL was living the last days of his life…..
The pain for losing him will be with me for the rest of my life, but I have the precious treasure of the memories of the concert I attended when he came to South America in 1993….it was a MAGICAL NIGHT that I will NEVER FORGET.
When you say: “We can sometimes drive ourselves crazy with the “If onlys”…you describe what has been happening to myself from time to time since June 25th 2009….because I feel that if I had been there maybe I could have helped to save him…and that BREAKS MY HEART…..
L.O.V.E to you
Karen,
Thank you so much for sharing this. It is heartbreaking and horrific. KO is a bottomfeeder of the worst kind. He has taken the exploitation of artists to new lows – all in the name of spectacle and money – in this account of his history with Michael.
I think it’s great that you are speaking out, especially when there must be risks for you to do so. But as you say, justice through truth is the only course of action for us now, since the political-legal system is tainted.
Thank you again for sharing.
Thank you, Karen.
I am so~appreciating you sharing this story with us all.
I used to watch this performance on youtube and every time I was very tense that moment.
Love and big hugs…..
“My Twitter and blog are open and free for everyone.” -Karen Faye on Twitter
“I want to personally thank all those who commented on my blog. Your understanding is truly amazing.” -Karen Faye on Twitter
I’m one of many who would like to express a deeply sincere thank YOU for sharing your piece of Michael with us. You have such an important and meaningful story to tell. The Michael you knew was the real deal. He was NOT the fake caricature that the media invented for their own sport and profit. You’ve shown that he understood commitment, duty and selflessness. That he was a loving father and family man. That he was a man of strength and character. And that he was a man who experienced great joy, and at times, experienced great pain. Thank you for helping us to get to know him a little better and in turn, to know you a little better too.
Although I had asked about a book earlier, I now have a better understanding of why a book isn’t the best way to share your experiences and lessons. This format is very alive; very real; very dynamic; very personal. A book can’t duplicate this. Also, there are no money issues to deal with and no corporate editors (with nothing but profit on their minds) telling you how to write your story. Excellent and wise decision!!
I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with you and your guests on your blog. (The replies have been great to read and re-read!!!)
Forever blessing to all!
LYM
Sandy
Thank you Karen for sharing this so that everyone can learn about all the sacrifices that MICHAEL always did for all of us…..
He was such a wonderful man, so generous, so sweet, so humble….
Since he passed, every night I ask him: “please visit me in my dreams”…and from time to time I dream about him.
One of the last dreams was that he was playing around me, laughing, running, jumping….and I felt so happy, it was so real…..so sweet… that I didn´t want the dream to end…
I wish that some day I will meet you and share with you many other dreams I had.
I´m very happy that you have this blog now, because I missed you at fb.
Take care, dear friend.
L.O.V.E
Karen, so glad you’re writing. I’ve always wanted to hear from you about Michael. Thanks for sharing. Love, ~Connie
Hello Karen,
Wow! Your blog really touched me. It makes me feel good to know that there was someone out there who knew and loved Michael for who he was. A wonderful, beautiful soul. It was hard for me when Michael left us, but it was made doubly hard when my father passed away 29 days later. And reading a blog like this makes me feel better because I know that there is someone out there who is feeling the loss besides me. I don’t feel so alone anymore. God Bless you Karen.
All For L.O.V.E
Anna
Karen…If this doesn’t bother you, I have another question about Kenny’s behaviour.
I wonder..why did Michael decide to work again with Kenny, after what he experienced in 1999 and after Kenny’s heartless attitude towards him along those 11 years???
Or maybe, wasn’t that his decision? But AEG’s??
This shows again how much care Michael had towards people…He hugged everyone during rehearsals…and was very very kind with Kenny, too. He was one of a kind. It’s a shame fate has been so cruel this time around….
I was in Munich for that concert…I remember the fear I felt when that damn bridge fell……and I remember Michael’s love towards his fans at the hotel the day after the fall…..
Thank you Karen.
I also asked Michael why he used Kenny. Michael said he used Kenny because of his ability to organize people together. We were on a tight schedule, and Kenny had worked on other productions with Michael. It is wise to choose someone who you have worked with before. It saves a lot of time when you are familiar with how each other works.
Michael never liked Kenny’s style too much. Michael said it was too “old fashioned, and too Vegas”. But in the past, Michael was always able to modify, take control, and streamline the show into how he liked it. This time was different. Michael had no control, and it was upsetting Michael greatly.
It makes me crazy and it cuts like a knife to know that Michael had no control over this, that he was under such immense pressure and also that his death was the end of this. :’(
I wish I knew what was going on…
Karen, please continue to tell us those things… Justice needs to be served and that can only happen if the people who knew Michael and were around him those last days if they keep on telling and revealing that all.
Wishing you only the best & sending hugs :’(
Well that explains alot But there we go again. Michaels putting the good of the production ahead of his personal comfort. Unfortunatley it was also his undoing
Btw Karen we are now understanding this was even more tragic and unnecessary thanwe knew because of your insights I hope your reaching out to us is helping you deal with it all as much as it helps us.
There were only 3 people who had the power to STOP the production of TII, until Michael could regain his health: Randy Phillips, Frank DiLeo, and Kenny Ortega. None of them did. They did everything they could to force Michael ahead. They knew, were warned and witnessed Michael’s condition. Even if they didn’t directly inject the propofol, they had the power to take the weapon away. The fact that they have no remorse, and continue to lie, parade down the red carpet and profit from Michael’s death is appalling to me. Hollywood is full of selfish corporate criminals who have no conscience.
That is horrible!!! How could they not do anything? How can they live and just go on with their daily lives??? How can Ortega even continue to say on his Twitter spread “L.O.V.E.” and stuff… does he not feel guilty at all? This is UNBELIEVABLE!!! He is such a hypocrite!!! All for MONEY MONEY MONEY!!!
On Michael’s birthday we’re having a demonstration here in Germany, Berlin, and I am going to put those important and revealing facts about TII and everybody behind the scenes who ignored Michael’s condition on a poster so that the world gets to know the truth.
It makes me so unbelievably sick. :’(
Yes Karen, they may not have injected the propofol…but they knew what was going on…YOU told them, they WERE THERE during the rehearsals…and also the group of followers that wrote the letters to MICHAEL told them too…
They just DIDN´T CARE…
In my country, when someone fails to assist a person whose life is in danger commits a crime called “omisión de asistencia” and “abandono” and faces more than 5 years in prison.
I personally think that those VULTURES should be investigated too and face justice…..they may not have been there on the morning of June 25th… but they KNEW…:(
u know what Karen Frank always gives me bad vibes,,,the body language and the eyes mobement of this man tells me that there is ablood on his hands.He is trying to hide his guilt by saying that he must take care of MJ’s kids and mother. Frank was the only person who must take care of MJ but he did not , Randy and Ortega are not MJ’s friends .Frank and Miko Brandon were his friends and they failed Mj big time.
Dear GOD I am having a hard time with this.
How could Frank DiLeo be a part of this?
Greetings of Karen from Russia. We very much love you, thanks you for your messages. I have a question. What the spider in film TII symbolised? Who posesses idea of use of a spider? Why Michael leaves a spider?
In TII, I noticed when rehearsing for “They Don’t Really Care About Us”, MJ put his right hand on his right hip and dipped down a little. It reminded me of someone with sciatica and I felt he was in pain. It hurts to think that in order for them to get one full song or almost one full song, they had to film it on 2 or 3 occasions. His clothes were different and it seemed no one cared.
There are so many things I don’t understand. One thing that bothers me too is I read that on that last night of rehearsals before MJ passed that MJ told KO thank you for taking me this far….I can take it from here. Is this true? If so, I think they had no intention of letting MJ be in charge. They wanted all the control. It hurts to think of the humiliation and embarassment he must have felt in front of everyone with KO telling him what to do. MJ was not a beginner, he was a seasoned performer…he was the best of the best ever. It just hurts.
Hi Karen,
God Bless You for sharing yourself through this blog. I have never belonged to, commented, or been in a chat room before June 25th of last year.
Like many – Michael led me to friends from around the world to help me with an unexplainable and deep grief since he left. Being with others who have experienced what I have in a very bitter-sweet experience because of the the horrible grief but spiritual connections with Michael – it has left my life forever changed.
I have often wondered how his family and friends so close such as you – could have survived this. I hope that we can bring you comfort and even some pleasure.
Thank you for having me.
Sunflower1111
Very Shocking!! The 3 you’ve mentioned have been hiding behind accolades this last year in a brazen and cowardly way. One wonders if they have had a moment of regret or lost a moment of sleep in the last 12 months over this preventable tragedy?? Certainly their public actions have not shown this. Only God knows.
●▬▬▬▬▬๑۩۩๑▬▬▬▬▬●
A star can never die.
It just turns into a smile
and melts back into the cosmic music,
the dance of life.
I like that thought,
the last one I have before my eyes close.
~Michael Jackson~
●▬▬▬▬▬๑۩۩๑▬▬▬▬▬●
Thank you Karen, I remember reading your observations about this incident online a few years ago. It’s amazing how focused he remained after the fall despite the pain he must have been in, that takes a lot of inner strength, not many people could have continued like he did.
With TII, it was obvious from the beginning at the press conference in London that he did not really want to do the shows, he seemed almost annoyed when he said “And I mean this is it, this is the final curtain call” The look on his face said it all to me and I knew he was talked into doing the concerts by advisors who did not have his best interests at heart. I watched the movie and was amazed once again by his magical presence on stage, he was a pro, a natural on the stage, but I could see that he was thin, out of breath and that the movie was heavily edited. I will never understand the people who say he looked strong and well. If only he was surrounded by advisors who had his best interests at heart, who could have helped him with his goal of making films and continuing to make music without ever having to tour again. But if onlys, won’t change anything or bring him back.
Thank you Karen for sharing your experiences and insight.
LYM,
Ruba
Thank you, thank you, thank you Karen. Your words are indelible and I also thank God and the internet for being able to set the truth out for all to see.
Wishing you peace on your this unexpected leg of your new journey, sadly a life without Michael standing next to you however his light you are holding shines brighter and brighter…
Hannah
Dear Karen,
I’m glad to have found this safe place to be on the web, and so happy for Michael that he had someone he knew he could trust. Sadly, it seems there were all too few people like that in his life. The ones who were there for him, like you, will be his troubadours, carrying his message of truth, light and love to the next generations. I may not be able to comment very often, but will be here to listen and learn.
Thank you for being willing to tell the truth. Michael may never get justice in the courtroom, but I thank you for being willing to give it to him here.
NEW
Karen, I imagine your despair …
My God! What a strong man though sensitive.
The armor that he created as a defense for not expressing his sensitive side, that the world makes us believe is synonymous with weakness, and the ego games, etc … all blunted the ability to express potential that existed in it.
This sensitivity was an essential attribute to demonstrate how it throbbed life, not because he was breathing or because his heart was beating rhythmically every day, but because he was someone who kept permanently connected with the divine dimension that lived in them.
I could stay here writing now how much I admire him for that and many other things … Thanks again for sharing more of this story.
Kisses for you!
Andrea Saint’Clair
I admire you Karen because you chose the difficult road of the TRUTH. You could choose the easy one…you could just tell us that : ” You know guys, i never saw anything wrong…i dont know what happened…” BUT you told us what you knew and you never tried to gain anything of Michael ‘s death….You mourn his death like a true friend
what surpises me is the fact that some MJ fans STILL follow KO’s comments…ITS SO SAD …..and so frustrating at the same time…
love you Karen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This post “What more can I give” made me think about something I have been thinking about some time and I wanted to have your opinions about that.
It’s about the relationships that Michael had with other people ; as someone who had been abused by his father at a young age, it seems that he continued to have the same relations with other people all of his life, I mean by attracting people who abused him also like he repeated the same schemes over and over again…
Let me know what you think about that…
Yes, this is one of the tragedies of abuse. If left unresolved there is the compulsion to repeat the actions that caused the problem in the first place. These re-enactments are sometimes played out in work other times in intimate relationships. Author Peter Levine’s Healing Trauma, or Waking The Tiger are good sources to understand how the body holds the memories on a cellular level.
Hi Karen !
some doctor said that MJ collapsed during History tour because of the medications he was using, did he collapsed during rehearsals or in the dressing room, because by looking at him in the non-photoshoped pics we can see a very exhausted person !
Michael you were so much in this world, you had so much give and go so little in return
…it breaks my heart to see how you had to suffer, noone derserves it! I am honestly speachless of such a human being who gave so much to humans…I hope you know where you are – we love you all!!! I am so sorry what we did to you
Very interesting response. I went on internet to know who was Peter Levine ; I must find the time to read his books…
Today, we made a good action (my son and me), we went to buy him a new MP3 and I said to him not to buy a SONY one (he knows why), so I’m happy for the rest of the day.
Think you very much for your reply !
LYM.
Nicole.
Dear Karen! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing your memories and your thoughts with us!
You are very much appreciated!
Lots of LOVE and GRATITUDE
Anne Mette
My God! .. .. I remember that accident was horrible, and I can not believe that the injured Mike still go ahead, everything not to disappoint her fans … Karen, this is a real story to remember .. Wow … provokes so many emotions, anger, despair, surprise … that is Mike … and I love it ..
But this accident would not have happened if they had taken the necessary security measures … before Mike up there, had to be sure that nothing bad would happen
Now I question, who was responsible for the accident?
Blessings Karen
Dear Karen, I have just one question…please explain in living color how it felt to get one of those great big hugs from Michael Jackson. I swear if there is anything in my life I regret missing out on, that would be it. Totally, lol. That was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, Michael hugging. It was like poetry in motion. Please, please pretty please, engage me.
Thank you Karen for sharing another incredible story with us about Michael. Your amazing guests here have written such poignant and insightful comments too which I loved reading. Thank you everyone.
Susan T. aka ladypurr9, your comments both on July 28 and 30 really spoke to my heart.
In the March 2009 press conference at the O2 and in TII, I hardly recognized Michael’s body language and mannerisms. Something was “off” and foreign to me. He seemed so fragile and I felt uncomfortable too when KO talked to him in such a condescending manner. When Michael said “I trusted you” when he was in the cherry picker, it broke my heart, especially now, knowing more about the whole Ortega, Phillips, Payne, Dileo disregard for his wellbeing … gggrrrrrr!!!! I could SCREAM at the injustice of it all knowing how these people and so many more have benefitted and stuffed their pockets at Michael’s expense throughout his life.
I’m remembering Michael’s lyrics from his song “Money” …
“They don’t care, they use me for the money” … and
“….watch the ones with the biggest smiles, the idle jabbers, ‘cuz they’re the backstabbers”…
I’m struggling to find the words to express the overwhelming emotion that I’m feeling right now about all of this … the accident in Munich and these newly revealed behind-the-scenes details, Michael giving and giving everything he had to give, both through physical and emotional pain, and the colossal tragedy of ALL the events that have transpired up to June 25/09. Although MIchael tried to hide his suffering and pain, it would seem he ultimately couldn’t keep up his gallant efforts. I can only imagine the fear, the trepidation and the pressure that Michael must have been going through knowing he wasn’t up to performing those 50 shows … so many people, the fans, the dancers, musicians, the crew, producers and sponsors counting on him, his financial woes ever looming in the background, the knowledge that the ruthless, bloodsucking media was waiting to pounce and
tear him apart yet again and, of course, most important, the hope to make his children proud of him. No wonder he couldn’t eat and that sleep eluded him night after night. How could he turn off the deafening noise in his head with all of that going on? This world was too cruel for his tender soul to endure any longer.
I truly believe God took him under his wing and said ~ “Enough Michael, it is time. Come home with me, beautiful Angel, where eternal love and peace will set you free.” That thought and belief is the only one that can bring me any semblance of comfort or acceptance of Michael’s passing.
Karen, I pray for your peace of mind, healing and comfort. You wrote on July 29 … “I always feel guilty for not doing enough, for not knowing enough. This is the pain I must take with me the rest of my life.” I feel sad and concerned that your heart is carrying this burden. I don’t know what your spiritual beliefs are ~ whether it be God, the Angels or an all powerful Force in the Universe that connects everything and everyone ~ I pray with all my heart that this heaviness is lifted away from you. You must believe that you did everything you could, otherwise, this way of thinking can only destroy your soul. I admire and respect you so much for what you have given and done for MIchael in his life and in his final time of need. The things you shared with the world in the 20/20 interview, left me speechless and I’m so thankful that you were there for Michael and took such loving, tender care of him. I love you for that.
God bless you always.
With L.O.V.E., Marina
Marina,
I enjoyed reading your comment. Very well said. It struck an emotional chord with me, and I’m sure with everyone else as well. I’ve mentioned how I never met Michael, but, like many here, I feel like I knew him and feel his loss as if I did know him. What an incredibly unique and special person to have this profound of an effect on so many people he didn’t now directly.
I agree with your observation about Michael seeming “off” during his press conference last year. I wasn’t sure how to word it, but your point about his body language and mannerisms seeming different and foreign to what we would normally see from Michael over the years, resonated with me. (I had the same sensation when I saw TII.) I even had some doubt whether it was really Michael! However, I’m sure it was. After he left the podium I had this uneasy feeling inside me that something wasn’t right, that perhaps he was under a lot of pressure. I don’t think any of us could have imagined what would take place a few months later.
Marina, I’d like to echo your wonderfully heartfelt encouragement to Karen. I very much agree with your words.
Karen, although we’ve never met, your care, concern and heartache over the loss of your treasured friend are palpable to me and to each one of us here and you are in our prayers.
God bless you,
Sandy
Karen if you don’t mind I want to ask you a question..
I am confused.. Since my coming here I have heard some rumblings, and I just want the truth.. Did Michaels MJJSource.com site fall apart because you were cheating his fans out of money, to pay for some portions of the site.
I am a Sagittarius, I hear, I ask, I like the truth.
Sag….I´m so sad that you even consider the possibility that Karen could do something like that…..
Karen is a wonefrul person and she would NEVER do that, she was a TRUE friend of MICHAEL´s and the fall of the fall of the MJJSource.com site had nothing to do with her.
The responsible for that was Raymone Baine.
Of course Karen will answer you, but I just wanted you to know that because there are people that tell LIES and I DON´T LIKE LIES….we all had had ENOUGH…..
Thank you kop58.. I truly did not mean to offend anyone.
I am asking because I do not believe that she did this.. I am asking so that the truth be known..
Karen I truly apologize if this offends you.
Kop58 just said what we all know-Karen was a trusted friend of Michaels for a reason.We have come to know her in this past year and are better for it. Rumors and rumblings are dangerous. They helped in the beginning of Michaels destruction. Of course she will address this in her own way but never doubt Karen’s intentions or integrity especially regarding her devotion to Michael.
You may know Karen I don’t..
And if I choose to ask a question I will.
I appreciate your defense of her, but I am sure she is quite able to defend herself.
Thank you
Im just not sure WHY Karen should defend herself on her own blog page. I wont make any further comments on this subject. I know her well enough to know she does not want dissention here or anywhere actually.
Oh, this is not good! I cringed at that instrusive question.
Help me understand why anyone would ask something so inappropriate for this forum? Of course people are naturally curious to find answers to their questions, but please take into consideration how you would feel if someone asked you such a blunt question with such damaging insinuations on a PUBLIC forum!
That’s a serious problem with the internet. People don’t stop to think of how hurtful their comments might be. Once they’re in print, it’s too late! The damage might already be done.
I don’t know Karen personally. I only know of her work and her being one of Michael Jackson’s most trusted and loyal friends. She’s stepped out and done something truly brave by generously sharing some of her memories of her beloved Michael with us. Out of all the fansites, I am most thankful that Karen has cared enough about Michael’s fans that she wants to, in her own way and in her own time, share some really wonderful stories about her cherished time with a most unforgettable man.
Please, Karen, I hope you aren’t so insulted and disgusted that you stop sharing. We will wait to hear from you. I am not so presumptuous as to speak for everyone, but I am truly grateful for your willingness to open your heart to us.
Thank you, Karen, and may you always be blessed with love and joy!
P.S. You wondered what we’re all doing to celebrate Michael’s birthday? I’m planting flowers (sunflowers at home) and I’ve contributed to the One Million Trees for Michael. I plan to watch every program about him I can on Sunday! I will also light a candle and send my own personal message to him Sunday night, staring at the stars and knowing without a doubt that he is out there somewhere, creating and dancing and waiting for all of us to catch up with him again one day! When I get depressed, I call up the sound of Michael’s laughter in my mind and I can’t help but smile! He has inspired so much “good” change in my life. He’s changing the world–one heart at at time!
Love,
–Susan T
I cannot handle this hanger on stuff.
I merely asked a question of Karen and I do not need anyone to rescue her.
Outta here, God Bless you Karen and your love for Michael.
“What More Can I Give,” the September 11 benefit single, was originally concieved of after a meeting with anti-apartheid activist and President of South Africa Nelson Mandela in 1999, Michael re-wrote the lyrics following 9/11 in hopes that the song would benefit the victims of 9/11.
“And we need peace, we need giving, we need love, we need unity.” – Michael Jackson
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_More_Can_I_Give