Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute

Posted on Jun 26, 2009 7:32 AM

Oprah, I recently watched the interview you did with Michael years ago. It was one of my favorite interviews with Michael ever! After hearing the news about Michael yesterday, It really brought home how precious and short life is. It is so hard to deal with a sudden death like this. I didn't expect it and just wasn't ready to deal with it. I grew up with Michael and the Jackson 5 from the 70s. His music touched everyone globally. There will never be another Michael. Oprah I am writing this hoping you can do a special tribute show on Michael Jackson that only you can do to help those mourning cope. I can't think of any show that could do it like you. I need it, Amercia needs it, the world needs it. Please help us mourn. Eternal Rest unto him.
Replies: 106
1. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 26, 2009 10:31 AM   |   In response to: sokolie


I was sad to hear about his death also. Still I can't get past the fact that he most likely molested these boys. It's like a big dark cloud over his life, one that won't ever be eraced. I wish we knew the truth. What if in fact he did NOT molest them, as he stated? What if he was in his own way just reliving his childhood the way he wanted, and spending time with children was a part of that? We'll never know the truth.

I wonder what Michael's life was like as a child? Was his father abusive? We all know he drove the boys to constantly do better... we know he was a very strict father.... but what else went on? When you think about it, Michael never had a childhood. He was younger and his older brothers were already singing, so he never knew any other life. He was famous as a kid and being famous was "normal" for him.

Others have stated that Michael was very, very lonely. We all know money does not buy happiness, but why was he so lonely? I wonder if Michael was gay and was deathly afraid of coming out of the closet, and therefore remained lonely all of his life Who knows. I just know that he was a very talented man who was incredibly troubled.

2. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 26, 2009 4:10 PM   |   In response to: aisley


Anyone still having questions about Michael Jackson's past can easily google it and read about those details almost anywhere. However, now is really not the appropriate time to talk trash right after the untimely death of a man who did all he could to spread love throughout the world through his music and other charitable acts. Those of us who truly love him are in mourning. He was so much a part of our lives that I'm afraid we may have taken his presence for granted at times. He suffered so terribly all his life and just gave and gave and gave from his heart. Many people are not capable of understanding a person with a pure heart and selfless desire to help children to have the childhood he never had. My only concern is that I hope he did know how much he was loved and the indelible impact that he has made on our lives, American culture, and the world.

Being near the same age, I grew up with his music soothing me during my own bad childhood. I still have many of the original 45's (those are records, for readers too young to know). His song "Ben" gave me a sense of having a special friend when others bullied me and took advantage of my quiet sensitive nature. He reached out to comfort other hurting souls because of his unique ability to empathize. To me he was like the MLK of music, seeking to unite a divisive, cynical world with love and his marvelous creative artistry. The one thing we know for sure is that we will never hear or see what else his musical genius and limitless heart had to offer. The world has lost a precious soul and wonderful friend.

3. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 26, 2009 4:40 PM   |   In response to: sokolie

Not more than ten minutes ago I was listening to "I'll Be There" and "Billie Jean." Great music. As shocking as his sudden death was, hopefully he is at the peace that eluded him on earth. RIP Michael.

4. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 26, 2009 5:24 PM   |   In response to: joyspeaks


Reading things on the internet won't give us insight into his actual life as a child. Nor will it tell us whether or not he in fact molested these boys. All I'm saying is there is a big dark cloud over him. Multiple children came forward and said they were molested by Michael. The problem is, only they know the real truth. It very well could be just one big gigantic lie by people trying to get money from him, afterall he did settle outside of court in a few of these cases. I'm sure money was passed, and that makes you wonder all the more if in fact it actually happened.

I also grew up with his music, as did many of us. I know he was very talented, no one can dispute that.

5. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 26, 2009 6:53 PM   |   In response to: sokolie

Sokolie, your idea for a tribute is great and that's just what it should be. If the Oprah show does this, I hope it will celebrate his life achievements and not sink to a tabloid level of rehashing of things that don't matter anymore. He's dead. I hope he is resting in peace. Dirt gets blown away with the wind. Kindness and a loving spirit makes an impact forever. Those of us who strive to elevate our lives as the Oprah show has tried to do, need to ignore pettiness and move on to things that actually make life better. A tribute would be nice for those of us who choose to enjoy life and want to contribute positive things to life like Michael Jackson did.

6. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 26, 2009 10:37 PM   |   In response to: joyspeaks


Rose colored glasses are wonderful, but denial is dangerous.

7. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 27, 2009 8:43 AM   |   In response to: aisley


Is there a reason why you have to harp on about the molestation charges. What are you saying? are you not satisfied that he was tried and found not guilty? why cant you spend the time to celebrate his life time achievements before adding speculation to the mounting media frenzy. If you were being accused of a crime and found not guilty would you like your friends and family to apply this to you as a master status and ignore the not guilty verdict? or would you like them to move on, albeit in time? like so many people I am sure of the truth, the problem is because it is Michael Jackson you would rather live with the speculation and accusation, it suits your purpose better.

I am amazed by your last paragraph, why was he so lonely, have you not witnessed his life of hangers on and fairweathered friends, who wouldnt find that difficult to deal with. Gay, you are certainly not a fan otherwise you would hear the lyrics, do you think Naomi Campbell just happened to be beautiful and sexy in the video, do you listen to what he is saying?

Honestly, why doesnt everyone leave him alone and stop dogging him around. Take some time to recognise wnat he did for the art, for black music, for pop music, for race relations, for sick poor vulnerable people, for us all. why don't they be quiet, try healing the world and make it a better place, stop living in the negative gossip and scandal. Michael Jackson deserves more than that.

8. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 27, 2009 11:29 AM   |   In response to: bookofjabe


I am not harping on anything. I merely mentioned it, it's others who are harping on it and making it an issue, such as yourself.

9. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 27, 2009 1:42 PM   |   In response to: aisley

I think what is trying to be said here is that he lived the drama here on earth and still gave of his heart and soul for his art and humanity, give him and the people who love him the respect that he deserves. Would you do this if it was a relative or close personal friend of yours, probably not you have to realize that this is what Michael Jackson represents to all on the globe a part of our lives and a friend who was with us all in music, in our lifetime this is a time to celebrate because we all have lost a friend in Michael.

10. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 27, 2009 2:16 PM   |   In response to: raynight1


It is what it is. These issues are there. You can pretend it all never happened. You can pretend he didn't mutilate his own body. In the end he was a very troubled soul. I don't want to think that he molested these boys, and I'm quite certain that these boys wish it had never happened if in fact it did. His death does not erase his past. Much of what happened in the last 25 years changed who he was and affected his life greatly and eventually lead to his own death.

Michael changed drastically from his days of Thriller. Something happened to him. Not speaking of it won't make it disappear. His life reminds me of Elvis in many ways. I loved his music also, but it doesn't change the tragic death of both of them. I wish we had both of them back. I wish Michael had never mutilated his body to the point where he was unrecognizable. I wish these reports of molestation never occurred.

There is no question that Michael was truly gifted and no will can dispute that.

11. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 28, 2009 7:49 AM   |   In response to: aisley


We all need to show compassion. Unless you were an eye witness to
any child molestation, or illegal or immoral activity Michael Jackson

allegedly had done, we can't say for sure.

I for one don't
believe what the press says. I saw Michael Jackson's eyes and I saw a
little boy who just wanted to be loved. I saw a man who

wanted to be
loved and wanted to make up for not having a childhood by letting other
children be children.

If any of Michael Jackson's family member,
or friends and those who admired him you have my complete sympathy.
You all are in my prayers and I

know Michael Jackson is finally truly
happy and loved in Heaven above us.

It doesn't matter if he has
had plastic surgery. A lot of people have had them, famous and non
famous alike, rich-poor, Michael Jackson was and

will not be the only
person to have plastic surgery. He is not the only person to have mutilated his body, many have done so, but be assured that

his body has been restored.

It isn't what it is. Issues were there because the press put it there. His death does erase his past.

Michael Jackson has past away as well as his past.

Now is the time to show love for Michael Jackson, his family, and especially his children.

Please ignore those who only want to point Michael Jackson's short comings.

We
all have things we have done that we regret, we all have not lived
perfect lives and nobody should be pointing fingers at each other.

Shame
on those in here who are pointing a fingers are Michael Jackson's
imperfect life. Take a look in the mirror and look at your own life.
If it

isn't perfect, start pointing the finger at yourself. He was just a man who wanted to be loved.

12. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 28, 2009 4:47 PM   |   In response to: lifegetter

Shame on YOU for making things personal. Shame on YOU for not allowing someone to post their opinion without attacking them on a personal level. Shame on YOU!

13. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 28, 2009 7:24 PM   |   In response to: lifegetter


Oh, please do a tribute show for Michael. He is missed so much by millions around the world. I am so shocked and saddened, and I think a tribute show would really be a good way to remember the great life of Michael Jackson.

RIP Michael, you are immortal now.

14. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 29, 2009 5:06 AM   |   In response to: sokolie


Hello, thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts. The best way to submit show ideas and suggestions is to use the 'Be on the Show' link or 'Contact Us' below. There members can submit show ideas as well as share their own stories with the Producers of The Oprah Winfrey Show. I am including a link here for your convenience: http://www.oprah.com/pluglist.jsp?teamTypeName=TOWS

I hope this is helpful. Have a great day! :)

-HarpoBear, Oprah.com Community Producer

15. Re: Deeply Saddened about Michael - Oprah please do a special tribute
Jun 29, 2009 8:08 AM   |   In response to: aisley


If you would watch Oprah's interview of Michael, you would have ALL of those answers, because he spelled it out quite clearly all those years ago.

I think this is why I believe Oprah should rebroadcast the interview from 1993.

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