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Rev. Al Sharpton and Joe Jackson Address Funeral Details

UPDATED
June 29, 2009
by: 
 Ani Esmailian

Rev. Al Sharpton and Michael Jackson's father Joe just held a press conference in regards to Michael's sudden death, child custody, the Will and funeral arrangements.

"The entire Jackson family have really been expressing how gratified they are about the outpouring support from around the world for the love of Michael and love of his family," said Rev. Al Sharpton.

"It is the determination of the family to be careful and deliberate on how they plan his celebration of life. Because we're talking about a historic figure who changed the pop culture of the world.

"They are still grieving…we were glad last night that some of us were able to get Mr. Jackson to go out to the BET awards to see the love of the people. Michael would have wanted his family to continue his work," added Rev. Al Sharpton.

Rev. Al Sharpton went on to promote Joe Jackson's new record company, and his new client, which was tasteless and totally unnecessary.

"I established a record company…we have a lot of good artists we're pitching to come out," said Joe. He claimed that Michael would want his father to continue working in the world of music on his behalf.

Michael has expressed his dislike for his father for years, so we doubt he would want his father to represent him after his passing.

When asked about funeral arrangements Joe Jackson said, "We're not ready for that," adding, "I want to see how the second autopsy comes out."

"I'm expecting to hear back those results real soon," he added about the second private autopsy.

In regards to Michael's funeral, which is set for this Wednesday, Joe said, "We don’t have the time frame yet, I want to see how his autopsy is coming out." He also added that the funeral would most likely be private, but hinted that there is still a possibility of a public ceremony.

When asked if Joe had seen Michael's Will, he said, "No, not yet."

When asked how Michael's mother is going, he said "She's fine," as he let out a chuckle. Touching on the custody battle, he added, "We're the parents, we love those kids…we're going to take care of them."

Did you happen to catch the press conference? What were your thoughts? Was it tasteless or appropriate?


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Reader Comments
4:46AM 07/07/09 Claudia
Every family has problems....ups and downs...Michael forgave his father, Jesus forgave Joe Jackson!!! Who are you to judge a 80 years old man? He just lost one of his sons??? The MEDIA is the MURDER from MANY artists and celebrities, think about Lady Diana, WHO KILLED HER??? The MEDIA is now using the same weapons against Joe Jackson that used against Michael Jackson! THIS HORROR SHOW THE MEDIA NEVER STOPS, THE MEDIA IS A MONSTER!!!! LEAVE HIS FATHER IN PEACE!!! LEAVE HIS FAMILY IN PEACE!!! LEAVE ALL THE CELEBRITIES IN PEACE!!!
2:02AM 07/02/09 ruttprem
This is a response to the negative media coverage that Mr. Joseph Jackson, father of the late Michael Joseph Jackson has been receiving recently. By Rutt Premsrirut a close friend of Joe Jackson. To quote the late Michael Joseph Jackson in his autobiographical book Moonwalker: “Before you judge someone, walk two full moons with them.”. Mr. Joseph Jackson, known to us privately as “Joe” has always been the man of steel, the go to person during times of crisis. He deals with situations from a point of equanimity. Continuously compartmentalizing his inner emotions has become an everyday activity. When his dear mother and father past away, he never shed a tear. “I internalize my emotions, but they eat up on the inside over the years.” This has made him very effective during times of crisis. Each time he would rise to the occasion and function at the highest levels. When Michael Jackson collapsed at 11.30, the security guard's first instinct was to call Joe in Las Vegas to find out what to do. Joe screamed into the phone “Get yourself together and call 911, now now now !!!” That was him in action, no emotion. In 2003, as an arrest warrant was issued for Michael, we were all curled up behind the gates of the CMX Entertainment complex in Las Vegas with no idea what to do. When Joe walked in, you would see Michael's eyes light up. He was running the show with Michael listening to every word Joe was directing. I recall the family friend, Actor/ Comedian Eddie Griffin saying “You could tell, it was Papa Joe in charge! He made Michael feel so secure. He dumped the weight off his shoulders on his father Joe. As he knew that Joe was ready for war”. Michael repeatedly asked Joe “What do I do?” There was no one more capable to handle the crisis than Joe. He is like a professional billiard player; thinking two or three steps ahead. During the trial, with everyone focused on the court proceedings, Joe went from door to door in Santa Barbara, knocking on strangers' doors introducing himself, meeting as many locals as he could. He struggled to get the community on his son's side. He had dinner with people in the community, brought signed Jackson memorabilia as gifts, and did his best to get to know them on a personal basis. He knew too well that legal court proceedings are not decided only in the court room but also in the court of public opinion. Now most PR firms would be thinking of a national or international campaign. But for this trial, the public opinion that mattered most was a very small community in Santa Barbara. Many people questioned why Joe needed a lawyer during his son's trial. Even his family questioned his judgment and were upset. It was only later that some realized the wisdom behind his actions. Not only Michael's lawyers but the whole prosecution side were under a gag order not to talk at all. Joe's lawyer was attending everything and maximizing the media outlet for Michael's interests . Joe was always willing to go to war to protect Michael and his family. The media are disturbed that Joe once again has brought Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton into the Jackson family again. To refresh the memory of the media, during the trial they were also around. Joe called it his “Plan B”. Not only do they provide spiritual support and confidence but they were and are his political weight. Few remember the verbal attacks on Tom Sneddon by Jessie Jackson and Al. Sharpton, the large community rallies they organized, or the racist stuff they dug up on Sneddon. Jesse Jackson sits on the board of Yucalpa ( A 12 Billion dollar private Equity firm of Ron Burkle). He also sits on the board of Sony /ATV catalog representing Michael's interests. Keeping his emotions inside has taken its toll on Joe. The last few years has seen him visit the hospital frequently. He began to distance himself slowly from his son's problems. He knows he is up in age. “At 80, I can only do so much”. The day Michael died, for the first time in years, he said nothing, became sad, then angry, then began leading once again. His finest hour. The media commented negatively to the trucks going to Michael's L.A home. Joe's reply, “If the media will pick up the 100,000 USD per month rent, due next month I will very gladly leave the stuff there”. That is Joe dealing with reality. Before getting to Don Lemon of CNN on the BET red carpet he had done several interviews and was simply looking forward to watching the show. To avoid speaking, he made sure to have along with him, Michael Jackson's lawyer Londel McMillan, his long time publicist Angel Howanksy and his long time friend Marshall from the musical group “The Charlights”. As the CNN reporter kept bringing up questions on Michael and the family, you could see Joe became uncomfortable. He began giving one word answers, then struggled to change the subject and brought up his publicist to read a statement. As that did not work, he finally tried to push the spotlight on his friend
7:23AM 06/30/09 scoobysnak
To promote his record label was clearly in poor taste. There is a time and place for everything. This was not the time nor the place to make a comment such as the one he made. Totally insensitive on his part.
9:32PM 06/29/09 miley4ever
i still cant believe it
4:04PM 06/29/09 myholly787
BLOODSUCKERS!
4:00PM 06/29/09 dawn
Run, get a muzzle fast before this man says another word. I was so disgusted, Michael is mortified, and I am horrified. Why is the rest of the family allowing this?????? As usual others riding on the back of Michael who only wanted to help people and create music. People who never personally met michael would have more respect and not toot their own horn. Gawd tie him up lol
2:47PM 06/29/09 fchelette
We all saw with our own eyes just how cold Joe Jackson is. To even be at the BET awards, standing up dancing and smiling just seemed out of taste to me. Janet didnt even acknowledge him. That said it all! Everyone can see he's trying to capitalize on his son tragic death. Shame on you Joe!
2:26PM 06/29/09 myholly787
Poor form, Papa Joe...dreadful! Al Sharpton...a DISGRACE!
2:25PM 06/29/09 StarryEyes87
so sad...
1:03PM 06/29/09 ktygirl
What is Sharpton doing there? Were you invited -- doubt it. Joe this is about Michael not you. Shame on both of you for using Michael's death for your platform.
0:40PM 06/29/09 Chloe
I'm sorry, but Mr. Jackson, this IS NOT what Michael would have wanted. He would have HATED that press conference. For once he would have wanted your attention, Mr. Jackson, as a father and a human being. It's people like Mr. Jackson that drove Michael to eccentricity. As usual, business comes first for this money-hungry beast Michael HATED oh so much. It's more difficult for us fans to cope with his death than his own father. I wake up crying every day, heartbroken for MJ, which is more than his own father has been seen doing in the past few days.
0:32PM 06/29/09 busymama3
I found the conference distastful and disturbing. No wonder Michael had the issues he did coming from that.
0:31PM 06/29/09 dwaggin
When are folks gonna wise up to this Al Sharpton character? He uses any excuse to poke his damn nose into everybody's business for his own ends. He's worse than the blood sucking lawyers.
0:25PM 06/29/09 Sarahpalin
father is a creeeppp
0:17PM 06/29/09 Sophie
cant belive that asshole starting promoting his new company
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