Michael Jackson saga only beginning
By Peter Elliott | Contributing Editor of Everyday Christian
Posted 9:55 am on July 14, 2009
The funeral is over, the aftermath begins. The investigations, rumors and allegations continue.
Concerning the music…
After selling nearly 750 million albums worldwide, reports claim the singer died nearly $400 million in debt. Although his debt is large, his estate and assets likely will have the ability to overcome it.
Only two hours after Jackson’s passing was confirmed, his hit album Thriller reached number one on iTunes. As of July 12, 2009, iTunes listed Michael Jackson in the top 10 songs, albums, videos and ringtones.
Based on preliminary sales numbers from Nielsen SoundScan, Jackson’s catalog of solo albums sold a whopping 800,000 copies in the U.S. in the tracking week that ended at the close of business on Sunday, July 5th.
Concerning the investigations…
According to CBS/AP, The interviews (which were obtained in preparation for the singer’s 2005 trial) suggested that the singer took more than 10 Xanax pills a night.
Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said Jackson’s brain, or at least part of it, was still being held by investigators and would be returned to the family for interment once neuropathology tests were completed.
Concerning the children…
Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s ex-wife and the biological mother to two of his children may emerge as a factor in the children’s custody. A hearing to decide whether she gets temporary guardianship of the children has been scheduled for July 20 at the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Rowe’s Children - Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11 - have been living in Encino, Calif., with their grandmother Katherine Jackson who was named guardian in the will last week.
His will indicates he longer wanted Rowe as a factor in the children’s lives.
During the memorial service, the children appeared to be bonded with the Jackson family. I was emotionally moved by the comments of his daughter Paris at Michael’s two-hour ceremony… attended by 20,000 fans, celebrities and family members held at the Staples Center.
Where will he be buried…
Public health officials issued the death certificate on Tuesday, the same day public and private memorials were held in Los Angeles. The cause of Jackson’s death is listed as “deferred.”
I don’t intend on running a gossip column, however, much of this was predictable and inevitable.
The circus will continue.
There is just too much money at stake, even with the debt of the estate.
Many will position themselves for a payoff. The media will offer much more than 15 minutes of fame for anyone who walks into the center ring.
If you want to know what will happen next…
Romans 1:28-29, speaks of what happens when we refuse to accept God. “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips…”
Let the games begin, and unless they read, and moreover understand Romans, may God save their souls.
Tags: Michael Jackson
Peter Elliott is a veteran news and sports journalist. He enjoys interviewing others about how God works in their lives and sharing that with readers. He is also a lifelong, long-suffering Chicago Cubs fan. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife and three sons.
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Latest Comments (1)
EternalLizdom - July 14, 2009