Michael Jackson’s Story Enters a New Phase

The service, celebrating Michael Jackson’s life, held at the Staples Center was beautifully choreographed. It could not have gone more perfectly, if Michael had planned it himself. The organizers, deserves our praise, because they made the 31 million fans worldwide, who tuned in to watch, proud, thankful, and honored, that even if they were unable to attend personally, they could take comfort in the “picture perfect” ceremony.

The critics complained as usual, no surprises there. They even criticized Michael because they claimed he spent so much money on himself, with the way he lived his life. They are even upset that he has been called an Icon. Isn’t it ironic, that he worked hard from childhood, to achieve what he did, but is begrudged by his critics, because he wanted to live a better life than he did, when he just started. Enough has been said about the critics, because it is either jealousy, or racism, that motivates their hatred.

Michael’s story has entered a new phase. The burial has yet to take place, as it was reported that his remains, is being stored in a crypt owned by Motown’s owner. It is also reported that there is also a feud between the siblings, and Katherine Jackson, where he should be buried. This is the simplest of the issues. The more complicated issues are the custody battle, the police investigations into the cause of his death, and the estate.

The custody issue is currently in front of the courts. The court has delayed the hearing for another week to allow Katherine Jackson, (who Michael, in his 2002 Last known Will and Testament, appointed to be guardian of his three children) and Debbie Rowe, (the mother of the two older children, who is contesting the Will) to try to reach an “out of court settlement” The other issue involves “Blanket” the youngest child, whose mother’s identity remains a mystery. Will she come forward and complicate the issue any further? Only time will tell how this will be resolved.

The police investigations will take a long time to conclude. The release of the toxicology report will be crucial in determining the direction of the case. There have been talks last week from the police, not just of criminal charges, but possible homicide charges. This is similar to the Anna Nicole Smith’s case which led to charges being brought against two doctors and her attorney and partner, Howard K. Stern. Michael’s fans, the police, and the State Attorney’s office, await the results of the toxicology report, at which time, literally, “all hell will break loose”.

The court has ruled that the two attorneys nominated by Michael in his Last Will and Testament will be the executors of Michael’s estate, despite the challenge made by his mother Katherine Jackson. The court has instructed that the attorneys should inform Mrs. Jackson of their impending actions with regards to the estate, but her approval is not required. If a more recent Will is discovered, this issue will be revisited by the courts. This issue is far from over, however, and similar to Anna Nicole Smith’s case with her then late husband’s Will, (challenged by his adult children) and in an unprecedented case, was heard by the US Supreme Court, so do not be surprised if this plays out in the Michael’s case. The similarities in both these cases are eerie at best.

These issues will remain in the news for many months, or years to come, due to the complexities, and the criminal elements of the case. In the meantime, the world waits, with bated breath wondering which shoe will drop next.