A NewsOne Exclusive

It was the type of homegoing only Harlem could give him.

Hundreds thronged the sidewalk outside the Apollo theater, in a raucous celebration of the musical prodigy that was Michael Jackson.

Hanging above them in the famed theater’s platinum marquee were the surreal words: “In memory of Michael Jackson. A true Apollo legend. 1958-2009”

VIDEO: HARLEM SAYS GOODBYE TO THE KING OF POP

Fans shocked at the pop king’s sudden passing sought solace in each other. Strangers drew together and for a few hours on 125th street bonded like family members at an overdue reunion.

Check out our gallery of photos from Michael’s memorial service:

Start Gallery

Some turned their cars into makeshift DJ booths blasting hits like “Man in the Mirror” and “Billie Jean,” some cried,  some sipped beer, some hawked t-shirts, some burned candles, but most just sang their souls out, and of course rocked the night away.

“I came out here to explode,” said Denine Rodney, 37, a market researcher from Harlem who came to late night fete with her sister. “I came to get my Michael Jackson on!” she said.

One mourner built a makeshift shrine with candles and pictures of the gloved one outside High Rollers Jewelry store. She donned a black felt fedora and moonwalked for anxious TV crews that lined 125th street.

Between moonwalks she sang and fought through fits of tears. For many like her, the loss was personal.

“I was sitting at home hurt, in pain,” said Denine’s sister, Lisa Rodney, 32.  “It threw me for a loop. He’s part of everyone’s childhood,” she said.

For the generation Xers and Yers  who grew up on Jackson’s music his passing drew pause. It was a moment, not unlike what the assassination of President John F. Kennedy might signify to some, or what the date December 7, 1941, might mean for others.

Renny John, 31, an insurance adjuster,  will always remember what he was doing when he heard the news yesterday evening. He was holding his one-year-old son.

Yonel Severe, 40, was in the Bronx when somebody broke the news to him around 6 p.m. yesterday. “Which Michael?” Severe, an artist had asked in disbelief,  “Our Michael?”

Jackson’s stardom reached Severe as a 13-year-old growing up in Haiti in the early 1980s.

He remembers asking his dad to buy him the iconic blood-red jacket the pop king sported in his   “Thriller” music video.

His father’s prompt response to the request was, “I don’t want you to die, it’s too hot,” explaining it wouldn’t be suitable to wear the leather jacket in Haiti’s soaring temperatures.

“Michael describes an era, a generation,” Severe said looking at the exultant crowd that partied under the  vigilant watch of NYPD officers posted along 125th street and a helicopter that circled above.

“If it weren’t for the police, people would be here for days and days,” Severe said, “We lost our best.”

As he surrendered to the music and the jubilation around him he shouted “He’s not dead! He lives in us!”

And in the height of the outpouring that lasted into the wee morning hours on 125th street,  it certainly seemed true.

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson

GALLERY: Jackson Family, Faces Of Grief

OPINION: Michael Jackson Is Dead (and We All Should Be Ashamed of Ourselves!)

TRIBUTE: The Music Of Michael Jackson

From BlackVoices.com:

Jackson clan matriarch, Katherine, has apparently had enough. The 79-year-old has allegedly shed her docile and passive granny demeanor and toughened up her heart. She wants to downsize her familial tribe, which has overtaken her estate. According to TMZ, Katherine has asked ex-daughter-in-law Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza and her four children to vacate the premises by next week.

Oaziaza had an affair with Randy Jackson when he was married to Eliza Shaffe, and they produced a daughter, Genevieve. After Randy divorced Shaffe, he continued dating Oaziaza, who then gave birth to their son, Randy Jr., in 1991. The couple’s relationship ended in 1994. A year later, Oaziaza married Randy’s older brother Jermaine, and they had two sons, Jaafar and Jermajesty. Oaziaza also adopted a child with Jermaine named Donte (he does not reside in the home).

Click here to view photos:

Start Gallery

There are currently seven grandchildren living at the Jackson San Fernando Valley, Calif., compound. Reportedly, Katherine’s change of heart was due to last month’s stun gun incident. Jaafar, 13, received a stun gun via mail and allegedly threatened Michael’s children, who also live at the compound, with the weapon. The incident resulted in an investigation by the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services.

Click here to read more.

RELATED:

Katherine Jackson Will Get Full Custody Of Michael Jackson’s Kids

Joe Jackson Won’t Help Raise MJ’s Kids

From People.com:

While Dr. Conrad Murray’s formal charging in the death of Michael Jackson is certain to pose another emotional time for the pop superstar’s surviving family members, his three children – Prince Michael I, 12; Paris, 11; and Prince Michael II (“Blanket”), 7 – have been dealing with their grief with the help of a close-knit family and something new to them: a sense of normalcy.

“They’re doing great, thanks to the love and support they’ve gotten,” Adam Streisand, an attorney for their grandmother and guardian Katherine Jackson, told PEOPLE in an interview before Murray’s surrender.
Text continues after gallery…
Michael Jackson Memorial

Start Gallery

Seconds longtime family friend Kathy Hilton, “They’re getting along and they have an incredible family.”

Click here to read more.

RELATED:

Dr. Conrad Murray Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter For Death Of Michael Jackson

Jackson Family Attorney Speaks On Custody & Estate

What a lucky strike for A&E, the hosts of hit TV Show Mad Men. They seem to have secured another cashcow: the Jackson Family reality series.

They’ve been filming for about 2 years and the show is supposed to be an inside look into one of the American entertainment industry’s most famous families.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer.

RELATED:

MJ’s “This Is It” Premieres Worldwide

MJ’s Kids To Star In Reality Show

The A&E network said Tuesday its previously announced documentary about members of the Jackson family will be expanded into a reality series.

A&E’s official word came only after “Entertainment Tonight” declared the Jackson series was a go.

But beyond acknowledging its plans for a series, A&E furnished no details. No premiere date or number of episodes has been specified.

The original special, which the cable channel announced last May, focuses on brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson as they prepare to reunite for a concert tour.

Initial filming wrapped in June before the death of Michael Jackson, but he didn’t participate in the production, said network spokesman Dan Silberman.

The 50-year-old King of Pop died June 25, weeks before he was scheduled to begin a string of comeback shows in London.

Entertainment Tonight aired footage from the special on its Tuesday edition.

Billed as “exclusive new video,” the three-minute clip showed family matriarch Katherine Jackson as well as her sons Jermaine, Jackie and Tito, at home, relaxing and chatting. Correspondent Kevin Frazier told viewers the project included “the entire Jackson clan,” adding, “sources tell us that Michael also participated in the filming.”

Entertainment Tonight did not say how it got the video, but promised to air more on Wednesday’s edition.

“The footage was leaked without A&E’s knowledge or consent,” said network spokesman Dan Silberman.

Jermaine Jackson says he would like to see Neverland Ranch as his brother Michael’s final resting place.

In an interview broadcast Thursday on NBC’s “Today” show, Jermaine Jackson also says he wishes he had died instead of his younger brother, and that Michael was “a gift from Allah.”

Says Jermaine: “He went too soon. I don’t know how people are going to take this, but I wish it was me.”

On Wednesday, Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine said a public memorial was in the works but it wouldn’t be held at Neverland.

A person familiar with the situation told the AP that permits for a burial at the sprawling Santa Barbara, Calif., estate could not be arranged in time.

UPDATE: MICHAEL JACKSON’S WILL SURFACES

[Updated 1:31 p.m., 6/29/09]

TMZ.com reports:

We’ve learned Michael Jackson‘s lawyer has a copy of the singer’s will and he intends to file it with the court.

We’re told the Jackson family doesn’t have a copy of the will in attorney John Branca’s possession. It’s unclear how many wills Jackson made but Branca believes it’s the most current. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATE: JACKSON HONORED AT BET AWARDS; JOSEPH AND JANET APPEAR ON BEHALF OF FAMILY

[Updated 12:07 a.m., 6/29/09]

LOS ANGELES – The BET Awards became the official Michael Jackson TV celebration on Sunday, with joyous tributes to the King of Pop from a New Edition medley of Jackson 5 songs to host Jamie Foxx’s tender monologue delivered in that classic red leather zipper jacket and white glove.

“No need to be sad. We want to celebrate this black man,” said Foxx, who kicked off the show with a re-enactment of the choreography from Jackson’s iconic “Beat It” video in front of the star-studded crowd, on its feet from the start of the show.

As the show ended, Jackson’s sister, Janet, took the stage to speak on behalf of her grieving family and thank fans for their love and support.

It was Janet Jackson’s first public appearance since her brother died last Thursday. With a deep sadness on her face, she strolled to the microphone and began to speak.

She said: “My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful, so they elected me to be here.”

She noted that the King of Pop was an icon to all in attendance, but that to the Jacksons, “he was family.”

After her brief comments, Stevie Wonder, Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx took the stage and sang a poignant “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson 5.

Joe Jackson, the singer’s father, was also on hand. “I just wish he could be here to celebrate himself,” he said on the red carpet. “Sadly, he’s not here, so I’m here to celebrate for him.”

[FULL STORY AT MSNBC.COM]

Watch Janet’s Tribute

———

UPDATE: JACKSON FAMILY WANTS SECOND AUTOPSY

[Update at 12:36 a.m., 6/28/09]

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s family wants a private autopsy of the pop icon because of unanswered questions about how he died and the doctor who was with him, the civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson said Saturday.

“It’s abnormal,” he told The Associated Press from Chicago a day after visiting the Jackson family. “We don’t know what happened. Was he injected and with what? All reasonable doubt should be addressed.”

People close to Jackson have said since his death that they were concerned about the superstar’s use of painkillers. Los Angeles County medical examiners completed an autopsy Friday and said Jackson had taken prescription medication.

[FULL STORY AT MSNBC.COM]

———

UPDATE: JACKSON DIED OF HEART ATTACK; CORONER SAYS NO INDICATION OF FOUL PLAY

[Update at 8:06 p.m., 6/26/09]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson apparently suffered a heart attack, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Friday. Police sought to talk to the doctor who was with the pop icon during his last minutes and pumped his chest in a vain attempt to save his life.

As grief for the King of Pop poured out around the world, from the icons of music to heartbroken fans, an autopsy showed no sign of trauma to Jackson, whose death came just weeks before he was to launch an epic comeback bid in a series of 50 concerts in London.

The person, who was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity, said Jackson had suffered a heart attack. Jackson’s brother Jermaine had said the pop singer apparently went into cardiac arrest – which often but not always happens because of a heart attack.

Authorities said they wanted to speak with the doctor, identified by the Los Angeles Times as cardiologist Conrad Murray, and said they had towed his car from Jackson’s rented mansion because it could contain medication or other evidence. Police stressed that the doctor was not a criminal suspect.

Craig Harvey, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner, said there were no signs of foul play. He said Jackson was taking some unspecified prescription medication but gave few other details.

———

UPDATE: TMZ LIVESTREAMS PRESS CONFERENCE WITH L.A. CORONER

[Update at 4:14 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports LIVE from the press conference with the L.A. coroner’s office who performed the autopsy on the late Michael Jackson. The presser is set to begin in approximately 20 minutes, at 1:30 p.m., PT.

We’re live at the press conference

being held by the Los Angeles County Coroner, regarding Michael Jackson’s autopsy. It starts at 1:30 PT — stay tuned. [FULL STORY & LIVESTREAM]

———

UPDATE: MISSING DOCTOR IN LA, SET TO SPEAK WITH COPS

[Updated 2:56 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports:

We have just learned Dr. Conrad Robert Murray — the guy who was with Jackson when he collapsed — is now in Los Angeles.

He is preparing to speak with law enforcement officials regarding Michael Jackson’s death. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATE: JACKSON’S 911 TAPE REVEALED

[Updated at 2:13 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com livestreams the 911 tape where Michael Jackson is described as not breathing and not responding to CPR. CLICK HERE TO HEAR IT LIVE.

———

UPDATE: JACKSON’S MYSTERY DOCTOR IDENTIFIED

[Updated at 1:52 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports:

The doctor who was with Michael Jackson at the time of his death has been identified as a cardiologist from Houston, Texas.

KHOU in Houston reports the man is Dr. Conrad Robert Murray, who had been living with Jackson in his rented mansion. We’re told Murray attempted to revive Michael until paramedics showed up at the scene. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATE: EMTs SAY JACKSON WAS DEAD AT SCENE

[Updated at 1:25 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports Jackson’s doctor insisted they perform CPR even thought EMT’s had determined he was dead on arrival:

When EMTs arrived at Michael Jackson’s home yesterday, the medics wanted to pronounce him dead on the scene — but Michael’s personal doctor refused to let them “call it” — this according to TMZ sources. [FULL STORY]

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Harlem Mourns, Celebrates Michael Jackson

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson

CLICK HERE for Reactions To Michael Jackson’s Death

EDITORIAL: Michael’s Greatest Gift

OPINION: Michael Jackson Is Dead (and We All Should Be Ashamed of Ourselves!)

———

UPDATE:  POLICE SEIZE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM MJ’S HOME

[Updated 1:03 p.m., 6/26/09]

PerezHilton.com reports:

In the search for answers, investigators have seized “bags of prescription drugs” from the rented Beverly Hills home of Michael Jackson, Life & Style is reporting.

Family attorney Brian Oxman said he is willing to provide the names of the doctors who provided the prescriptions should the impending toxicology report reveal a possible connection. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATED: MICHAEL JACKSON’S AUTOPSY HAS BEGUN

[Updated 12:04 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports:

We’re told some members of the Jackson family are headed to the coroner’s office. [FULL STORY]

[Updated 11:16 a.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports the autopsy has begun:

The Los Angeles County Coroner has started the autopsy on Michael Jackson.

Dr. Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswaran is performing the autopsy. The Dr. was a star witness in the O.J. Simpson case. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATE: MJ’S LIVE-IN DOCTOR MIA, COPS SEEK INTERVIEW

[Updated at 10:41 a.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports that the doctor who allegedly administered the injection linked to his death is nowhere to be found:

We’ve learned law enforcement is looking for a doctor who lived at Michael Jackson’s home — and the doctor is nowhere to be found.

Law enforcement sources tell us a BMW belonging to the doctor was towed from Jackson’s home last night.

Cops are looking to interview the doc.

A law enforcement source says the doctor gave Jackson an injection before he died.

Jackson reportedly may have OD’d on Demerol. As we first reported, family members were concerned that Jackson was taking too much morphine. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATE: MICHAEL JACKSON’S DEATH LINKED TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

[Updated at 9:32 a.m., 6/26/09]

The London Times reports that Michael Jackson’s death was linked to an injection of the painkilling drug, Demerol:

Speculation mounted today that Michael Jackson’s fatal heart attack might have been brought on by an injection of painkilling drugs after a rehearsal at a Los Angeles arena for the star’s comeback concerts in London…

The Sun newspaper today reported that Jackson aides told medics at the UCLA emergency room that the star had collapsed after an injection of the drug Demerol, a powerful painkiller which is similar to morphine and which is known to come with the risk of cardiac arrest.

“Shortly after taking the Demerol he started to experience slow shallow breathing,” the newspaper quoted one source as saying. “His breathing gradually got slower and slower until it stopped.” [FULL STORY]

The Sun, a newspaper in London, also reports the following:

The Jackson family’s lawyer – who was at the hospital when medics failed to resuscitate the star – later said his addiction to medications had become deeply serious.

Jackson collapsed and stopped breathing yesterday after an injection of the powerful painkiller Demerol.

He was said to be addicted to the drug – similar to morphine – and it is feared he took an overdose…

Lawyer Brian Oxman said Jacko had started taking drugs to cope with pain caused by previous injuries.

He said the singer had once set fire to his hair and fallen from a stage several years ago, cracked a vertebrae in his back and broken a leg, leaving him severely injured.

But he slammed the singer’s continued use of the pain relief drugs.

He told reporters: “I have been very critical of the use of pain medications.

“I have told people in no uncertain terms that if Michael one day woke up and he was dead I would not be silent, I would not permit this to go unchallenged.

“If you will also remember many many years ago his hair caught on fire while he was doing the Pepsi commercial.

“That started the use of pain medications in Michael Jackson’s life so they’ve been to treat actual pains he’s had, but the use of these medications I felt had become life threatening.”

Jacko’s opening tour dates were postponed last month after concert promoters AEG said Jackson, who had not performed since the 1990s, needed more time to rehearse his complex dance routines.

But after The Sun revealed that he was suffering from skin cancer there were fears that he was not fit enough to complete the tour.

Experts found spots of skin cancer on his upper body and pre-cancerous cells on his face.

The singer was left fuming after concert promoters booked 50 gigs.

He told fans earlier this month: “I don’t know how I’m going to do 50 shows. I’m not a big eater – I need to put some weight on.

“I’m really angry with them booking me up to do 50 shows. I only wanted to do ten, and take the tour around the world to other cities, not 50 in one place.

“I went to bed knowing I sold ten dates, and woke up to the news I was booked to do 50.”

Yet Jacko, who had been blighted by a string of previous health problems – including rumoured heart trouble – had still vowed to perform the £150million comeback shows.

Mr Oxman compared Jacko to Playboy pin-up Anna Nicole Smith, alleging that Michael had “enablers” just like her.

He said: “This (Jackson) family has been trying for months and months and months to take care of Michael Jackson.

“The people who have surrounded him have been enabling him.” [FULL STORY]

———

CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE PICS FROM THE SCENE

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Harlem Mourns, Celebrates Michael Jackson

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson

CLICK HERE for Reactions To Michael Jackson’s Death

EDITORIAL: Michael’s Greatest Gift

OPINION: Michael Jackson Is Dead (and We All Should Be Ashamed of Ourselves!)

———–

UPDATE: Autopsy To Be Performed By Friday

County Coroner Lt. Fred Corral says an autopsy will be conducted Friday on the body of pop superstar Michael Jackson – and that results could be known by Friday afternoon.

CLICK HERE for more.

————-

UPDATE: JACKSON DIED OF HEART ATTACK; CORONER SAYS NO INDICATION OF FOUL PLAY

[Update at 8:06 p.m., 6/26/09]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson apparently suffered a heart attack, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Friday. Police sought to talk to the doctor who was with the pop icon during his last minutes and pumped his chest in a vain attempt to save his life.

As grief for the King of Pop poured out around the world, from the icons of music to heartbroken fans, an autopsy showed no sign of trauma to Jackson, whose death came just weeks before he was to launch an epic comeback bid in a series of 50 concerts in London.

The person, who was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity, said Jackson had suffered a heart attack. Jackson’s brother Jermaine had said the pop singer apparently went into cardiac arrest – which often but not always happens because of a heart attack.

Authorities said they wanted to speak with the doctor, identified by the Los Angeles Times as cardiologist Conrad Murray, and said they had towed his car from Jackson’s rented mansion because it could contain medication or other evidence. Police stressed that the doctor was not a criminal suspect.

Craig Harvey, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner, said there were no signs of foul play. He said Jackson was taking some unspecified prescription medication but gave few other details.

———

UPDATE: TMZ LIVESTREAMS PRESS CONFERENCE WITH L.A. CORONER

[Update at 4:14 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports LIVE from the press conference with the L.A. coroner’s office who performed the autopsy on the late Michael Jackson. The presser is set to begin in approximately 20 minutes, at 1:30 p.m., PT.

We’re live at the press conference

being held by the Los Angeles County Coroner, regarding Michael Jackson’s autopsy. It starts at 1:30 PT — stay tuned. [FULL STORY & LIVESTREAM]

———

UPDATE: MISSING DOCTOR IN LA, SET TO SPEAK WITH COPS

[Updated 2:56 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports:

We have just learned Dr. Conrad Robert Murray — the guy who was with Jackson when he collapsed — is now in Los Angeles.

He is preparing to speak with law enforcement officials regarding Michael Jackson’s death. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATE: JACKSON’S 911 TAPE REVEALED

[Updated at 2:13 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com livestreams the 911 tape where Michael Jackson is described as not breathing and not responding to CPR. CLICK HERE TO HEAR IT LIVE.

———

UPDATE: JACKSON’S MYSTERY DOCTOR IDENTIFIED

[Updated at 1:52 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports:

The doctor who was with Michael Jackson at the time of his death has been identified as a cardiologist from Houston, Texas.

KHOU in Houston reports the man is Dr. Conrad Robert Murray, who had been living with Jackson in his rented mansion. We’re told Murray attempted to revive Michael until paramedics showed up at the scene. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATE: EMTs SAY JACKSON WAS DEAD AT SCENE

[Updated at 1:25 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports Jackson’s doctor insisted they perform CPR even thought EMT’s had determined he was dead on arrival:

When EMTs arrived at Michael Jackson’s home yesterday, the medics wanted to pronounce him dead on the scene — but Michael’s personal doctor refused to let them “call it” — this according to TMZ sources. [FULL STORY]

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Harlem Mourns, Celebrates Michael Jackson

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson

CLICK HERE for Reactions To Michael Jackson’s Death

EDITORIAL: Michael’s Greatest Gift

OPINION: Michael Jackson Is Dead (and We All Should Be Ashamed of Ourselves!)

———

UPDATE:  POLICE SEIZE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM MJ’S HOME

[Updated 1:03 p.m., 6/26/09]

PerezHilton.com reports:

In the search for answers, investigators have seized “bags of prescription drugs” from the rented Beverly Hills home of Michael Jackson, Life & Style is reporting.

Family attorney Brian Oxman said he is willing to provide the names of the doctors who provided the prescriptions should the impending toxicology report reveal a possible connection. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATED: MICHAEL JACKSON’S AUTOPSY HAS BEGUN

[Updated 12:04 p.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports:

We’re told some members of the Jackson family are headed to the coroner’s office. [FULL STORY]

[Updated 11:16 a.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports the autopsy has begun:

The Los Angeles County Coroner has started the autopsy on Michael Jackson.

Dr. Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswaran is performing the autopsy. The Dr. was a star witness in the O.J. Simpson case. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATE: MJ’S LIVE-IN DOCTOR MIA, COPS SEEK INTERVIEW

[Updated at 10:41 a.m., 6/26/09]

TMZ.com reports that the doctor who allegedly administered the injection linked to his death is nowhere to be found:

We’ve learned law enforcement is looking for a doctor who lived at Michael Jackson’s home — and the doctor is nowhere to be found.

Law enforcement sources tell us a BMW belonging to the doctor was towed from Jackson’s home last night.

Cops are looking to interview the doc.

A law enforcement source says the doctor gave Jackson an injection before he died.

Jackson reportedly may have OD’d on Demerol. As we first reported, family members were concerned that Jackson was taking too much morphine. [FULL STORY]

———

UPDATE: MICHAEL JACKSON’S DEATH LINKED TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

[Updated at 9:32 a.m., 6/26/09]

The London Times reports that Michael Jackson’s death was linked to an injection of the painkilling drug, Demerol:

Speculation mounted today that Michael Jackson’s fatal heart attack might have been brought on by an injection of painkilling drugs after a rehearsal at a Los Angeles arena for the star’s comeback concerts in London…

The Sun newspaper today reported that Jackson aides told medics at the UCLA emergency room that the star had collapsed after an injection of the drug Demerol, a powerful painkiller which is similar to morphine and which is known to come with the risk of cardiac arrest.

“Shortly after taking the Demerol he started to experience slow shallow breathing,” the newspaper quoted one source as saying. “His breathing gradually got slower and slower until it stopped.” [FULL STORY]

The Sun, a newspaper in London, also reports the following:

The Jackson family’s lawyer – who was at the hospital when medics failed to resuscitate the star – later said his addiction to medications had become deeply serious.

Jackson collapsed and stopped breathing yesterday after an injection of the powerful painkiller Demerol.

He was said to be addicted to the drug – similar to morphine – and it is feared he took an overdose…

Lawyer Brian Oxman said Jacko had started taking drugs to cope with pain caused by previous injuries.

He said the singer had once set fire to his hair and fallen from a stage several years ago, cracked a vertebrae in his back and broken a leg, leaving him severely injured.

But he slammed the singer’s continued use of the pain relief drugs.

He told reporters: “I have been very critical of the use of pain medications.

“I have told people in no uncertain terms that if Michael one day woke up and he was dead I would not be silent, I would not permit this to go unchallenged.

“If you will also remember many many years ago his hair caught on fire while he was doing the Pepsi commercial.

“That started the use of pain medications in Michael Jackson’s life so they’ve been to treat actual pains he’s had, but the use of these medications I felt had become life threatening.”

Jacko’s opening tour dates were postponed last month after concert promoters AEG said Jackson, who had not performed since the 1990s, needed more time to rehearse his complex dance routines.

But after The Sun revealed that he was suffering from skin cancer there were fears that he was not fit enough to complete the tour.

Experts found spots of skin cancer on his upper body and pre-cancerous cells on his face.

The singer was left fuming after concert promoters booked 50 gigs.

He told fans earlier this month: “I don’t know how I’m going to do 50 shows. I’m not a big eater – I need to put some weight on.

“I’m really angry with them booking me up to do 50 shows. I only wanted to do ten, and take the tour around the world to other cities, not 50 in one place.

“I went to bed knowing I sold ten dates, and woke up to the news I was booked to do 50.”

Yet Jacko, who had been blighted by a string of previous health problems – including rumoured heart trouble – had still vowed to perform the £150million comeback shows.

Mr Oxman compared Jacko to Playboy pin-up Anna Nicole Smith, alleging that Michael had “enablers” just like her.

He said: “This (Jackson) family has been trying for months and months and months to take care of Michael Jackson.

“The people who have surrounded him have been enabling him.” [FULL STORY]

———

CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE PICS FROM THE SCENE

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Harlem Mourns, Celebrates Michael Jackson

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson

CLICK HERE for Reactions To Michael Jackson’s Death

EDITORIAL: Michael’s Greatest Gift

OPINION: Michael Jackson Is Dead (and We All Should Be Ashamed of Ourselves!)

———–

UPDATE: Autopsy To Be Performed By Friday

County Coroner Lt. Fred Corral says an autopsy will be conducted Friday on the body of pop superstar Michael Jackson – and that results could be known by Friday afternoon.

CLICK HERE for more.

————-

Authorities said they wanted to speak with the doctor, identified by the Los Angeles Times as cardiologist Conrad Murray, and said they had towed his car from Jackson’s rented mansion because it could contain medication or other evidence. Police stressed that the doctor was not a criminal suspect.

LONDON — Michael Jackson was due to make his triumphant return to the stage in London next month – but instead his sudden death has left millions of fans feeling they’ve lost a lifelong friend.

The dramatic death of the brilliant singer seemed to obscure his recent controversies and kindle warmer memories of Jackson the child star and Jackson the show-stopping, moonwalking headliner.

The worldwide chorus of grief united the famous – statesmen and superstars alike – and the legions of ordinary people who grew up with “Thriller” and “Beat It.”

Word of Jackson’s death jolted nearly everyone, from a young man in Colombia who was named after the King of Pop, to Malaysians who named a soy drink for him, to a generation of people around the world who have tried, in vain, to moonwalk.

GET THE LATEST UPDATES ON MICHAEL JACKSON’S DEATH & INQUIRY HERE

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson

CLICK HERE for Reactions To Michael Jackson’s Death

EDITORIAL: Michael’s Greatest Gift

OPINION: Michael Jackson Is Dead (and We All Should Be Ashamed of Ourselves!)

“It’s horrible news, so unexpected,” the Italian actress Sophia Loren told The Associated Press by telephone. “The world has lost an icon and music has lost treasures. He wrote songs that generations of yesterday, today and tomorrow will all keep on singing. What he wrote was amazing.”

Loren and her children had been frequent visitors to Jackson at his Neverland ranch in California, developing an enduring friendship.

“I hope that Michael will find that peace that maybe he did not have in the last 15 years.”

In London, shocked fans gathered at the Lyric Theatre, where a live show based on Jackson’s record-selling album “Thriller” is being performed, and waited for news about refunds for some 750,000 tickets to his sold-out, 50-night run.

A spokeswoman for AEG Live – the promoters for the London concerts – declined to say how ticket refunds would be handled. She spoke on condition of anonymity, saying she was not authorized to speak to the media.

There were poignant memories of his final public appearance when he came to London for a March news conference to announce his “This is it” concerts, which he said would mark his farewell to the London stage. A candlelight vigil at London’s Trafalgar Square was planned to honor the singer.

GET THE LATEST UPDATES ON MICHAEL JACKSON’S DEATH & INQUIRY HERE

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson

CLICK HERE for Reactions To Michael Jackson’s Death

EDITORIAL: Michael’s Greatest Gift

OPINION: Michael Jackson Is Dead (and We All Should Be Ashamed of Ourselves!)

Former South African President Nelson Mandela issued a message through his foundation saying Jackson’s loss would be felt worldwide.

Jackson sang at a birthday concert for Mandela in 1998. In 1999, according to local media reports at the time, he lunched with Mandela at a small gathering at which the South African anti-apartheid leader celebrated both his 81st birthday and his and wife Graca Machel’s first wedding anniversary.

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, UNESCO and the Red Cross were given proceeds from a huge benefit concert in Germany in 1999 that featured Jackson and other international stars.

Former Beatle Paul McCartney, who recorded with Jackson before they had a falling out over ownership of the Beatles catalogue, said his prayers went to Jackson’s family and fans.

“It’s so sad and shocking,” he said. “I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy-man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones.”

In Ireland, where Jackson made his temporary home in a castle south of Dublin in 2007, people remembered him as a kind and loving man. Eugene Lambert, Ireland’s best-known puppeteer, recalled his son’s puppet performance at a birthday party for Jackson attended by the singer’s three children.

“Michael and the kids seemed to enjoy the show equally,” he said. “My son sang happy birthday to Michael, who seemed genuinely touched by the attention. Michael rang me that night to thank me for the show. He said he hoped he’d be as happy at his work as I am at my age, and of course I’m 80.”

Former British child star Mark Lester, who is godfather to Jackson’s children, said he had visited with Jackson several weeks ago and believed the star was ready for the rigors of performing 50 live gigs.

“He was absolutely fine,” said Lester. “I can’t believe this, it’s such a shock. I’ll always remember him as being a very sweet, kind and loving man.”

Rocker Lenny Kravitz recalled working with Jackson in the studio on an unreleased track and finding the man far different from the eccentric recluse often portrayed in the media.

“It was the most amazing experience I’ve had in the studio,” Kravitz said. “He was funny. Very funny and we laughed the whole time. I also saw what a beautiful father he was. He was a beautiful human being. If not for him, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. He gave me joy as a child and showed me the way to go.”

Jackson’s death prompted broadcasters from Sydney to Seoul – where the news came early Friday – to interrupt morning programs, while fans remembered a “tortured genius” whose squeals and sliding moves captivated a generation and who sparked global trends in music, dance and fashion.

Several world leaders weighed in. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez called it “lamentable news,” though he criticized the media for giving it so much attention. Former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, who had met Jackson, said: “We lost a hero of the world.”

In Romania, where a tumultuous Jackson concert in 1992 helped mark the country’s new freedoms after the fall of the Soviet bloc, singer Lucian Viziru said he was stunned by the tragedy.

“I feel like crying,” he told the AP, rubbing his eyes. “I grew up with him, I learned his dances, his songs, everything. My first ever cassette was ‘Thriller.’”

A condolence board went up in downtown Bucharest. Radio and TV stations played his music and broadcast clips from the concert.

“My heart is heavy because my idol died,” said Byron Garcia, security consultant at a Philippine prison who organized the famous video of 1,500 inmates doing a synchronized dance to “Thriller.” The video has had 23.4 million hits on YouTube.

Garcia said the inmates in Cebu will hold a tribute for Jackson on Saturday with their “Thriller” dance and a minute of prayer.

The flamboyant former Philippine first lady, Imelda Marcos, who cheered Jackson’s acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005, said she cried on hearing the news.

“Michael Jackson enriched our lives, made us happy,” she said. “The accusations, the persecution caused him so much financial and mental anguish. He was vindicated in court, but the battle took his life. There is probably a lesson here for all of us.”

In Bogota, Colombia, a 24-year-old tattoo artist named Michael Tarquino said his parents named him after Jackson. He recalled growing up with electricity rationing for hours at a time and waiting for the power to return.

“When the light came back on I would play my Michael Jackson LP, and I’d stand at the window and sing along,” he said.

Japanese fans were always among Jackson’s most passionate supporters, and news of his death came as a huge shock. Michiko Suzuki, a music critic who met Jackson several times in the 1980s, said the country was likely to be mourning for some time.

“Everyone was imitating his ‘moonwalk’ when it was a hit. He was a true superstar,” she said.

Jackson also had a huge fan base in Seoul, South Korea, where his style and dance moves were widely emulated by Korean pop stars.

“He is my master and the prime mover to make me dance,” pop star Rain told the South Korean sports and entertainment daily Ilgan Sports. “Even though he is dead, he is an eternal performer.”

Aaron Kwok, one of Chinese pop’s most accomplished singer-dancers, said he was deeply saddened by the news.

“It’s so sudden,” Kwok said in a statement. “No one can replace Michael Jackson’s contributions to pop music.”

GET THE LATEST UPDATES ON MICHAEL JACKSON’S DEATH & INQUIRY HERE

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson

CLICK HERE for Reactions To Michael Jackson’s Death

EDITORIAL: Michael’s Greatest Gift

OPINION: Michael Jackson Is Dead (and We All Should Be Ashamed of Ourselves!)

Lisa Marie Presley: I’m Shocked & Saddened

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson

Quincy Jones: I’ve Lost My Little Brother

Tito: I Regret Not Speaking To Michael

MJ’s Ex-Publicist Exposes Jacko’s Lifestyle

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson

Celebrities Twitter About MJ’s Death

Jacko’s Doctor Speaks Out

LaToya Jackson Sobs As She Rushes To Michael’s Side

Mother Of Jackson’s Kids Reacts

GALLERY: Tribute To Michael Jackson