We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 70°F: Current condition: Clear See Extended Forecast

Paris-Michael Jackson's words not scripted or rehearsed


Paris-Michael speaking with aunt, Janet Jackson

The buzz today after Michael Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles has ranged from the numbers of people viewing the service worldwide, to the various celebrity tributes (including a tearful Brooke Shields), to the first glimpse of his only daughter, Paris-Michael Katherine, as an actual person with feelings, hurt and grace.

The video has been replicated from every major news website to YouTube (at the time of press a search for "Paris Michael Katherine Jackson" on YouTube yields over 1,400 recent results).  Her words about her father not only brought millions of people to tears, but also brought the naysayers out in hordes.  Videos of her small, but significant, moment had many ill-informed and thoughtless viewers (like inane YouTube user electrohill) claiming that she was coached into saying that. Is the world that desensitized?  So much so that common decency and empathy goes straight out the window simply because the subject matter is a public figure?

CNN is reporting that her words were, in fact, a surprised to those involved. Prodcuer Ken Ehrlich confirms that her appearance was not planned:

A lot of the show was not scripted. Music was laid out, but most of the speakers really spoke from their heart – people who knew Michael well – and I think that's what gave the show its heart."

Coreographer Kenny Ortega, who had been working with Jackson on his comback concerts in London, agreed that the moment was unexpected, as was the attendance of the three children, including sons Prince and Blanket:

It was a surprise they were there. All of us who know them were delighted they were strong enough to come and feel this love and great outpouring for their dad. We would've never expected that they had the strength. It was beautiful.

 
Advertisement

, NY Pop Culture Examiner

Jonathan Gill is a pop culture junkie, anglophile, and infovore among other things. This NH native received his Masters of Professional Writing from USC. He currently lives in Manhattan and enjoys walking home from Brooklyn.

Comments

  • Giselle 2 years ago

    I'm one of those naysayers, I love MJ! He was taken advantage of by his awful family who depended on his money. They used him. He was abused by their mother & father. She was the enabler...same as abusing herself. Now they're covering up & trying to give a fake image to the world to hide what has really gone on in their lives: Abuse & dysfunction.
    Germaine is so fake it's pathetic.
    The kids loved MJ but all you have to do is look at Paris's body language. NO tears & she touches the back of her neck 2 times. That's a well known body language sign of people who do not believe what they're saying. Look It UP! They try so hard to constantly convince the world they're normal & good. They wanted Paris to speak so they can do this yet again. The family only wants those kids because they're attached to the $$. I bet you when they're adults they will be in court suing the Jacksons for stealing the money MJ left them. Debbie is better suited. If for only 1 reason: to stay away from the fathe

  • Giselle 2 years ago

    BTW, I think MJ was not a pedophile, he was being extorted, but I do believe his father was.

  • Rhonda 2 years ago

    I do not believe MJ was a pedophile, but still very childlike himself. Michael wanted his mother to raise his children, not what you'd expect if she was an abuser. I find it hard to believe anyone would think Debbie Rowe was even remotely fit to raise these kids. SHE SOLD THEM!!!

Add a new comment

Join the conversation! Log in here or create a new account if you've never registered before.

Got something to say?

Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!

Don't miss...