Michael Jackson, Supernova
Michael Jackson's funeral was a gathering of close friends, family, and people I had not seen for years. Together we mourned our loss, and together we took strength from one another because we all joined to celebrate the life of an extraordinary man. As I sat in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery to say farewell to Michael, I wondered if the sunglasses they all wore were meant not to shield their eyes from prying cameras, but instead from the brilliant light of the supernova that was Michael Jackson.
When a massive star dies, it explodes in a supernova of blinding light that sometimes generates more energy, exotic particles, and colorful nebula than all the galaxies we can see in the heavens and is 100 billion times as bright as the sun. For sure, the light from the other stars who attended the funeral was bright - Elizabeth Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Macaulay Culkin, Quincy Jones, Lionel Ritchie, Berry Gordy, Lisa Marie Presley, Chris Tucker and Barry Bonds. I sat next to Elizabeth Taylor at the service, and I told her Michael loved her dearly and would be proud that she was there. But Michael Jackson's death was a supernova of a star whose light was more controversial, more luminous, and more fascinating than any others whose twinkling image caught the imagination of our eyes.
Sometimes the light from these most extraordinary supernova events lasts for years as the light from these stars grow and grow more brilliant than the galaxies in which they exist.
The eulogies from Joe Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Jackie Jackson's son Siggy told of Michael's extraordinary life, and it was certain that Michael Jackson was now larger in death than he was in life. We will be dissecting his life for years to come in books and movies, only I don't think we will ever capture the human emotion everyone felt this day at his funeral when we laid Michael Jackson to rest.
I sat next to Dave Dave, whose father doused him with kerosene, lit a match, and burnt 90% of his 6 year old body. Michael Jackson cared for Dave Dave for more than 30 years, never once asking for anything in return. Dave Dave's eulogy was moving. The world should never forget how Michael gave back not only to Dave Dave, but also to so many other needy people.
I have a unique view of the Jackson Family. Some people knew Michael. Others knew Janet, or La Toya, or Rebbie, or Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, or Randy. But I knew them all. From their mom and dad, Katherine and Joseph, to their grandchildren, they were all my friends. I did six divorces in the family as their attorney. I represented Michael in his criminal trial in Santa Maria, Katherine, and Joe and other family members, including children and cousins, in major litigation. I represented Tito's sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ in their wrongful death case when their mother, Dee Dee, was brutally murdered.
I know all of their secrets, all of their tears, and all of their failures and glories. I never felt that any of them, from Michael right on down the line, ever did anything where I couldn't hold my head up high and say these are my friends, and I am proud of them. The one thing I can say for certain, and which I shout from the highest mountain top, is Michael Jackson was innocent in his criminal trial in Santa Maria, California, and it is not only time, but also the evidence which has proved that to be true.
Some folks have said to me that it is now between the Lord and Michael because while we mere mortals are blinded by the massive explosion of his star, the good Lord has a far greater ability to see. There are many things that Michael Jackson has to answer for to his maker, including why he would have allowed himself to be destroyed by the use of drugs that he knew could only hurt him. However, what I can say for certain and with great emotion is that his conversations with the Lord are not about the allegations which surrounded his life, but rather about how he treated himself and dealt with the magic he received as a gift from God.
Everyone in the Great Mausoleum was sad to see Michael go, and it was as if no one wanted to say a final farewell. He was a good man, a kind man. But like all of us who have so many human flaws, he had a tough time dealing with the simplest things involving just living with people, like the most basic elements of greed and jealousy. Michael and I talked a lot about the controversies, and when I said to him that he was never dull, he said me, "It's a sin to be dull."
In the wondrous evolution of the universe, it is the supernova that creates a shock wave where new stars are formed at the front of the expanding force from the explosion in the inevitable circle of life and death that make up the stars in our universe. While it may not be obvious to us because we are still in the early stages of the Jackson supernova, new stars are being created as the expanding shock wave from Jackson's death forms new stars that will start to shine as their nuclear fuel ignites. I watched the tears from Michael's children when they said their final good-by to their dad, and I wondered could it be that Prince, Paris, and little Blanket are the legacy of new star formation that the Michael Jackson supernova has left behind?
Gotham Chopra: One More for Michael Jackson
It feels like some closure is upon us and Michael gets to go underground. That said, I could have sworn he once told me he wanted to be cremated when he was all done.
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I have always known Michael was innocent of both sets of child molestation allegations but it is still very powerful to read this article. Brian Oxman is someone well placed enough to be in possession of the details of the turbulence that engulfed Michael in 1993, and he has gone on record here in a clear and undeniable way. He is not alone, he keeps informed and intelligent company with Thomas Mesereau, Mary Fisher, Aphrodite Jones and Deepak Chopra. For over 15 years, the (mostly) American media went after Michael without observation of facts or motive. Warped by their pursuit of ratings into a tangible ‘intent-to-harm’ machine, the tabloid - and later, mainstream press and TV networks, together with Tom Sneddon systematically eroded Michael's spirit and profoundly damaged his once stratospheric career. Now spoken about in the press as a drug addict, Michael may well have had existing limiting tendencies but he was certainly helped along his way to chronic dependency. Can we all please contact either / or all of these: Thomas Mesereau,, Aphrodite Jones, Geraldo, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Spike Lee and / or Mary Fisher by email or letter, stating in an articulate way your support for either Resolution 600 and/or your wider desire to be a part of the growing worldwide movement for Michael’s name to be vindicated. A simple google of any of their names will direct you to either their office locations or bring up their email addresses.
I have always known Michael was innocent of both sets of child molestation allegations but it is still very powerful to read this article. Brian Oxman is someone well placed enough to be in possession of the details of the turbulence that engulfed Michael in 1993, and he has gone on record here in a clear and undeniable way. He is not alone, he keeps informed and intelligent company with Thomas Mesereau, Mary Fisher, Aphrodite Jones and Deepak Chopra. For over 15 years, the (mostly) American media went after Michael without observation of facts or motive. Warped by their pursuit of ratings into a tangible ‘intent-to-harm’ machine, the tabloid - and later, mainstream press and TV networks, together with Tom Sneddon systematically eroded Michael's spirit and profoundly damaged his once stratospheric career. Now spoken about in the press as a drug addict, Michael may well have had existing limiting tendencies but he was certainly helped along his way to chronic dependency. Can we all please contact either / or all of these: Thomas Mesereau, Brian Oxman, Aphrodite Jones, Geraldo, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Spike Lee and / or Mary Fisher by email or letter, stating in an articulate way your support for either Resolution 600 and/or your wider desire to be a part of the growing worldwide movement for Michael’s name to be vindicated. A simple google of any of their names will direct you to either their office locations or bring up their email addresses.
I have always known Michael was innocent of both sets of child molestation allegations but it is still very powerful to read this article. Brian Oxman is someone well placed enough to be in possession of the details of the turbulence that engulfed Michael in 1993, and he has gone on record here in a clear and undeniable way. He is not alone, he keeps informed and intelligent company with Thomas Mesereau, Mary Fisher, Aphrodite Jones and Deepak Chopra. For over 15 years, the (mostly) American media went after Michael without observation of facts or motive. Warped by their pursuit of ratings into a tangible ‘intent-to-harm’ machine, the tabloid - and later, mainstream press and TV networks, together with Tom Sneddon systematically eroded Michael's spirit and profoundly damaged his once stratospheric career. Now spoken about in the press as a drug addict, Michael may well have had existing limiting tendencies but he was certainly helped along his way to chronic dependency. Can we all please contact either / or all of these: Thomas Mesereau, Geraldo, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Spike Lee and / or Mary A Fischer by email or letter, stating in an articulate way your support for either Resolution 600 and/or your wider desire to be a part of the growing worldwide movement for Michael’s name to be vindicated. A simple google of any of their names will direct you to either their office locations or bring up their email addresses.
I was hoping that Michael's death would shed some light on the agony that is chronic insomnia and the fact that good treatments are not available for people who are stricken with it.
I have watched interviews with Michael and have heard him mention sleep problems more than once. I also heard him say that he had difficulty coming back into a relaxed state after concerts. This is no surprise for the research is showing that people with chronic insomnia are in a state of physiological arousal day and night, through no fault of their own. It is an illness and a serious one.
I read an article which said people who have lived through physically abusive childhoods have problems with PTSD and hyperarousal which makes them unable to sleep. Their brains stay alert in case of danger decades after the abuse.
I also have insomnia & it is not fun at all. I will go nights with little sleep till my body cant take it & I will get a little sleep. I always wake up tired. I have bad memory because my brain cant concentrate. I want to change jobs & go to training but am afraid my brain wont absorb the information. I can very well relate that Michael needed to be well rested & feel 100% complete for his rehearsals. I cant remember when I have felt 100% complete or had a well rested sleep for that matter
I have always known Michael was innocent of both sets of child molestation allegations but it is still very powerful to read this article. Brian Oxman is someone well placed enough to be in possession of the details of the turbulence that engulfed Michael in 1993, and he has gone on record here in a clear and undeniable way. He is not alone, he keeps informed and intelligent company with Thomas Mesereau, Mary Fisher, Aphrodite Jones and Deepak Chopra. For over 20 years, the (mostly) American media went after Michael without observation of facts or motive. Warped by their pursuit of ratings into a tangible ‘intent-to-harm’ machine, the tabloid - and later, mainstream press and TV networks, together with Tom Sneddon systematically eroded Michael's spirit and profoundly damaged his once stratospheric career. Now spoken about in the press as a drug addict, Michael may well have had existing limiting tendencies but he was certainly helped along his way to chronic dependency. Can we all please contact either / or all of these: Thomas Mesereau, Brian Oxman, Aphrodite Jones, Geraldo, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Spike Lee and / or Mary Fisher by email or letter, stating in an articulate way your support for either Resolution 600 and/or your wider desire to be a part of the growing worldwide movement for Michael’s name to be vindicated. A simple google of any of their names will direct you to either their office locations or bring up their email addresses.
"I watched the tears from Michael's children when they said their final good-by to their dad, and I wondered could it be that Prince, Paris, and little Blanket are the legacy of new star formation that the Michael Jackson supernova has left behind?"
Mr. Oxman:
Up until I read this last sentence of your article, I found your eulogy to Michael Jackson, likening him to a supernova, to be heartfelt and incisive. But it was disturbing to hear you ruminate about the potential star power of his hitherto sheltered children
Such musing is not so far from the distasteful Joe Jackson, who has already teased the public about a future for a "Jackson Three"....
Let the Jackson children just BE. Do not augur their future in the entertainment business. That sets them up for expectations by the media and the public, which is NOT what Michael wanted for his kids, judging by the extreme measures to hide their identities. He wanted them to experience the childhood he never had, shielded from the media who tormented him.
Mr. Oxman, please convey to the Jackson clan that the public does not want a "Jackson Three". Michael Jackson was ultimately a tragic figure, and his young superstardom contributed to that demise. Let's hope the kids "Beat It".
Brian Oxman thank you for the dear words and successfully representing Michael Jackson in his falsely accused child molestation court case. If I ever see you around Santa Barbara I will want to shake your hand.
You are absolutely right that his life will be dissected for years to come, and in so many ways that will be tragic. The only person on the planet who was qualified to tell his story is gone, and the rest will rely on speculation, hearsay, and "a source close to him".
I really feel for the kids on this. Michael is resting in peace now, but I wonder if his kids will ever have any peace at all. There's a site where people can send messages of support to Paris (dear paris jackson) and Prince (dear prince jackson). They're gonna need all the support they can get, God bless their hearts.
This whole thing was just a tragedy on so many levels. An unnecessary, devastating tragedy. I'm not even gonna START on Conrad Murray, whom I hope never has a moment's peace.
In 2001 Michael Jackson said he could not do any more world tours because it would kill him because while touring he could not sleep, eat or drink. He was right. His weight dropped to approximately 110 pounds and he needed meds to sleep. He only took the propofol because he was working on the concerts. He would not have taken it otherwise. He knew it was the only way he could do it. I think AEG also knew because he asked them to hire Dr. Murray. So I do not think it is fair to call him a "drug addict". If it was not for the "This Is It" concert, he would still be alive because he never would have used the propofol. He died creating the most spectacular concert he could imagine. He was a superstar but not superhuman.
Sorry, but "He only took the propofol because he was working on the concerts" is no excuse. Propofol is not an energizer or a nutritional supplement. And if he suffered from insomnia, there are enough legit methods to treat insomnia without using an anesthetic. If you suffer from insomnia and try to ask a doctor for propofol, he'd laugh at you.
Dear Mr. Oxman,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful article. Million thanks!!!
Dear Brian Oxman,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Your own heart of goodness shines through here. The shockwaves and the ripples are crushing for those of us whose hearts Michael touched forever, and we were nowhere near him. You were very close to him. For all that you offered him and his family in the form of advice and friendship, love and affection, thank you, thank you. It is shocking and unexpected to realize just how much some of us are hurting.
May God, Beauty and Love always protect the true Gifts of this planet. Michael was one of the biggest.
Michael always said "I love you more." He was right. Everyone around him knew about his drug problem, but no one loved him enough to take the hard steps necessary to make sure he got the help he so badly needed.
This is nice, B. Oxman for it seems Michael was attuned to the vastness of the universe,
the light(s) from above and the wonder of it all.
I was actually writing a poem about Michael's light today which comforted my disheartened feelings concerning the evil which plagued him.
I believe that in order to uplift the integrity of MJ, we who know his truth, are in a position now of uplifting his honor by sharing about his goodness. He more than deserves this. It means much more to actually show appreciation for his goodness than just feel it.
Personally, I have been promoting the book "Michael Jackson Conspiracy" by Aphrodite Jones and the video "the Untold Story of Neverland" by Larry Nimmer because many people have overlooked the facts regarding that horrid trial. Some may be too full of ignorance & hate to reach, yet many are simply unlearned; doubtful & confused.
I hope you won't stop with this article as you stand up for Michael's innocence.
May the flames of hate become molten embers that dissipate to ash and recycle to fertilization of the earth that Michael so dearly loved.
Michael is light for Michael IS love . . . . . . .
Thank you B.Oxman of The Huffington Post.
This is refreshing to read following my upset today as i discovered video footage of inside the funeral on youtube. As soon as I saw an intimate image of a family member at the beginning, I stopped watching. So disgraceful of the media not to respect the wishes of The Jackson Family. And the blogs for the video are so hateful. Naively, I replied & am now getting hate mail myself.
I'd go with you to shout his innocence from a mountainto
The media only speak of his physical pain with a new label of "drug addict". Why ? Because for media to really listen to his songs; not just hear, they'd have to look in the mirror & display some humility.
B. Oxman, thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts about stars & stardum.
I disagree w/you about the drugs though. Media don't speak about his having to leave the country
and his strength in living the serene setting of The Luggala Lodge, of The UK, to return to this chaos.
I highly doubt that Michael was abusing drugs while in Bahrain, Paris & Southern Ireland.
Michael was a devoted father & devoted artist. The insomnia is quite understandable. What's not understandable is the neglect of his doctor not to consider the delicacy of his condition physically, mentally & emotionally; let alone give him drugs which are addictive, given his history with opiates
AND a combination of drugs which are not meant to interact due to toxicity. One would think that a
doctor be aware of the warnings associated with drug interactions if I could easily look them up
myself on the internet.
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