John Landis Calls the Man He Sued 'Tragic'

john landisWe just got a statement from John Landis -- the man who directed Michael Jackson for the "Thriller" and "Black and White" videos. It's somewhat harsh -- not surprising, because Landis has an active lawsuit against Jackson, claiming the singer stiffed him over profits for the Broadway musical of "Thriller."

Landis says, "I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife Deborah and I will always have great affection for him."

Tags: black and white, BlackAndWhite, dead, john landis, JohnLandis, michael jackson, MichaelJackson, sued, thrller

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1. This is really a surprise. I feel bad to see anyone die so young - certainly tragic

Posted at 9:26PM on Jun 25th 2009 by NitroVideo

2. first...
and he was tragic. and probably a pedophile. he had a chimp, covered up his kids and lived on neverland ranch. he was not stable and probably was addicted to pills.
an amazing entertainer. loved his music, but he was a mixed bag.

Posted at 9:28PM on Jun 25th 2009 by Becca

3. how is that harsh?

Posted at 9:29PM on Jun 25th 2009 by partyhouse

4. Becca, can you help me with my sexual addiction?

Posted at 9:31PM on Jun 25th 2009 by NitroVideo

5. It's sad when someone dies and people still act ignorant. RIP MJ

Posted at 9:33PM on Jun 25th 2009 by Krysta

6. John Landis is a STAND UP GUY!!

TMZ is looking to trash Michael.

Posted at 9:35PM on Jun 25th 2009 by Old School

7. Jesus - you guys posted an HOUR before most corp. news stations - were you frekin' staked out @ his house? Anna Nicole, Heath, and now this! DAMN - you guys are ON FIRE!!!

Posted at 9:37PM on Jun 25th 2009 by Lio

8.

Right back at ya

Posted at 9:36PM on Jun 25th 2009 by Andrew

9.

Right back at ya

Posted at 9:38PM on Jun 25th 2009 by Andrew

10. That's HARSH? Um, no. In fact it's quite gracious. After all, to say his life was "complicated" is being extra delicate.

Posted at 9:59PM on Jun 25th 2009 by new school

11. Nobody wants to hear from you John Landis you f*ck'n c*nt.

Posted at 9:41PM on Jun 25th 2009 by Squiffy

12. NO ONE tried harder to ruin their career - - - and FAILED . thank Michael Jackson. Tragic? Mr. Landis is well within his rights to call a spade a spade.. Ask PAUL MCCARTNEY!

Posted at 9:43PM on Jun 25th 2009 by Chicago Lou in L.A.

13. Attention Moron who says John Landis is a standup guy-remember a little movie called The Twilight Zone?

Posted at 9:44PM on Jun 25th 2009 by Peterson32

14. i think its sad that he died.i think john landis is really ingorrant.R.I.P M.J

Posted at 12:39PM on Jun 29th 2009 by fishface902

15. Michael cheated so many people, and he owed money to so many people. The Michael Jackson that the public so loved is the MJ of the past. The MJ of the future was tragic, troubled, and didn't pay his debt, although he could have. He lived on 3 or 4 continents, like he was running away from responsibility. The weight has been lifted, it's probably for the best.

Posted at 5:26PM on Jun 27th 2009 by Sallyinchicago

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