Fans Pay Their Respects at MJ's First Home
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Millions of Michael Jackson fans around the planet mourned his death yesterday -- including those who paid their respects to the King of Pop outside of his first home in Gary, Indiana.
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Madonna 'Can't Stop Crying' Over Jackson
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One pop icon remembers another. We've just heard from Madonna on Jackson's death:
"I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever!
My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."
- Madonna
Flavor Flav Told to Beat It
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Moments after news broke that Michael Jackson had died, Flavor Flav showed up outside the Jackson family's Encino estate -- and sent his regards to Katherine Jackson via intercom.
Flav, who considered Jackson a great friend, wasn't allowed in -- but said he'd return later.
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Justin Timberlake -- 'We Have Lost a Genius'
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We just heard from Justin Timberlake, who tells us:
I can't find the words right now to express how deeply sadden [sic] I am by Michael's passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
Timberlake has referred to Michael Jackson as his Idol in the past.
La Toya and Katherine Jackson -- Faces of Pain
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Around the time Michael's body was being airlifted from UCLA hospital, Katherine Jackson -- Michael's mom -- and La Toya left the hospital in separate cars.
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Jackson's Body Arrives at the Coroner's Office
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Michael Jackson's body was just unloaded from a helicopter at the L.A. County Coroner's Office.
Jermaine -- They Tried to Revive for an Hour
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Michael Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson, released a statement to the media at UCLA hospital -- telling the press a team of doctors at the medical center tried to resuscitate Michael for more than an hour.
TMZ also obtained a photo of Jermaine moments after he arrived at the hospital. The emotion in the photo speaks for itself.
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Michael Jackson's Body Transported
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Michael Jackson's body is being airlifted to the L.A. County Coroner's Office -- where an autopsy will be performed tomorrow.
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Van Halen Heartbroken Over Jackson
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He provided the rock guitar solo in Jackson's hit song "Beat It." TMZ has just heard from Eddie Van Halen on Michael Jackson's death:
"I am really shocked; as I'm sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83 -- one of my fondest memories in my career.
Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."
-Eddie Van Halen
John Landis Calls the Man He Sued 'Tragic'
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We 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."
Liz Taylor -- 'Too Devastated' to Comment
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TMZ has just heard from Elizabeth Taylor's people who tell us:
"Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time."
Taylor, who was a close and dear friend to Jackson for several years, was the one who dubbed him the "King of Pop."
Jackson Danced and Sang Last Night
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We've learned Michael Jackson showed no unusual signs of distress -- he was rehearsing his upcoming concert at the Staples Center in L.A. But, we're told, like other nights of rehearsal, Jackson was both hours late and lethargic.
We're told rehearsal went late into the evening. Jackson was singing and dancing with the backup dancers and the band. Someone who was there says Jackson was supposed to show at 7 PM but didn't arrive until 10 and he was "listless." But that was normal, according to people at rehearsal.
Right now, some of the cast and crew are at Staples, packing up their stuff.
Corey Feldman -- Jackson Was My 'Idol'
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Corey Feldman -- who was friends with Michael Jackson when he was a child -- just released the following statement on his website.
"I come to you today with great sadness, acknowledging the loss of the greatest entertainer in the history of mankind. For me he was more than that, he was my idol, he was a role model, he was someone to cry to when my childhood was unbearable, he was a brother, he was a dear friend."
Michael Jackson's Autopsy Expedited
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There will be no waiting around -- we're told Michael Jackson's autopsy will be performed by the L.A. County Coroner tomorrow.
Story developing ...
People Paying Homage to Wrong Star
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People are flocking to Michael Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Problem is ... it's the wrong Michael Jackson.
The star for Michael Jackson -- the singer -- is covered up because of the "Bruno" premiere. People are mistaking MJ's covered star for the star of longtime L.A. radio personality Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson Dies Celebs Go to Twitter
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Since news of Michael Jackson's death today, celebrity friends and fans have released the following reactions on their Twitter accounts:
Arnold Schwarzenegger: We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans.
Diddy: Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!
Samantha Ronson: His music is just as relevant now as it was the day they pressed record, I'm sure it will remain so for generations to come.R.I.P.Mr Jackson.
Dane Cook: I'm dedicating my show 2night to Michael Jackson. THRILLER got me laid. Well... At least thats what I told my friends.
Heidi Montag: the world has suffered a GREAT loss today Michael Jackson my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans God bless.
Ice T: Rest In Peace Mike. People can say what they want but you were 100% original. WE will always love , miss & remember your GREATNESS.
John Mayer: Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ. I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player.