Sharpton: Family To Protect Jackson's Kids

Says They Are Determined To Preserve Legacy Of Singer

(CBS)  Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson announced this weekend that he and his wife Katherine have sole authority over the singer's affairs and children.

CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy reported that the significance of this statement comes on the heels of sentiments spoken by other Jackson associates who have expressed interest in custody of the singer's three children.

Prior to meeting with the family of Michael Jackson to discuss memorial plans for the late singer, the Rev. Al Sharpton (who attended the BET Awards Sunday with Joe Jackson) said today that he does not yet know the family's plans regarding custody of the singer's children.

"I know that generally the entire family - I've been talking with Mr. Jackson and certainly Jermaine and the brothers - everyone is concerned about Michael's children and will do what is necessary to make sure they're provided for properly and provided for in a way that Michael would have wanted them to be provided for. I don't think they've sought out all the legal particulars. They're still dealing with, clearly, the shock of Michael's passing and trying to preserve with dignity his legacy."

Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was questioned by police this weekend and, according to investigators, no red flags were raised. [Dr. Murray's attorney told The Early Show that his client did not prescribe any inappropriate medication for Jackson.] But the Jackson family did pursue a second autopsy of the singer.

Early Show anchor Maggie Rodriguez asked Rev. Sharpton if the family holds the doctor responsible, or suspects that he either caused Michael Jackson's death or didn't react properly to warning signs?

"In my discussions with the family, they have not accused anyone of anything directly," Rev. Sharpton replied. "They've had the concerns any family would have of trying to find out what happened. They're trying to sort out the facts in a very rational way, but of course with extreme concern because this is their son, this is their brother. There's not been an accusatory tone toward anyone.

"They're trying to see where the facts lie and get those facts without any slant or any bias in any way."

Rev. Sharpton said the family was encouraged to seek a second autopsy, "so that they would know themselves exactly what was and was not in Michael, and what was and was not a possible contributing factor to his death.

"Again, I think they've done it in the spirit that any family would. You and I would want to know that if a family member, relatively young, had this kind of unexpected death."

Rev. Sharpton said the reporting of the family's response was exaggerated, "as always, because of who they are. But I don't think they're behaving any differently than any family would."

[godswordisreal]

Seems like forked tongues are speaking again... Meaning, why don't white America just come on out and speak their actions and just tell the truth; meaning, many whites are concerned with Michael Jackson's white kids being raised by black people (i.e. Michael's family). That's what it is and black people see the snake raising its evil head, hiding the truth. Just say it!, racist cowards! It is also telling in how white America has picked another opportunity to demonize another black man/father, meaning Joe Jackson. Slave master habits are just too damn hard to break, right!! Liars, cheats, thieves...same ole, same ole.

[kailumego]

This is a tragedy, in momentous proportion, a tragedy all too familiar with African Americans and their families, where abuse has gone uncontested for generations....

I've not heard a single black, African American speak out on the years of abuse that precipitated this tragic incident, only to lament over his passing and "iconic" fame...

And to think these morons feel his children would be better off with his abusive and neglectful parents only demonstrates the seriousness and endemic denial.....

This whole situation is appalling and unnatural, it appears many black folks continue to lapse into a comma, when faced with the criminalities, perversions, deviancies, self-destructivenesses and immoralities within their own sphere....

Like so many other black children, the Jackson children where sexually, physically and psychologically tormented, by the very individuals entrusted with their care....

I realize there are those gloating over his passing, raging over his past alleged child abuse allegations, overlooking the real tragedy Michael was created and not born an alleged pedophile...

[ispeakthetruth]

Everyone is tired of hearing about it, Micheal died, it is a shame, but he did it to himself with the drug useage. Then of course you are going to have the 3 ring circus of Sharpin, Jesse Jackson and Micheal's family, the camera's are rolling, that is their que. When it comes right down to it Micheal ruined a phenominal career by becoming nothing more than a common everyday PEDIFILE . Do we give common everyday PEDIFILES this much attention. I don't think so , it's time for the media to move on to the next circus.

[Paul-Solomon]

Joe Jackson reportedly abused Michael when he was a kid. Now he sees dollar signs.

Michael Jackson's financial empire is a total mess. He made millions during his career, but he spent more. Now he's dead, and according to Amazon.com and other music news sources, his sales are going through the roof. In death, Michael Jackson has made the comeback he so much desired. Like Elvis Presley, he will surely continue to make money, and for now, bundles of it.

http://www.paulsolomon.blogspot.com

[dragyn30]

The Jackson's need to tell Sharpton to get lost! They do not need him stirring up any more sh*t on Michael. He is a showboat and needs to put his mug in front of the camera in high profile cases.

I liked most of Michael Jackson's music and found him to be a dynamic performer, but that is where it ends. The controversy and the troubles that followed made me lose respect for him. It is a shame that no one was able to step in like they did with Britney Spears to help her clean up her act.

I just hope the courts do what is right for those children.

[John_Merritt]

I just wonder what those children might have to say that could burst the 'Michael Jackson bubble' that so many have come to adore about him and his family. I just wish they were 18 years old, so they could write a 'tell-all' book. It definitely would make interesting reading, don't you think? Sign me: nothing implied.

[justsane-2009]

given that joe jackson physically abused his own children, he should have nothing to do with raising michael's children. if in fact, they actually are his children. the rumors have been rampant for years that he was not actually the biological father of these children. now that their faces have been exposed, the question must be asked again. i would imagine that a simple dna test will answer the question.

that said, the children should probably go to live with the mother of the oldest two--we do know for a fact that she is their parent. while she is not the mother of the third child, they must stay together, and living with her does make sense. sadly, she has already demonstrated that she is willing to relinquish her parental responsibilities for money, so it's unlikely that they will end up with her.

in the end, they will probably be best off with a caring third party, whoever that might be. i have heard that there is a godfather, but i think that given the absolute weirdness of their lives thus far, and stable, two-parent family would be the best ting in the world for them. and need i say that someplace where they can totally disappear from public view needs to also be part of this decision?

none of this will happen of course, but i just thought i'd put my two-bits in on the topic :-)

[justsane-2009]

pardon the spelling errors--i usually proofread...

[mick7744]

Of course Joe Jackson wants custody of Michael Jackson's children. When you lose one meal ticket...you go out and quickly get another!

How?

Enlist the aid of a so-called ?FAMILY SPOKESMAN? like that racist hustling pimp, Al Sharpton (Those of us from Brooklyn know what a "reverend" without a church actually is)

And in case anyone has forgotten, he?s been a ?family spokesman? before.

Or...do what Janet Jackson did and roll into his mansion with some moving vans to loot the place. Maybe she thought she wouldn't be mentioned in his will, or worse...with his debts, being mentioned wouldn't be worth nearly as much as the stuff she took will be worth on eBay.

Such a loving, caring family.

[ez64holidays]

Just a thought, maybe she got some of the things out of the home because she knew that papparazzi or other crazed people might would try to break in and steal things from his house???? Like I said, just a thought....;) But I don agree with your questioning of Joe Jackson's motives for having custody, I only hope he doesn't continue the cycle of parent imposed stardom with Michael's children.

[minifig7]

I believe Janet was there to get Jackson's kids's stuff.

[kcits]

It is at least good to see family involved. Strange as they may seem to the outside world, and regardless what those that would think the worst of them think. Family takes care of Family. Regardless of who says it, everyone should understand the truth of it. After all the biggest liar in the world has to say the truth once in awhile. The children are important, nothing else.

[govtguy]

The body is barely cold and already the #^$%# buzzard twins, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are hovering over the media and trying to dominate the news. Michael Jackson has passed on, why does his family and his fans have to be "water-boarded" by these two fools, unless they will get something out of it. Gimme a break here, enough already,
go back to NYC or whatever rock you crawled from beneath and leave well enough alone!

[casins]

right on,govguy!

[Adam707]

Touche' govguy!

[npkppprc]

Right Sharpton is involved now it's a big conspiracy, Jackson had some very good years, but the last 10 were terrible, drugs, numerous surgeries, suspected child molestation, and who knows what else. Now he's a saint? Don't think so. He is only an entertainer that led a questionable life.