Michael Jackson in Thriller.Photo: Stephen Vaughn/Sipa
The world stood still when news broke the evening of June 25, 2009, that megastar singerMichael Jackson had diedat the age of 50. Jackson left behind a complicated legacy: an endless string of musical hits mixed with a slew of high-profile legal accusations. He also left behind three young children, who lived in and out of the spotlight as they followed their famous dad around the world.Here, on the 14th anniversary of Jackson’s death, look back on his life in photos.
The world stood still when news broke the evening of June 25, 2009, that megastar singerMichael Jackson had diedat the age of 50. Jackson left behind a complicated legacy: an endless string of musical hits mixed with a slew of high-profile legal accusations. He also left behind three young children, who lived in and out of the spotlight as they followed their famous dad around the world.
Here, on the 14th anniversary of Jackson’s death, look back on his life in photos.
01of 31Michael Jackson’s Early YearsMichael Ochs Archives/GettyBorn on Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to Joe and Katherine Jackson,Michael Joseph Jackson- the seventh child in a family of nine kids - showed a gift for singing at an early age, quickly becoming known as the little boy with a big voice. During his days with the Jackson 5,Rolling Stonemagazine hailed the young singer as a prodigy with “overwhelming musical gifts.”
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Michael Jackson’s Early Years
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Born on Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to Joe and Katherine Jackson,Michael Joseph Jackson- the seventh child in a family of nine kids - showed a gift for singing at an early age, quickly becoming known as the little boy with a big voice. During his days with the Jackson 5,Rolling Stonemagazine hailed the young singer as a prodigy with “overwhelming musical gifts.”
02of 31Michael Jackson and His SiblingsGilles Petard/Redferns/Getty"Michael was the little cute one," Jermaine told PEOPLE in 1984 about his younger brother, who joined his siblings — (clockwise from left) Tito, Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon — in the group the Jackson 5 at the tender age of 6. Though he started out as a backup musician playing congas and tambourine, it wasn’t long before he was the frontman, leading the group to massive success with No. 1 hits including “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.”
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Michael Jackson and His Siblings
Gilles Petard/Redferns/Getty
“Michael was the little cute one,” Jermaine told PEOPLE in 1984 about his younger brother, who joined his siblings — (clockwise from left) Tito, Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon — in the group the Jackson 5 at the tender age of 6. Though he started out as a backup musician playing congas and tambourine, it wasn’t long before he was the frontman, leading the group to massive success with No. 1 hits including “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.”
03of 31Michael Jackson’s Home LifeMichael Ochs Archives/GettyDespite his ever-present smile in photos (like this one circa 1970), life at home in the Jackson household was anything but happy. Jackson spoke out about the childhood abuse he endured at the hands of his father during a lengthy 1993 interview withOprah Winfrey. And in the 2003 documentaryLiving with Michael Jackson, the singer told interviewer Martin Bashir that during Jackson 5 rehearsals, father Joe “sat in the chair and he had this belt in his hand. If you didn’t do it the right way, he would tear you up, really get you.”
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Michael Jackson’s Home Life
Despite his ever-present smile in photos (like this one circa 1970), life at home in the Jackson household was anything but happy. Jackson spoke out about the childhood abuse he endured at the hands of his father during a lengthy 1993 interview withOprah Winfrey. And in the 2003 documentaryLiving with Michael Jackson, the singer told interviewer Martin Bashir that during Jackson 5 rehearsals, father Joe “sat in the chair and he had this belt in his hand. If you didn’t do it the right way, he would tear you up, really get you.”
04of 31Michael Jackson and Little Sister JanetMichael Ochs Archive/GettyThough he and sisterJanet(pictured in 1972) were close as siblings, Jackson had his typical big brother moments, like nicknaming her Dunk because of her size. “You look like a donkey, you’re so big,” he said. Years later, in 2001, the pair teamed up for the edgy song and video “Scream,” which earned them a Grammy nomination. “Everyone sees he is different. There’s no question about that,” Janet said in 2007. “He’s my brother. I love him regardless.”
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Michael Jackson and Little Sister Janet
Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
Though he and sisterJanet(pictured in 1972) were close as siblings, Jackson had his typical big brother moments, like nicknaming her Dunk because of her size. “You look like a donkey, you’re so big,” he said. Years later, in 2001, the pair teamed up for the edgy song and video “Scream,” which earned them a Grammy nomination. “Everyone sees he is different. There’s no question about that,” Janet said in 2007. “He’s my brother. I love him regardless.”
05of 31Michael Jackson’s CharmCBS /LandovDuring a 1972 appearance onThe Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour,Jackson showed off his funny bone. “I can’t make up my mind whether to be a jet pilot, an astronaut or the governor of Georgia,” deadpanned Michael when Bono asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. In his teen years, Jackson (who that year earned an Oscar nomination for Best Song for “Ben”) struggled with self-esteem issues — especially about his acne and a nose he felt was too big. “I think every child star suffers through this period because you’re not the cute and charming child that you were,” he toldOprah Winfreyin ‘93.
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Michael Jackson’s Charm
CBS /Landov
During a 1972 appearance onThe Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour,Jackson showed off his funny bone. “I can’t make up my mind whether to be a jet pilot, an astronaut or the governor of Georgia,” deadpanned Michael when Bono asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. In his teen years, Jackson (who that year earned an Oscar nomination for Best Song for “Ben”) struggled with self-esteem issues — especially about his acne and a nose he felt was too big. “I think every child star suffers through this period because you’re not the cute and charming child that you were,” he toldOprah Winfreyin ‘93.
06of 31Michael Jackson and The JacksonsMichael Ochs Archives/CorbisAfter leaving Motown Records in 1975, Jackson and his brothers changed their name from the Jackson 5 to The Jacksons, releasing six albums between 1976 and 1984. At the time, Michael was the group’s lead songwriter, and the period produced hits like “Can You Feel It.” Simultaneously, the singer was striking out on his own, pursuing solo projects like 1978’s filmThe Wizand his celebrated solo albumOff the Wall.
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Michael Jackson and The Jacksons
Michael Ochs Archives/Corbis
After leaving Motown Records in 1975, Jackson and his brothers changed their name from the Jackson 5 to The Jacksons, releasing six albums between 1976 and 1984. At the time, Michael was the group’s lead songwriter, and the period produced hits like “Can You Feel It.” Simultaneously, the singer was striking out on his own, pursuing solo projects like 1978’s filmThe Wizand his celebrated solo albumOff the Wall.
07of 31Michael Jackson in ‘The Wiz’Michael Ochs Archive/GettyWhen Jackson made his film debut inThe Wiz,it was a critical and commercial failure, but the singer earned positive reviews for his turn as the Scarecrow. Jackson called shooting it “my greatest experience so far” in the 1993 bookMichael Jackson: In His Own Words. “I don’t think it could have been any better, I really don’t.”
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Michael Jackson in ‘The Wiz’
When Jackson made his film debut inThe Wiz,it was a critical and commercial failure, but the singer earned positive reviews for his turn as the Scarecrow. Jackson called shooting it “my greatest experience so far” in the 1993 bookMichael Jackson: In His Own Words. “I don’t think it could have been any better, I really don’t.”
08of 31Michael Jackson and Diana RossBEImagesTeaming up with longtime pal Diana Ross, Jackson celebratedThe Wiz’s premiere with a bash on Oct. 24, 1978. The two shared a common history and career trajectory, each getting their start as a part of Motown groups before forging solo careers. While they maintained a professional relationship — Jackson later wrote and produced Ross’s 1982 single “Muscles” — the two maintained a personal connection over the years.
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Michael Jackson and Diana Ross
BEImages
Teaming up with longtime pal Diana Ross, Jackson celebratedThe Wiz’s premiere with a bash on Oct. 24, 1978. The two shared a common history and career trajectory, each getting their start as a part of Motown groups before forging solo careers. While they maintained a professional relationship — Jackson later wrote and produced Ross’s 1982 single “Muscles” — the two maintained a personal connection over the years.
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Michael Jackson’s ‘Off the Wall’
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Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk
Kevin Mazur/Wireimage
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Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’
Stephen Vaughn/Sipa
12of 31Michael Jackson’s Grammy WinsGary Gershoff/RetnaJackson (with Quincy Jones) cradles his record-breaking eightGrammy Awards- including album of the year forThrillerand record of the year for “Beat It” - at the ‘84 ceremony. (In 2000, Santana later tied his one-night feat.) Jackson kept his aviators on for nearly the entire ceremony, only removing the shades because, as he said onstage, Katharine Hepburn “told me I should and I’m doing it for her, okay?” Then, as the audience erupted in screams, he added, “And the girls in the back.”
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Michael Jackson’s Grammy Wins
Gary Gershoff/Retna
Jackson (with Quincy Jones) cradles his record-breaking eightGrammy Awards- including album of the year forThrillerand record of the year for “Beat It” - at the ‘84 ceremony. (In 2000, Santana later tied his one-night feat.) Jackson kept his aviators on for nearly the entire ceremony, only removing the shades because, as he said onstage, Katharine Hepburn “told me I should and I’m doing it for her, okay?” Then, as the audience erupted in screams, he added, “And the girls in the back.”
13of 31Michael Jackson’s Pepsi Commercial InjuryBettmann/CorbisIt was a close call: While filming a pyrotechnic-heavy commercial for Pepsi at L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium in 1984, Jackson’s hair was accidentally set on fire as he performed “Billie Jean.” The singer was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was treated for a third-degree burn and a palm-sized second-degree burn on the crown on his head. At the hospital, a flood of messages poured in from fans and friends, including a telegram from a girl that said, “I heard you were hot, Michael, but this is ridiculous.”
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Michael Jackson’s Pepsi Commercial Injury
Bettmann/Corbis
It was a close call: While filming a pyrotechnic-heavy commercial for Pepsi at L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium in 1984, Jackson’s hair was accidentally set on fire as he performed “Billie Jean.” The singer was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was treated for a third-degree burn and a palm-sized second-degree burn on the crown on his head. At the hospital, a flood of messages poured in from fans and friends, including a telegram from a girl that said, “I heard you were hot, Michael, but this is ridiculous.”
14of 31Michael Jackson at the White HouseJack Kightlinger/White House/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images"Well, isn’t this a thriller?" President Ronald Reagan joked when presenting Jackson with the Presidential Public Safety Commendation Award in 1984. Jackson received the honor for granting the use of his hit single, “Beat It,” in a campaign against teen drunken driving. A humbled Jackson merely said, “I’m very, very honored. Thank you very much, Mr. President and Mrs. Reagan.”
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Michael Jackson at the White House
Jack Kightlinger/White House/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
“Well, isn’t this a thriller?” President Ronald Reagan joked when presenting Jackson with the Presidential Public Safety Commendation Award in 1984. Jackson received the honor for granting the use of his hit single, “Beat It,” in a campaign against teen drunken driving. A humbled Jackson merely said, “I’m very, very honored. Thank you very much, Mr. President and Mrs. Reagan.”
15of 31Michael Jackson’s Walk of Fame StarHarrison Funk/ZumaAlthough he already was included on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (the Jackson 5 received their star in 1979), the singer received his solo star in 1984, making him one of a select group to havetwostars. (Diana Ross also has two — one as a solo artist, one with The Supremes.)
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Michael Jackson’s Walk of Fame Star
Harrison Funk/Zuma
Although he already was included on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (the Jackson 5 received their star in 1979), the singer received his solo star in 1984, making him one of a select group to havetwostars. (Diana Ross also has two — one as a solo artist, one with The Supremes.)
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Michael Jackson’s ‘We Are the World’
Polaris
17of 31Michael Jackson in ‘Captain EO’Everett Collection3-2-1 blastoff! In 1986, Jackson joined forces with George Lucas (left) and Francis Ford Coppola for the 3-D filmCaptain EO, which debuted at Walt Disney parks in 1986 and would play at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, for the next 11 years. In the sci-fi musical, featuring the song “Another Part of Me,” Jackson starred as Captain EO — and wins over an evil space queen.
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Michael Jackson in ‘Captain EO’
Everett Collection
3-2-1 blastoff! In 1986, Jackson joined forces with George Lucas (left) and Francis Ford Coppola for the 3-D filmCaptain EO, which debuted at Walt Disney parks in 1986 and would play at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, for the next 11 years. In the sci-fi musical, featuring the song “Another Part of Me,” Jackson starred as Captain EO — and wins over an evil space queen.
18of 31Michael Jackson’s NeverlandSplash News OnlineInstead of a castle, the King of Pop chose to live in an amusement park. In 1988, Jackson bought a nearly 3,000-acre expanse of land in California’s Santa Ynez Valley and built Neverland, named after Peter Pan’s world and complete with a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and more rides. After police searched the ranch as part of his 2005 child molestation trial, Jackson abandoned Neverland, saying it was “violated.”
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Michael Jackson’s Neverland
Splash News Online
Instead of a castle, the King of Pop chose to live in an amusement park. In 1988, Jackson bought a nearly 3,000-acre expanse of land in California’s Santa Ynez Valley and built Neverland, named after Peter Pan’s world and complete with a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and more rides. After police searched the ranch as part of his 2005 child molestation trial, Jackson abandoned Neverland, saying it was “violated.”
19of 31Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl Halftime ShowDamian Strohmeyer/Sports Illustrated/GettyIn what remains one of the most talked-about halftime performances of all time, Jackson took the stage at 1993’s Super Bowl XXVII in his trademark spangled military-style gear and stood motionless for a few moments — before kicking into the energetic “Jam.” The surprise? He then ripped off his jacket and broke out in a medley of his hits “Billie Jean” and “Black or White” — ending the appearance, arms outstretched, in a hail of pyrotechnics and smoke.
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Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl Halftime Show
Damian Strohmeyer/Sports Illustrated/Getty
In what remains one of the most talked-about halftime performances of all time, Jackson took the stage at 1993’s Super Bowl XXVII in his trademark spangled military-style gear and stood motionless for a few moments — before kicking into the energetic “Jam.” The surprise? He then ripped off his jacket and broke out in a medley of his hits “Billie Jean” and “Black or White” — ending the appearance, arms outstretched, in a hail of pyrotechnics and smoke.
20of 31Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie PresleyLaurent Rebours/AP/ShutterstockJackson shocked the world when he marriedLisa Marie Presleyin the Dominican Republic in 1994.“I am very much in love with Michael, I dedicate my life to being his wife,” the bride said in a statement at the time. “I understand and support him. We both look forward to raising a family.‘‘A Jackson friend told PEOPLE that with Lisa Marie, there was a shared comfort level: ‘‘Michael always said that he never knew if a girl was going to like him for himself or his money. She’s not after him for money.‘‘In 1996, following endless headlines about the marriage, Lisa Marie filed for divorce from Jackson.
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Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley
Laurent Rebours/AP/Shutterstock
Jackson shocked the world when he marriedLisa Marie Presleyin the Dominican Republic in 1994.
“I am very much in love with Michael, I dedicate my life to being his wife,” the bride said in a statement at the time. “I understand and support him. We both look forward to raising a family.’’
A Jackson friend told PEOPLE that with Lisa Marie, there was a shared comfort level: ‘‘Michael always said that he never knew if a girl was going to like him for himself or his money. She’s not after him for money.’’
In 1996, following endless headlines about the marriage, Lisa Marie filed for divorce from Jackson.
21of 31Michael Jackson’s Love of AnimalsGAB Archive/Redferns/Getty"My chimp Bubbles is a constant delight,” Jackson wrote in his autobiography,Moonwalk, published in 1998. The chimp was just one of the animals — don’t forget Louis the llama and Jabbar the giraffe — the singer had when he moved into his Neverland Ranch, which contained a zoo. But Bubbles — who wore clothes, used a toilet and reportedly learned to moonwalk — had “a special relationship with Jackson,” animal trainer Bob Dunn told PEOPLE. “He spoils him, just like any parent would.”
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Michael Jackson’s Love of Animals
GAB Archive/Redferns/Getty
“My chimp Bubbles is a constant delight,” Jackson wrote in his autobiography,Moonwalk, published in 1998. The chimp was just one of the animals — don’t forget Louis the llama and Jabbar the giraffe — the singer had when he moved into his Neverland Ranch, which contained a zoo. But Bubbles — who wore clothes, used a toilet and reportedly learned to moonwalk — had “a special relationship with Jackson,” animal trainer Bob Dunn told PEOPLE. “He spoils him, just like any parent would.”
22of 31Michael Jackson Tabloid RumorsMichael Levine/GettyOutrageous rumors about Jackson ran rampant in the ’80s. Among them: He offered $1 million for the Elephant Man’s bones and slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, hoping to live to be 150 years old. “He has a chamber,” his manager Frank Dileo said at the time. “I don’t know if he sleeps in it.” Jackson later toldOprah Winfreythat the chamber was a “piece of technology used for burn victims” and that he decided to crawl inside and “hammer around.” Other reports had him leaking the photo himself to conjure a sci-fi image ahead of the release ofCaptain EO.
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Michael Jackson Tabloid Rumors
Michael Levine/Getty
Outrageous rumors about Jackson ran rampant in the ’80s. Among them: He offered $1 million for the Elephant Man’s bones and slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, hoping to live to be 150 years old. “He has a chamber,” his manager Frank Dileo said at the time. “I don’t know if he sleeps in it.” Jackson later toldOprah Winfreythat the chamber was a “piece of technology used for burn victims” and that he decided to crawl inside and “hammer around.” Other reports had him leaking the photo himself to conjure a sci-fi image ahead of the release ofCaptain EO.
23of 31Michael Jackson’s Changing LooksDave Hogan/Getty; Lester Cohen/WireimageOver the years, Jackson’s face changed dramatically as his skin appeared lighter, his nose narrower and his chin more defined, which prompted stories about addictions to plastic surgery and skin bleaching. Jackson admitted to twice altering his nose and adding a cleft to his chin, but told Winfrey, “I’ve never had my cheekbones done, never had my eyes done, never had my lips done.” As for his changing skin color, Jackson blamed it on vitiligo, “a skin disorder that destroys the pigmentation of my skin,” he said. “I have to even out my skin.”
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Michael Jackson’s Changing Looks
Dave Hogan/Getty; Lester Cohen/Wireimage
Over the years, Jackson’s face changed dramatically as his skin appeared lighter, his nose narrower and his chin more defined, which prompted stories about addictions to plastic surgery and skin bleaching. Jackson admitted to twice altering his nose and adding a cleft to his chin, but told Winfrey, “I’ve never had my cheekbones done, never had my eyes done, never had my lips done.” As for his changing skin color, Jackson blamed it on vitiligo, “a skin disorder that destroys the pigmentation of my skin,” he said. “I have to even out my skin.”
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25of 31Michael Jackson’s ChildrenBauer-GriffinJackson married dermatologist assistant Debbie Rowe, a longtime friend who also treated the singer for his vitiligo, and the two welcomed kids Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (known asPrince) andParis. When the marriage ended in 1999, Rowe gave her ex full custody. Three years later, Jackson had another child, Prince Michael Jackson II (a.k.a.Blanket), through artificial insemination, but he never revealed the surrogate mother’s identity. Jackson wasprotective of all his children, often masking their faces when they go out.
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Michael Jackson’s Children
Bauer-Griffin
Jackson married dermatologist assistant Debbie Rowe, a longtime friend who also treated the singer for his vitiligo, and the two welcomed kids Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (known asPrince) andParis. When the marriage ended in 1999, Rowe gave her ex full custody. Three years later, Jackson had another child, Prince Michael Jackson II (a.k.a.Blanket), through artificial insemination, but he never revealed the surrogate mother’s identity. Jackson wasprotective of all his children, often masking their faces when they go out.
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Michael Jackson’s Balcony Scare
Tobias Schwarz/Reuters/Landov
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Michael Jackson’s 2003 ABC Interview
ABC
28of 31Michael Jackson’s Mug ShotAPAfter years of spending time with famous kids like Emmanuel Lewis and Macaulay Culkin, Jackson settled a suit charging him with abusing a child in a 1994 case. Then, amid recording a music video for his single “One More Chance” in Las Vegas, Jackson flew back to Santa Barbara, California, on Nov. 20, 2003, and surrendered to police on charges of lewd or lascivious acts with a child younger than 14. Taken to jail in handcuffs, the pop star took this mug shot — and weighed in at a frail 120 lbs.
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Michael Jackson’s Mug Shot
AP
After years of spending time with famous kids like Emmanuel Lewis and Macaulay Culkin, Jackson settled a suit charging him with abusing a child in a 1994 case. Then, amid recording a music video for his single “One More Chance” in Las Vegas, Jackson flew back to Santa Barbara, California, on Nov. 20, 2003, and surrendered to police on charges of lewd or lascivious acts with a child younger than 14. Taken to jail in handcuffs, the pop star took this mug shot — and weighed in at a frail 120 lbs.
29of 31Michael Jackson in CourtKimberly White/APThroughout his 2005 child molestation trial, Jackson had problems arriving on time to court. On March 10, Judge Rodney S. Melville threatened to issue an arrest warrant if the pop star didn’t appear immediately. His defense attorney claimed that Jackson was hospitalized for back pain, but Jackson eventually arrived — minutes after the judge would have to make good on his threat — sporting slippers, pajama bottoms, a white undershirt and blue blazer.
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Michael Jackson in Court
Kimberly White/AP
Throughout his 2005 child molestation trial, Jackson had problems arriving on time to court. On March 10, Judge Rodney S. Melville threatened to issue an arrest warrant if the pop star didn’t appear immediately. His defense attorney claimed that Jackson was hospitalized for back pain, but Jackson eventually arrived — minutes after the judge would have to make good on his threat — sporting slippers, pajama bottoms, a white undershirt and blue blazer.
30of 31Michael Jackson Retreats from the SpotlightSplash News OnlineAfter being acquitted on child molestation charges, Jackson and his children went on an extended trip to Bahrain, beginning a real retreat from the public eye. In the Persian Gulf nation, Jackson was reportedly a guest of the king’s son. When he returned to the States, his public appearances were few. Here, the singer stepped out to the Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier stores with his kids — sporting a mask.
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Michael Jackson Retreats from the Spotlight
After being acquitted on child molestation charges, Jackson and his children went on an extended trip to Bahrain, beginning a real retreat from the public eye. In the Persian Gulf nation, Jackson was reportedly a guest of the king’s son. When he returned to the States, his public appearances were few. Here, the singer stepped out to the Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier stores with his kids — sporting a mask.
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Michael Jackson’s Final Days
Mark Mainz/Getty Images
Despite questions about his health, Jackson was preparing for a comeback tour in 2009when he died on June 25at the age of 50. He suffered cardiac arrest at home. In 2011, his doctor Conrad Murray wasconvicted ofinvoluntary manslaughter in his death. Throughout the six-week trial, prosecutors portrayed Murray as a reckless doctor who treated Jackson’s insomnia with a nightly drip of propofol, an unpredictable and potentially fatal anesthetic.
Brian Orloff
source: people.com
