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Don't Be Fooled—This Isn't It
Kevin Mazur, AEG via Getty Images
This Is It, the new Michael Jackson documentary, is a sensation. But what fans don't realize is that the film was only one part of a grander comeback scheme orchestrated by Jackson himself.
On March 6, Michael Jackson appeared before cameras in London wearing a fanciful black-and-white brocade costume, his makeup perfectly applied to his surgically sculpted face, his glossy black wig styled so it covered most of the sides of his face and fell gently onto the top of his shoulders.
“This is it… really… This is it!” he said to the gathered media and fans at London’s O2 arena as he announced his 10-concert comeback tour.
One promoter says the singer told him he had 100 ready-to-go unreleased songs.
At the time Jackson made the heavily publicized announcement, he didn’t believe what he was saying. And neither did anyone else who was in the know. It was all meant as a marketing mantra. And it worked.
Even though he had already secretly signed a contract to do as many as 50 concerts, and not just the 10 concerts he announced that day, Michael Jackson told the world, “This is the final curtain call. I’ll see you in July.”
Instead, on June 25, the public saw, via the TV program Entertainment Tonight, the only picture snapped of Jackson as he was taken out of his rental home in Holmsby Hills, California, for the final time. Splayed on a paramedic’s stretcher, Jackson’s eyes were closed, his face looked waxen, and there was a bulky cuff around his neck. Emergency workers called to the scene were quoted as saying they believed he was already dead when they arrived. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, will almost certainly be charged in Jackson’s death by the end of the year.
On announcement day in March, in England, it was all the usual showbiz smoke and mirrors. By adopting the “This is it!” battlecry, Jackson’s promoters assured a fan frenzy. The faithful were led to believe it would be the absolute last time they’d get to see their idol in concert and tickets, predictably, sold like hotcakes.
But it was all a ruse. As one L.A.-based music executive said, “The music industry learned long ago this is a good gimmick to ensure sold-out venues. Remember Cher’s retirement or Led Zeppelin’s, The Who, and Barbara Streisand? They all came back again.”
This Is It, the new Michael Jackson documentary, is a no-surprise sensation. But while fans view it as a posthumous tribute to the King of Pop, what they don't realize is that This Is It was only one part of a grander comeback scheme orchestrated by Jackson himself.
According to insiders, the real "This Is It" plan was not a single film, but a three-year rollout to rehabilitate Jackson's deteriorated image. It was to be a launching point to re-energize a career crippled by child-molestation allegations, Jackson’s bizarre nomadic post-acquittal behavior, and persistent reports of his drug abuse.
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Paul Schrodt is a writer living in New York City. He has contributed to New York magazine, Radar, and Esquire.com.
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The Feds' Jackson Whitewash
Investigative journalist and syndicated columnist Diane Dimond has covered the Michael Jackson story since 1993 when she first broke the news that the King of Pop was under investigation for child molestation. She is author of the book, Be Careful Who You Love—Inside the Michael Jackson Case. She lives in New York with her husband, broadcast journalist Michael Schoen.
Hollywood's Train Wreck Continues
Investigative journalist and syndicated columnist Diane Dimond has covered the Michael Jackson story since 1993 when she first broke the news that the King of Pop was under investigation for child molestation. She is author of the book, Be Careful Who You Love—Inside the Michael Jackson Case. She lives in New York with her husband, broadcast journalist Michael Schoen.
Hollywood's Nightmare Couple
Investigative journalist and syndicated columnist Diane Dimond has covered the Michael Jackson story since 1993 when she first broke the news that the King of Pop was under investigation for child molestation. She is author of the book, Be Careful Who You Love—Inside the Michael Jackson Case. She lives in New York with her husband, broadcast journalist Michael Schoen.
Jilltracey
Why does your reporting on Michael Jackson seems so personal. Like you have something against the man and his legacy? You have single handedly done more than any other to ruin michael jackson's career based on here say and innuendo. YOU NEVER EVEN SPOKE TO THE MAN yet you've made a career of being an authority on his life. How do you sleep with yourself KNOWING that, at best most of what you've heard and reported might be half of the truth. It makes me so sad, so very sad that such a talent's legacy was so tainted by the likes of people like you who's legacy will simply be, that woman that wouldn't leave Michael Jackson alone...even in death.
kitty041254
I so truly agree with jill tracey. From the start of the first trial this woman was out to "get" Michael" and for what? She is a viscious person but I just keep remembering that she will get her justice in the end.
nkadzi
Kitty041254 writes"...but I just keep remembering that she will get her justice in the end.." LOL!! Say what? What will her justice give her in the end? Or its a question of the resurrection of Devious Diana's career?
Chicago48
She's one of many....add Cindy Adams and perhaps Roger Friedman....they're gossip reporters, this is what they get paid to do. I don't think her reporting is "personal", but she has to write about something right? Why not Jackson? Is there anybody else as interesting at the moment? No!
jjhart
Keep in mind too that Diane Diamond's wonderful journalism career included her stint at Hard Copy where she chased down Joey Buttofuocco, Amy Fisher, Patsy Ramsey, Marla Maples...
Seeing her now try and promote herself as a "journalist" of any importance or one who has anything to contribute is laughable. It's like David Hasselhoff going out for the lead in Hamlet. Nice try. You're embarrassing yourself - but we all are secretly enjoying your messy efforts.
piktor
If the people complaining about Ms. Dimond are so offended, stop reading her stories and problem solved. If you insist on writing a comment, please spell correctly and check your syntax.
Ms. Dimond's story here is interesting and factual. Can't say the same about some comments above and below.
nellyb3
I too agree with "Jilltracey" all you seem to want to do is report on all the negative hearsay... What about reporting on all the wonderful and selfless acts this wonderful man has done?? you say you are a journalist ...what happened to being 100% truthful? You and others like you seem to get your information from the gutter ....and drag Michael through the mud over & over again.
Why can't you report on what is being done to bring these Doctors to justice?
Then leave Michael alone....think about what your" hearsay " is doing to Michael poor kids. Have a conscience. God bless you Michael xx
kitty041254
Diane: Why is it that everytime I read anything that you write about Michael Jackson it is negative. Even in death you cannot let him rest. I think you must have personal vendetta against him for some reason and I think it is time to let it go. From the beginning of the first trial you and Nancy Grace pronounced him guilty even before any proceedings started. There were others that didn't believe him either, but they since have come forth and stated they were wrong in their opinions after they found out the details that came out in court. And all of those details are public knowledge now, so the public knows too. What you have written here is all based on "here-say" information. Isn't that the stuff they don't allow in court? I also believe that is the stuff the true fans of MJ will not believe either. Find someone else to pick on and let Michael rest in peace. Remember, all of these lies that you print about him will find their way to his children. Do you hate them too?
DianeMDimond
Kitty, you are incorrect. I never "pronounced him guilty even before any proceedings started." I made no comment on his guilt or innocence before or during the trial. Not even in my book do I make such a declarative statement. I report the facts I learned from years of reporting and I let the reader decide.
I hate no one.
djmsan
please, you never pronounced the word but you write the word in the mind of much fool who listen you. You are shameless. Oh and Bob Jones was crazy men who writed a crazy book...
kitty041254
B.S.
CCinOC
"...years of reporting..." You mean years of hacking. You're a hack, not a reporter. You slept your way to the position you're in. You never graduated from an accredited university with a degree in journalism so stop insulting all the journaists out there by putting yourself in their company. One can only hope that The Daily Beast has the good sense to recognize a hack when they see one. You're a disgrace to journalism.
"I hate no one." Uh, yeah. Your "stories" just reek of compassion and understanding. I can't believe you actually bore children. What a mess they must be.
nkadzi
"At the time Jackson made the heavily publicized announcement, he didn't believe what he was saying. And neither did anyone else who was in the know. It was all meant as a marketing mantra. And it worked."
Oh okay, reading this, I now declare Devious Diane a god who is all-knowing, since she knows what was on MJ's mind and those in the know, or her sources told her the inner workings of the minds of both Jackson and his business partners. In addition, I pronounce Devious Diane as MJ's confidante, best friend, publicist, manager, and a "cheerleader" who stands on the sidelines to not only negatively cheer but yell obscenities of MJ's imperfections. Devious Diane stubbornly pins a picture of a man many would love to loath and detest yet I wonder if this is really working, maybe for some!! Keep on bringing more good writing from your sources Devious Diane, we wait for more, we yearn for less!!
kitty041254
nkadzi: and from what crystal ball do you get your information? How do you know MJ didn't believe what he was saying when he announced his concerts? Marketing mantra? I don't think so and niether do his true fans. We are all entitled to our own opinions, it's true, but I don't believe in spread gossip that hurts people in the end, especially people that have died and are no longer here to defend themselves. All of his life he was scrutinized and maybe some of it was due to his lifestyle, but even that was not right. It was the way he chose to live. So many other people have stranger life styles than he did and just because they are not famous - they are left alone. Anyway - I for one - loved MJ - for his music, dance, giving back to the world and trying to make it a better place for all. He inspired me to be a better person and his memory and legacy will live on forever.
nkadzi
Kitty041254, the quoted words above in my commentary are copied from Devious Diane Diamond's writing. Did you read Diane Diamond's article? I don't agree with Devious Diane, and that is why my comments are mainly sarcastic for I am responding to what Devious Diane seems to think she knows all there is to know about Michael Jackson. I fully share your sentiments that the scrutiny on MJ was profoundly unfair. Hence, I think you missed the point of my entry, especially the first part for the words as they Devious Diane's and not mine. I am fan of MJ and after seeing "This is it" i am now an avid and die hard fan, and have enormous respect for the man. Peace to you Kitty!!
DianeMDimond
Nkadzi:
Attack the messenger if that makes you feel better but the FACT is that when Mr. Jackson made his statement (...This is it, really, ... the final curtain call...) he had already signed a contract committing to five times the number of concerts he announced. FACT: he and his entourage had already had countless strategy meetings about a 3 year plan.
Any one with average intelligence can clearly see saying, "This is my final curtain call - see you in July" wasn't telling the truth.
As for painting a picture of the man...he was much more complex than fans realize. ~DD
sweetmoses
So...since he said he was doing 10 shows and he ended up doing 50 then he's a liar? Maybe "This" was his 3-year plan and not just the 10 shows. Maybe he was just being coy, but I just don't understand your gripe with the guy being mysterious. Even if he was outright lying...what's it to you?
Sony said the movie "This Is It" would only be in theaters for 2 weeks. Well I always knew that wasn't true and today they announced it will be showing until Thanksgiving. But were they lying? Is it criminal? Are you gonna write an article about them? Are you gonna sue them?
I think you understand that Michael is the most famous and beloved person of our time and the only reason people even read this article is because his name is in it. You've built your career talking about him, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you made up this non-story to keep that train rolling. The guy deserved a curtain call for as long as he wanted. He had problems in his life, but his catalog of music and philanthropy inspired and touched more people around the globe than you ever will. Ever. If you don't want to support his legacy, then just let him rest in peace.
michaelJackson
hi ms.dimond
why do you have to write that storie about mj don't you have a respect for every
people who like mj and to his family...... don't you have stories that true and for your info mj has no anything do that bad ..................you know when mj see or read his he will be angry with you ..
jannike
Diane Dimond, you are not a messenger, you have written a text loaded with contempt and hidden allegations that Michael Jackson has done something wrong or shameful, which is not easily seen. Contempt will always backfire. I think you should give up. Today there are more than 1 million videos on youtube, more than any other human being, more than 4000 pages on facebook, biggest fanclub on facebook has more than 10 million members. Fans of Michael Jackson aren't only lunatics who are deceived. He is the most loved person on the plannet, and the contempt and poison you throw around you all the time will hit yourself.
injerithriller65
Diane Diamond, I am not a superstitious person, but if you don't change soon MJ spirit will haunt you. You tarnished MJ name all his life and now even ind eath you ahve no shame. What a heart, did you want MJ for a husband an didn't get you. Whose spirit are operating under. Who sends you to MJ business the movie this is it has already proved you wrong. You are a woman without a heart, which planet did you come from. I saw on one article you are laready saying blah blah about Michael Jackson's children. MJ dead is a more than a trillion times better than you are. What kind of human being can be so unkind to a KING oF POP of the world and follow him with words to his grave. Your days are numbered watch your mouth as God will deal with you. No human being will, but God will avenge for MJ all the dirt you have been. May be she is the one MJ sang about, DIRTY DIANA you MJ amazes me he was so prophetic in his music. May be he knew some day this Diane Diamond might be pursuing him with dirt. She is not ashamed that Michael was inncocent in the 2005 trial. She is not embarrasesd that we are all mourning his death while she talks trash about MJ.
kitty041254
well said injerithriller65 well said
Southpaw
100 unreleased ready-to-go songs? With Jackson's penchant for adding a zero, let's say maybe there are 10 and even that lower number is highly suspect.
toupietara
Dimond the best thing you can do is to shut up you big mouth full of hate. you do not deserve to speak of Michael Jackson.
kitty041254
toupietara you are another that speaks the truth of her. MJ deserves far better
osea65
Diane you're despicable!!! But I'm very glad most people can see right trough your filth. Now enjoy the rest of your weekend.
kitty041254
osea65 you are right we can see right through her
simplicity
No matter what MJ's grandiose plans were for a return, and using brand marketing to achieve it, it was doomed to failure.He no longer had the physical or psychological health to achieve any goal.
One hundred songs in the bank? I doubt this. One of the songs he wrote with Paul Anka was, "pedaled," as new, and is 30 years old.
CCinOC
We shall see, simplicity, with respect to 100 songs in the can, but every shred of evidence indicates that Michael Jackson was indeed on the cusp of a spectacularly successful comeback, welcomed by millions around the world. Diane Dimond? Not so much. LOL! What a hack she is, and she'll never amount to anything in her whole life that could surpass what Michael Jackson did in even one of his days on earth. Live with it.
osea65
The simple mind of Simplicity is so very obvious. Michael Jackson had millions of genuine fans Mr. Simple and who ever came in contact with him, instantly realized that he was all love and all for love, a beautiful human being. Those of you who can't see that, are beyond hope and are the reason for all the ills of this world.
nellyb3
Michael did have millions of fan's when he was on this earth...he has so many more now since his passing.....why you ask??
He was a genuine all round loving human being!!!
If you took the time to look at all the selfless acts this man had done in his life you would see that Michael was a truly beautiful person.
I don't know why you go out of your way to make him look like the bad guy Dianne....Michael has never been found guilty on any of the filth that you and your gutter chasing reporters try to sensationalize.
yes I too am a fan of Michael Jackson and I am Proud of it ...does that make me a bad person??
Just because there are people out there that will do anything for money doesn't make the false allegations true...as much as you would probably like it to be so..
Just get to the reporting on the crime that was committed against him...remember....the homicide..
Michael's children need the truth about the person /people that killed their dad!
As for Michael's This is is tour dear Dianne it had 2 meanings ...
firstly that it would be his last tour and second was that we need to start looking after the planet.
Unlike your and the other ignorant people you would need to have a heart to understand Michael, to know him is to love him!
Bettie
You forgot about Garth Brooks so called "retirement". He is as goofy as Michael Jackson ever was.
osea65
I'll take goofy anytime over sarcastic and frustrated Bettie!!!!
SeptSpirit
DD, you really should take a serious look at your demented obsession with MJ. You've shown again how little you actually know about him, his desire not to tour, and his future plans.
The judge throwing out MJs $100million suit against you, was the single most devastating thing that could've happened, and set a bad precedent. It gave you, and others of your ilk, carte blanche to continue to be an outrageous, rumor mongering, brazen *itch. It served to sanction Medialoid reporting- infiltration of Tabloid sensationalism into mainstream journalism.
What kind of ethical reporter would go on national tv and state in fact that he was a Pedophile, as you did on LKL? What kind of reporter would make the media junket carrying a pair of underwear in a plastic bag, that she believed might be MJs?
In all sincerity, you clearly have a problem you should seek help for. As MJ would say, you, DD, desperately need LOVE.
There is a reason millions around the globe appreciate and love him. Put down the poison pen and report on MJs unparalleled humanitarianism. You might learn something of value when you actually do research instead of taking as truth, what your "sources" tell you. Those of us who have taken the time to know his heart, also know he was incapable of harming children.
"This Is It" had dual meaning. Yes, the last concerts, but also- If we don't stop environment degradation and hating one another, we're done for. Clearly, you can't comprehend his message. Your loss, dear.
DianeMDimond
you are incorrect. I never stated on Larry King Live or any other program that Michael Jackson was a Pedophile. I never went on a media junket "carrying a pair of underwear in a plastic bag."
Just because Jackson fans spread mountains of misinformation about what I've said or written about doesn't make it true.
Have a good time in your idolatry ... Facts are my business.
MaryJane5364
"Just because Jackson fans spread mountains of misinformation about what I've said or written about doesn't make it true."
Couldn't have said it better myself. Just because YOU have spread mountains of misinformation about what MICHAEL has said or done does not make THEM true.
SeptSpirit
Lies are your business.
In case you've forgotten what you said on LKL?
DIMOND: ... Michael Jackson is a pedophile. This charge...
PIXLEY: You said they play it...
DIMOND: ... should go to court.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0311/24/lkl.00.html
In her Court TV report last March on Vaccaro's collection, Dimond is shown daintily lifting the soiled briefs and speculating that they might contain "DNA evidence." When the camera was turned off, Vaccaro recalled, "she told me she was going to call the prosecutor about this." http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/gossip/2005/03/15/2005-03-15_did_jax_re porter_brief_da_.html
When I relocate the video, I'll be back to post it.
kitty041254
Facts are your business??? Since when???
JackGat
That's not true. You were on Court TV when you held up dirty underwear insinuating it belonged to Michael Jackson. It's on video. Don't you remember Mr. Vaccaro from New Jersey.
NivaNanya
Facts are not your business, and you know it. Anything for a paycheck, right? Salacious; lascivious, purely evil attacks on a man you know isn't going to respond in kind. Easy target for your yellow journalism. That is not fact based reporting.
If you've been harboring some secret fantasy about Mike for all these years, you should have just told him. Your attacks over the years have done nothing but push people into his camp. Maybe that's been the 'ulterior motive' all along? You thought you'd get his attention that way?
Make no mistake, ma'am; what you sow is what you reap. That's biblical; since you seem to take such issue with giving credence to anything that IS actually fact. And you probably *had* so much potential to do some good in this life. It's too bad you chose such a path for your journey.
Why prey on the blood and bones of someone who, regardless of his business acumen, had compassion and understanding, and actually did something, away from your prying, condemning eyes, that made someone's life a little better? *Those* are the facts you selected to discard when you chose the path of 'easy carnage' and 'career development'.
I idolize no one. I also *will* not condemn a man whose heart was pure because of *your* lascivious mindset.
jannike
Diane Dimond, if facts are your business why did you write that stupid article that Omer Bhatti is Michael Jackson's biological son? 20 minutes of Googling would explain the relationship. I see no evidence that you care about facts at all!
CCinOC
You lyin' sack of smoking turds. You absolutely did say on LKL that Michael Jackson was a pedophile. Do you think people can't comprehend for themselves what your modus operandi is? Do you think they can't see, article after article, what your objective is? Ugh. You're an ugly human being, inside and out. I feel so sorry for you.
NorthwestGal
Diane, Diane, Diane....at it again I see. I'm sorry you're not a real journalist reporting on political corruption, healthcare, and the Middle East.......you know.....Things that matter.
Who cares about what Michael was going to do or not do after the London concerts. I don't think he was going to retire and move to Florida with the rest of our fine elderly folks.
He is an artist and would have been creating for years to come after the London concerts. I don't know what you're trying to imply, but you really need to find yourself a
real job and stop using Michael to further your 15 minutes of fame.
DianeMDimond
NorthwestGal (and all your other pseudonyms)
You've written me multiple times at my web site bearing the same message(s). But your server number sticks out for all to see. Don't think people are unable to realize that most of these hate filled comments are coming from ONE person. l do plenty of other work besides the occasional article on Mr. Jackson. But you know that since you've repeatedly spammed my web site.
NorthwestGal
My server number sticks out for all to see?? Who cares, Diane....I have ONE name here and ONE at your website....it's not illegal nor strange to have few different screen names. I also have a third one over at cute overload.com when I leave comments about peoples' beloved pets. I'll give you that name too, if you want it.
If calling you a faux journalist is hate filled speech, then I'm guilty as charged. You know darn well I've NEVER used profanity, threatened you, or insulted you in any way. In fact, I find it disturbing when MJ fans do threaten you, but you want to paint all MJ admirers with a broad stroke. This way, you abdicate your responsibility in answering legitimate questions about your reporting with respect to Michael Jackson.
I never said you only write about Jackson, but you need to be honest with yourself - Reporting on Michael Jackson has been your bread and butter and you have something to gain by keeping him in the news regardless whether the story in newsworthy.
Example: What purpose does it serve to write about the paternity of Jackson's kids other than trying to sully MJ's legacy and an unintentional consequence of this tabloid trash story only harms his children. Do you not think about them?
MJ is the LEGAL father of those kids and they love him as Daddy, so this should be the end of the story - why prattle on about it?
And as for your other work you mentioned - I don't like it, it's quite boring. I prefer investigative journalism from the likes of Lisa Ling and Christiane Amanpour...you know...real journalists.
kitty041254
Your 15 minutes of fame have been over for a long time. Time to retire and move to another planet where some tiny green men might and I say might like you.
roadhunter
Server number? Seriously? Are you talking about the person's IP address? If so, tell us where, exactly, you are seeing it. Using a term such as "server number", I don't think you're up to the task of tracking internet traffic.
Having said this, I have to agree that it seems someone is posting on here with multiple names, and it appears "NorthwestGal" has admitted doing so, though she contradicts herself when she does.
I'm glad to know she's using several screen names. It was starting to frighten me that so many people on TDB would take the time to defend a dead has-been entertainer.
nellyb3
you are so right (for a change) there is ONE person with hate filled comments....go look in the mirror!!
You need to understand Dianne that Michael wasn't just an Icon to his fans...
he was such an inspirational and loving member of all of our families.
Michael was all about love.....stop with the sarcasm and name calling....
We loved this man so very much....to pick at and disrespect Michael is to pick at and disrespect his fans...his fans will be there at his defense always...but reporters come and go....
CCinOC
You're such an idiot, Demon. Can't you see that you're not the only one who can put two sentences together? You're absolutely LYING about a server number because there are many people on this blog writing their opinions about you. You WISH that you weren't so hated, but you are. How does it feel to have as many people absolutely despise you as was Hitler? You do plenty of "other work" but it's of the same ilk: trash and burn whoever comes across your path of pathological lying. Ugh. What a piece of work you are. Your mother cannot be proud of you.
SeptSpirit
Another questions for you to ponder DD. It's inevitable that one of MJs children is going to stumble upon one of your salacious and inaccurate Medialoid attacks of their father in the annals of history- media reports and interviews. If one of his children writes to ask why you told so many lies, why you stated as fact that he was a Pedophile, why you hated him to the core of your being and held such a personal vendetta, why you stalked an innocent man to death for 16 years and continue in death.... How will you respond?
Will you have the integrity to tell them that stalking and slandering their father was how you earned your unethical living and what you built your pathetic career upon? Will you tell them that you never bothered to meet their father, that you possessed no facts about him, only salacious rumors from unidentified "sources"(which in fact, could be proven to be no more than figments of your over-active, biased imagination)?
What precedent does this set for your own children? They'll read the same reports, and with any luck, articles that report the truth. Will they wonder about your motive as well? Will they view your behavior as admirable and honorable or painfully embarassing?
mjlovehere
Ms. Dimond! How long you are going to sully Michael's name by your lies? How long you are going to use this ugly job to feed your self? Can't you think of a better job for your survival. May bless you.
Thank you.
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