Published: December 22, 2008
Reports Claim Michael Jackson Seriously Ill
By Ian Brockwell
There have been a number of reports recently that suggest Michael Jackson is "gravelly ill" and that he has a genetic illness that has become a possibly fatal lung disease, perhaps requiring a lung transplant.
Although rumors of poor health have followed Jackson around for many years, there might be some truth to the latest stories.
Michael Jackson has always given the appearance of being "young" and many of his actions over the years have supported this, but we have to remember that he celebrated his fiftieth birthday barely four months ago.
There can be no denying Jackson's musical talents, but his personal life has often attracted more attention than his music in recent years.
Many see Jackson's relationships with children in the past as suspicious, and whilst it is difficult to say for sure what these involved, I like to think these were no more than an attempt to obtain the childhood he lost when he entered the music business. From an early age he was physically and mentally abused by his father, something he revealed in a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Michael Jackson's first professional musical appearance was at the age of 11 as a member of the Jackson 5, but began his solo career in 1971 (aged 13).
Over the years the media have been less than kind to Jackson, highlighting his more eccentric moments, yet failing to promote his more positive side. Considering the life he endured as a child, it is perhaps surprising that he became so successful. However, those early years clearly left scars.
Apart from helping to change the face of music videos, promoting the robot and moonwalk in his dance routines and having many entries in the Guinness World Records, he also donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his Dangerous World Tour, charity singles and support of 39 charities.
Sadly, his marriages were less successful. His first marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley, lasted just 2 years, about the same amount of time his second marriage survived with Deborah Jeanne Rowe.
Jackson's eagerness to settle some lawsuits "out of court" have perhaps made him a target to some. Only recently a woman calling herself "Billie Jean Jackson" after one of Jackson's biggest hits, has issued a lawsuit claiming that she is the mother of Prince Michael II.
Whether the reports on Michael Jackson's health are true or not, it was disappointing to see some of the comments made by readers on various articles. Despite all that he has given to the pop industry (and the many charities); his court appearances for "alleged" sexual abuse are the most prominent factor in people's minds. It would seem that the public are less charitable in this respect and unable to understand that a person, who has been on the receiving end of abuse, is perhaps entitled to be a little "different". But being different does not automatically make a person bad.
Hopefully, the seriousness of his health problems have been exaggerated, but if not, I hope he manages to find successful treatment and make a speedy recovery.
Ian Brockwell writes straight talking, honest stories that engage readers. Contact Ian through NewsBlaze or visit his News page at http://profindsearch.com/advs/.