Tributes to Michael Jackson flow on 10th death anniversary
CGTN
[]

Hundreds of Michael Jackson fans gathered at his grave for a daylong celebration of his life and music Tuesday, with some traveling thousands of miles to join in the singalongs, selfies and moment of silence that marked the 10th anniversary of the death of the King of Pop.

"Ten years ago today, the world lost a gifted artist and extraordinary humanitarian," the Jackson estate said in a statement to the Associated Press. "A decade later, Michael Jackson is still with us, his influence embedded in dance, fashion, art and music of the moment. He is more important than ever."

Jackson’s estate has doggedly worked to protect and enhance Jackson’s legacy, a task made more challenging this year when two men accused Jackson of molesting them as boys in the HBO documentary "Leaving Neverland," sparking new scrutiny of years-old claims that Jackson preyed on children.

Items left by fans who gather at Forest Lawn Cemetery 10 years after the death of child-star-turned King of Pop, Michael Jackson, in Glendale, California, U.S., June 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Items left by fans who gather at Forest Lawn Cemetery 10 years after the death of child-star-turned King of Pop, Michael Jackson, in Glendale, California, U.S., June 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Jackson was acquitted of abuse allegations in 2005 and always vehemently denied such allegations, and the estate and his family angrily refuted the men’s claims when the documentary was released in March, noting the men had at one time been among Jackson’s biggest defenders and one testified on his behalf at his criminal trial.

A lively celebration was held outside the mausoleum, Jackson’s final resting place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, where his music played loudly amid a sea of floral arrangements and poster-sized pictures of the pop superstar who died at age 50 on June 25, 2009.

Michael Leon, 25, came from Beijing for the occasion and led the crowd in a rendition of "You Are Not Alone," one of Jackson’s later hits.

"That song is my favorite one, and it suits the situation," Leon said. "I’m not religious, but I hope Michael would be happy."

Other fans came from as far as Tokyo and Florence, Italy.

Dominic Lendo (L), a 6-year-old dancer performs at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California, U.S., June 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Dominic Lendo (L), a 6-year-old dancer performs at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California, U.S., June 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Some were dressed as Jackson including 6-year-old Dominic Lendo, who showed off dance moves wearing the singer’s Billie Jean-era garb.

Kurt Williams, 21, who was also dressed as Jackson, flew in from South Carolina to be a part of the scene. He said on this anniversary it was especially important for Jackson fans to demonstrate solidarity in the wake of "Leaving Neverland."

"Now more than ever, we’ve got to show that we know that Michael Jackson is innocent," Williams said. "There is no muting going on. There is just a life of celebration. It’s cool to be around people who feel the same way."

Fans gather at Forest Lawn Cemetery 10 years after the death of Michael Jackson, June 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Fans gather at Forest Lawn Cemetery 10 years after the death of Michael Jackson, June 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

A heart made from flowers in the colors of the Iranian flag featured the message "Iran (hearts) MJ." Another flowered heart read "Love from Denmark."

Thomas Mesereau, the attorney who successfully defended Jackson at his 2005 trial, issued a statement Tuesday saying “Jackson’s compassion, humanity, empathy and talent continue to inspire family, friends, supporters and fans across the globe. The legend of this great father, son, sibling and artist marches forward with characteristic brilliance and wonder. His legacy can be attacked by opportunists. But it will never be defeated.”

John Branca and John McClain, both major figures in Jackson’s career when he was alive, as co-executors, have taken his badly debt-ridden estate and grossed over 1.3 billion U.S. dollars through various Jackson-related projects in the past decade, including the film “This Is It,” a pair of Cirque du Soleil shows and the sale of Jackson assets that included The Beatles catalog.

Wiping away tears after a moment of silence, June 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Wiping away tears after a moment of silence, June 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Jackson left everything to his mother, his children and charity in his will.

The singer’s father, Joe, died last year and was buried in the same cemetery as his son, but Michael’s 89-year-old mother, five brothers, three sisters and three kids remain alive and well 10 years later.

Jackson’s brothers tweeted a picture of him with the words, "Forever in our hearts, 1958-2009."

(Cover: A Michael Jackson impersonator performs as he arrives for the screening of the film "Solo: A Star Wars Story" at the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, May 15, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AP