Billed as “A Sister’s Story,” the 20/20 interview with La Toya Jackson conducted by Barbara Walters was crammed with nutty and, as Walters termed them, “inflammatory” charges and opinions about her brother, Michael Jackson. Of course, who knows the truth surrounding almost anything about so private and eccentric a figure as Michael, but, gathered together, La Toya’s assertions this evening were — well, you decide:
She said that Michael told her repeatedly, “La Toya, they’re going to murder me. If I die, they killed me.” Who “they” were, La Toya did not say.
She said the doctors caring for Michael were “hired by someone else,” not Michael. Walters described a “shadowy entourage” surrounding Michael, but she went no further down that path.
La Toya said of Michael, “He was murdered. I don’t know exactly who [did it]… this is just my opinion.”
La Toya said that their father Joe, alone among the family members “tried almost every week” to intervene in Michael’s use of drugs. This despite numerous interviews Michael himself gave asserting that he was terrified of and full of hatred for his father because of the beatings the elder man had inflicted upon Michael as a youth. (La Toya maintains Michael had “made amends” with Joe.)
The interview took a side-route into La Toya’s own life, so that she could tell us about how her ex-husband, Jack Gordon, used to lock her in a closet for eight hours at a time, and, said Walters, “forced her to pose for Playboy and several pornographic videos.”
La Toya said that, before Michael was buried, he “looked fabulous” and that his body was clothed in white with a “big gold belt like a prizefighter would wear.” Walters, with that uncanny knack of hers, asked the question we were all thinking: “Was he wearing one glove?”
Whaaat?? Oh, sorry: La Toya took this seriously. “No,” she said. “Two black leather gloves.”
La Toya said of her brother, “He was the closest to a god that I know.”
Oh, it was a fine night for investigative reporting over at 20/20. Is it any wonder John Stossel is jumping ship and swimming over to the shark-infested waters of Fox News?
Did you watch the La Toya Jackson interview? What did you think?
Comments (1-15) of 355 Add your comment
The interview was well done by La Toya. She did an outstanding job, and I agree with her. Michael was murdered.
that is so terrible that the interview i agree that micheal wuz murdered but that is the one with a bunch of stuff taken out of it!!!
Duh, my name is Tiffie and I kant sp-L wurf a dam. I fayled out of hi skool & now eye spend my tym beeng a more-on and speeking lyk a text msg. My best frend Beth is going 2 tooter me in sp-Ling after she is dun inventing the solR powrd flashlite. Derrrrrrrr.
With women like LaToya, the diaper astronaut chick, and you,Beth, around, the crazy bar has been set so high that I have no fear that I will ever reach it. So a heartfelt thank you!
signed, The Rest of the Females in this Country
Thank You jj11!! For years, LaToya has been begging for attention. She got her 15 minutes and ran with it. The psychic network is cringing as we speak. She needs help. What substances is SHE taking? God help her troubled soul.
i think u said it well!!! lol!
Micheal was murdered and all the doctors involved shoulbe prosecuted , his children should be spared all the ugly details about their father because most of the comments is ment to bring financial gain to some the people saying negative things about Micheal . this means Jermaine also , if he is so talented why didn’t he help save his brother. No one can take Micheal’c talent and what he meant to a lot of people , so I wish they would stop trying to make him look bad in his fans eyes because it will never happen . He is one of a kind so stop all the negetivity
I agree with you 100% Lovie!! Why do people want to inflict pain on those beautiful children just for a pieace of the “fame”. Those children have a father to be PROUD of. Michael Jackson was a great man with a beautiful soul. No one will EVER take MJ’s place NOR will they ever turm Michael’s fans against him. R.I.P. Michael Jackson
I cannot imagine the trauma Prince experienced watching that “doctor” do CPR on his already dead father. Forcing that child to bear witness to that is unforgivable and inexcusable. There’s a site where you can send a message of support to Prince at http://dearprincejackson.com. There’s also one for blanket and paris.
I sincerely hope the kids will come through this okay. I read an article today that said Prince has withdrawn and plays video games on his PSP nonstop. That can’t be a good sign. Poor kids.
I agree. Latoya should have a gag order and never be allowed to speak in public. She has always wanted stardom and the fame but she doesn’t have the talent.
Yes, he was murdered. By himself. Who had a motive other than the jacksons. He was a drug addict and his family were v\enablers and leeches.
Agreed, Beth. I do believe that the doctors aided MJ and were bought by the almighty buck. If Michael lived, he would have had to answer for all false names of getting prescription drugs(a felony I might add). Throw the book at these doctors, but at some point patient responsibility must be considered.
Barbara Walters couldn’t even get the kids ages right, Prince jr. is 12 not 13 and Paris is 11 not 12, at least she got Prince II (aka blanket) right at 7yrs.
Now Kelly,that’s really something to get your feathers all ruffled up at—-don’t u think.
she was saying he was God like cus he was a good person..loving caring and generous..which most of us ARE NOT including me. but don’t try to make her out like shes stupid for saying that. i agree with her. i heard so many things about michael when he was alive. and i found out the truth AFTER his death..but his family knew him since day one. and stop calling him a drug addict..he wasn’t using that for the fun of it..he was in pain and if he had a DOCTOR next to him..then he probably..MOST LIKELY felt very safe since the DOCTOR was supposed to know whats good and whats bad. if he was told that would KILL you..then he wouldnt have taken it. but the point is..you don’t call billy mayce a drug addict when he died after using a STREET drug..but you call michael one because he was using that med for his PAIN? ignorant people. he was a good man with a good heart and the greatest entertainer that ever walked this planet. nothinq anybody says would chanqe that. not your dumb comments..not the press’ not the media..his fans are the once who matter.. [if you qot nothinq to say then shut you face]
REST IN PEACE MIKE! YOU ARE MISSED !
Kristina may God bless you for such a wonderful comments of your about michael jackson In deed michael is is just christ like
What pain was he in? His burn was over twenty years ago. He had over 20 prescriptions in his home. He procured drugs under pseudonyms. He banished anyone who talked to him about his drug abuse or those who wouldn’t supply him with the drugs he needed. He used a drug in his homes that is never to be used outside of a hospital. A drug which lead to his demise. He used drugs to fall asleep, he used drugs to help wake up. How much evidence do you need to prove that not only was he a drug addict but every bit as culpable for his death as the doctors that wrote the prescriptions?
he had insomnia..and lets just be clear on something…how would michael jackson..a singer…know about that medicine [dont say money] if it wasn’t for a doctor telling him about it first?..who the hell wakes up one day and say…ima get propofol today to help me sleep?..NOBODY! cus nobody knows about it unless your a doctor. i agree with kristina cus if one doctor [doesnt have to be maurry] any doctor..told him this is going to help you SLEEP (something he needed to do) then hes going to take it. i know i would take it because i always feel safe when im around a doctor..cus they supposed to know what they’re doing. michael was using that shit for his pain..do you know how many people talked about his problems with sleeping? im just glad he doesn’t have to deal with this world anymore..it was too much for him!! so many cruel people. and one other thing..i dont blame the people who say michael is this and that cus they just been brainwashed by the [media] and the [press]. i blame them. he was born innocent and he died innocent..you could see in his eyes that he would never ever hurt anybody and for people to keep on hurting him is disgusting ! and i hope you guys are happy with your selves. life is short..live YOUR life stop fckin judging others especially the innocent once. and stop poisoning people’s minds with biased comments. if anybody is really really interested in knowing the truth about michael..then just wat ONE of his interviews..and you’ll see what kinda person he is. not the once where hes being interrogated by barbra walters and shit..but the real interviews. his home videos where hes being his self. ughhh okay…
REST IN PEACE MICHAEL YOU WILL FOREVER LIVE IN OUR HEARTS. YOUR FANS LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU! I KNOW YOU RESTING IN PEACE RIGHT NOW :]
Thank you. The most important fact is that Michael Jackson’s has affected all of us. The world is not the same knowing he is no longer in it. R.I.P Michael J. Jackson. Your presence is truly missed.
Love U More!
Beth, you are an imbecile. How wonderful that you decided to make a public posting to let the world know.
I fully & undeniedly agree Michael was murdered by his physician & members of Michael’s staff for a number reasons. One Dr. Murray #1 a physcian doesn’t give a powerful anestic & completely walk to make calls on his cell phone. Dr. Murray could’ve in fact make those cell phone calls right in Mike’s bedroom after Michael was asleep. This in itself is suspious. #2 When Latoya & Jermaine went back to Michael’s house. They found money that Michael always kept in the house missing & several pieces of Jewelry was also missing.This is very suspious in itself. I think Dr. Murray & his staff that was constantly at Michael’s house had this planned out very carefully. Using Michael’s addiction as a tool to this into play. Like saying that ” Michael was already an addict so the authorities won’t suspect us any wrong doing.” That’s I think Dr. Murray & staff was plotting this for quite some time. #3 Imediately after Michael pronounced dead Dr.Murray fled & had his staff in Nevada & Houston destroy key pieces of Michael’s medical records & other key pieces of evidence.#4 & final whether or not Michael was addict isn’t the question, every physcian knows how much doseages are safe & how much isn’t safe no matter what a patient begs for. Dr. Murray was in control of Michael the night before he died because dah Michael was already asleep. So why did give him more.THINK ABOUT IT.
I know my English & spelling was deplorable. I shoud’ve went over it & correct it but i think you get the picture.
She meant he was “God Like” in the sense that Christ’s unlimited generosity. Since he is in the Guinesses book of world records for giving to the most charities, he was “God like” and clearly a very spiritual person. I guess limited intelligence prevents interpreting metaphors. What LaToya said was not crazy. It is only crazy for idiots who took the statement literal. Those criticizing here, how have you given back? What have you given to? Miserable, jealous, hate filled judgemental media you should all be ashamed.
You have no idea what she meant Rick, don’t try to attach yourself to this story. She’s a nutcase who doesn’t spend a lot of time in reality. That much is apparent just by watching her.
Smarterthenyou you need to change your screen name to Knowitall
Were there struggle marks on him showing he was forced to take those drugs?
Although I agree she is quite ditzy and using this time to get back n the spotlight and that of all the siblings she is the last who should be interviewed, she actually did clarify the reference about “God” saying to her Michael was ‘god-like” for all that he has done for others in his life time. Guess you didn’t see the interview.
Maurice – wake up.God-like. The comparison depends on the foundation of your Christian up-bringing. For Christians (Catholics) who believe in the Holy Trinity – that makes perfect sense. I can only assume you are NOT a Christian.
You better take a bit of research on the behavior of pedophiles before you pass any judgement on other people. Yes, you will soon discover that MJ does not fit in that category. MJ was honest, and had a total innocent love and care for children. It is negative people like you who are stopping caring adults from helping (adoption) suffering children. Remember MJ was acquitted of all charges.
I do not believe that MJ has ever declared he’s against (black race) being black – ever. MJ suffered from an illness (vertiligo) that ravaged his skin turning it white….yeah, to the point, MJ was whiter than white people! My friend suffers from the same illness….in fact people who do not know her think she was born white, and just like MJ – she’s getting to be whiter than the whites, and her skin cannot stand direct sun/heat! Her (London – England) family has started a campaign…..to highlight the problem and its effect on the victim.
Regarding – drugs. The Drs who fed him with drugs are the real culprits. Drs are suppossed to heal/cure, but NOT encourage patients to take more and more of addictive drugs. If Dr Murry had declined MJ’s request for more medication – (PROPOFOL). I believe for certain, MJ would be alive today. That’s TRUE.
There is no point being so negative about a person whom you do not know. You have never lived or shared anything with MJ. Whatever assumptions you have about MJ, was fed to you by the media with 98 per cent of lies. Get facts before you judge other people…and look hard at your own life and family…Ask yourself if you are any better than MJ or the Jackson family?
God bless MJ, his children and the rest of his family.
Tehirah.
I couldn’t agree with you more. Your the first person that makes any sense without judging. Thank you.
I totally agree with you! Very well said!
Calling a Jackson nutty is redundant.
lmao, thanks for the laugh, lol, great comment!!!
Rick, I agree with your statement 100%. I knew some idiot would misinterpret the statement LaToya made about Michael being God like and make it seem like she was saying Michael was a god. I didn’t know Michael personally but just from the (unbiased) things I’ve read about him, and watching some of his interviews, I can tell he was a gentle man with a deep love and caring for humanity. If that isn’t God like then what is? The media just needs to leave him alone already. Their hateful negativity about the man is getting very old. Like the old saying goes, if you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.
to rick: re: your question about giving back. ok, giving back to who? no one has given me anything so it’s impossible for me to give anything back to anyone. i’ve worked extremely hard for everything that i have and i donate to charities on a regular basis and volunteer with the american cancer society but i can’t “give back” anything because like i said, no one has given me anything. it’s impossible to give back what you haven’t received in the first place. if you’ve worked for something then you have EARNED it, it wasn’t given to you to enable you to give it back. the term give back is stupid!
So your parents didnt give you life? Work hard yourself to be created did you? Michael Jackson worked hard all his life for what he had, and he gave a lot! Giving to the world is what he did! You dont have to be given something to give something yourself! If you have a lot and give to those who have little, you are giving back to the balance of the universe!
That’s a stretch Craig. That sls has a point.
That makes complete sense to me, Craig. I believe it is all of our duties to help others in whatever ways we can, but those who have more fortunate lives (money/fame/things) have the ability (and I say duty) to give more, which MJ did exponentially.
It’s funny once again the point was missed – “sis”. Just the fact that we had nothing to do with getting her is a fact that we are “given” life. If you are healthy enough to go to work and make a living for yourself, your were given that. Give back is a metaphor of those circumstances. I was given the ability to earn and help the cancer society, etc. thus the term giving back. If you ever watched Michael perform and you think that wasn’t hard work and planning, maybe you should come out of yourself a bit more. Also, I understand the comments about MJ requested the drugs, but any responsible caregiver should NOT have given them to him or put him in contact with people who would give them to him. If he was indeed adicted, then the medical professionals are guilty of malpractice if nothing else. He asked for it because he was adicted. Doctors worth their license should never have provided such medication to him.
sls, you have been given and been a receiver all your life, every time somebody smiles at you or says hello, you have been given, it doesn’t always have to be the allmighty dollar, the greed for money and power is what kills people and turns them into evil, why can’t anybody be happy with just a smile or a hello or a how are you today?
what MJ is concerned, I agree 110% with La Toya, he was one of the most loving and caring and giving human beings on this earth, too bad not more people have learned from him, instead they bash him and use him for everything they can, and they still are doing it, LET HIM REST, WHY DOES THE PAST HAVE TO BE BROUGHT UP OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THE MAN IS DEAD, AND HE NEVER ABUSED ANYBODY OR ANYTHING, HE GOT ABUSED TO GAIN MONEY, HE WAS THE VICTIM. HE WAS/IS THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER EVER, NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE THAT, NOTHING, NOW LEAVE HIM ALONE AND GET ON WITH YOUR OWN LIVES.
actually it wasn’t a ‘nutty’ interview. the only nutty thing was sitting with that bxtch ass barbra walters after the way she treated MJ. but she actually made some good points in the interview like the fact that prince was called into the room when the ‘dr’ was performing CPR or whatever he was doing. and he shouldn’t have done that. michae..you are truly missed. we love you and we will always remember you!!! now you can rest in peace with out the media’s and the press’ ignorant comments about you. you were a good person and a legend. there will never be another one like you.
.:REST IN PEACE ANGEL:.
if your going to write an article about someone like the jacksons..then have some damn respect..don’t twist their words and turn it into something else. anybody who has common sense knows what Latoya was saying. and she made perfect sense so…just shut up.
She is crazy just like the entire family (excluding Janet).
You and your family is CRAZY.. now how does that sound? you freaking idiot.. the girl’s brother might have been murdered. so if you responded to that.. guess you would be crazy too.. freaking idiot.. i swear..
You are a moron. MJ was a drug addict. How come DJ AM was not “murdered”. Oh I guess you weren’t a fan.
You got that right Kevin…whole family, except Janet, has mental health issues.
Yep. You people would definitely know.
She didn’t say he was God she said he was God like, another example of how the media twists words around.
However, I don’t believe she went to the house and didn’t take anything, what’d she go there for…to stand and look around, she just didn’t want to say. And I don’t believe that MJ and Joe made amends, the family just doesn’t want people to hate Joe anymore then they already do. WE LOVE YOU MJ!!!!
There’s just something about LaToya that always comes off as false and I have a hard time believing anything she says.
Perhaps you can’t read. Ken, who IS a piece of crap, did quote her exactly.
Perhaps you can’t read, he made it look like she said that in the TITLE OF THE STORY! A lot of people won’t go further to read what she really said so it looks like she said that. Maybe you should seek help for your nastiness. You don’t have to be rude to people who aren’t rude to you!
Again, he quoted her exactly. Back pedal all you want. I staed a fact. If you call that nasty, oh well.
This is exactly how MJ said the media was, they always turn your words around, disgusting!
I think that La Toya was in a very difficult position. She was attempting to represent the family and herself and give a well rounded story and show the family as a unified force. I do wish she had been a bit more specific in naming names and such. But the truth will provail.
They could mourn in private instead of turning Michael’s death into a media playground.
If La Toya didn’t take the computer discs with the unreleased songs then who has them?
I’m sure the Jackson family thougt of Michael as a god. He supported them all – except Janet.
I’m still wondering why Barbara Walters is even considered a journalist. She & Larry King always come across as two of the most ill-informed people on TV
absolutely…i agree with most of u who had the good sense of seeing thru this non sense, superficial, shallow, insensitive jerk who wrote this article… attention seeking clueless leache, tabloid junky…
She said God-LIKE. Geez. It’s the other stuff about how he thought people wanted to murder him tha got me. Don’t you people know that PARANOIA is a sign of heavy drug abuse? I think the whole Jackson family was well aware of Michael’s issues with drugs, and are just trying to protect what’s left of any image he once had. Trying to keep family issues within the family is next to impossible these days with the hounding media always looking for a conspiracy or a juicy story. The guy was a drug addict- an adult who could buy anything he wanted. It cost him his life. Enough said. Move on, people!
It seems more like he was being controlled by others via drugs. they wanted to exploit him for his wealth. La Toya is on the mark. God Bless her and the Jackson family.
Justice for Michael and his family must prevail.
They didn’t want to purposely murder him, he was their meal ticket! You don’t kill off your meal ticket.
Yes, you do, when there is a possibility that there is more money to be made out of your meal ticket being dead than alive.
Please stop. We already know you are stupid. Stop trying to prove it.
BRAVO sassyc, BRAVO!!