Michael Jackson fans say 'This Is Not It'

With the feature-length concert documentary “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” reaching theaters Wednesday for a limited two-week engagement, a group of concerned fans has started an “awareness campaign” to bring to light what they see as certain dark truths about the King of Pop. Namely, the campaign seeks to highlight what one fan describes as the “blatant lies and attempted cover-up by those around Michael in his final months.”

On the website this-is-not-it.com and a dedicated This Is Not It Facebook page, the fans allege that Jackson felt overworked and overwhelmed in the buildup to his 50 sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena. Testimonies by fans who claim to have interacted with Jackson in his final months describe how he was filled with anxiety, wracked with back pain and looked severely undernourished.

Moreover, the fans accuse executives at Jackson’s concert promoter, AEG Live, of being more concerned with making money than with the performer’s well-being.

A representative for AEG Live did not respond to requests for comment. 

“[W]e believe we can inform people and help them see the movie with different eyes,” reads a statement of purpose on this-is-not-it.com. “We can tell you this did not have to be IT and you could be watching Michael Jackson alive on a stage instead of a celluloid picture.

“It is our hope that many fans around the world will agree to join us and to unite one last time to do something that will shed light on the lies that are being said.”

Organized by fans from various countries, several of whom spent substantial amounts of time following Jackson since his 2005 criminal trial on child molestation charges, This Is Not It is a forum for shared grief and outrage at Jackson’s death. The fans’ stories are often very personal and emotionally wrought -- as are the allegations against such Jackson confidantes as his manager Frank DiLeo and AEG Live Chief Executive Randy Phillips.

In an interview with The Times last week, however, Kenny Ortega, the director of Jackson’s comeback concerts as well as the movie “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” denied that the pop icon was anything less than 100% committed to what would have been his return to performing after a 12-year touring absence.
“It’s just not true that he didn’t want to do it or was being forced to do it or expected to do it,” Ortega said. “This was something he truly wanted to do. ‘This Is It’ never did anything other than nourish and excite him.”

In a statement addressing This Is Not it, Sony’s senior vice president of media relations Steve Elzer said: “‘Michael Jackson's This Is It’ is a celebration of Michael and his music and the film will demonstrate to fans around the world that he was an artist like no other who was passionately creating a one-of-a-kind concert experience. We believe his fans will be grateful for the rare opportunity to see Michael's creativity in action as he prepared and rehearsed for his upcoming London concerts.”

-- Chris Lee

Photo: Michael Jackson at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in 2005. Michael A. Mariant / Associated Press

Comments

[LOL]

Cuckoo!

[michael]

i think these people are going to hurt MJ's image more than help. their site claims that MJ was down to 108 lbs. when he died yet the preliminary autopsy shows that he was about 136 which is a decent weight for his height. claiming that he was in a drowsy state the entire day, being fed by Kenny Ortega, forced to work, had to be helped up the stairs to the stage yet in the clips u can clearly see him dancing and moving well for a 50 year old. i understand that MJ was loved by many people and these fans think that they're trying to help, but they have no real evidence to support their claims. all they have is heresay and people who are friends of friends that claim they saw what was going on. i'm not going to say that MJ was in perfect health or anything to sound delusional, but they haven't done nearly enough digging around to find anything to back up their accusations. in fact, some of the things they're saying are flat out lies. what they're doing isn't necessarily wrong, but how they're doing it is. get more evidence and FACTS before throwing out claims of serious foul play. otherwise you just look like more people trying to get attention using MJ's death as an excuse to advance your own cause.

[MJ4ever]

i agree 100% with you michael! i read some of the testimonies, they also seem like a stalker..i mean they were actually following mj..please, give him some peace..

[Kate]

This group does not speak for ALL of MJ's fans, in fact, this group is an incredibly small percentage of Michael's fans. I am not delusional about the health of MJ, but I don't see any reason why the Coroner would lie about his weight or what he had in his system at the time of death. I am aware that MJ was slimmer than he'd ever been, but he looked healthy and he moved healthy, and looked happy. I think this group will do more to hurt him, out of love, this group will hurt MJ. This group does NOT speak for the majority of MJ's fans. Most of his fans are crushed that he's dead and looking forward to this movie, but we aren't delusional that MJ didn't have personal issues that he was battling. Celebrate Michael! Let him truly rest in peace. Let this go people at this-is-not-it.

[YANA]

I don't think these people are MJ true fans. More likely they are the opposites. They put out an act to defend him, but let's analyze this. What kind of justice to be served here? Who are benefiting from this kind of "awareness"? Would their action bring MJ back to life? I don't think so, but the movie will. Frankly I don't like Sony for what they did to MJ. But at the end of the day, I think about MJ kids and what this production will bring to them. And last but not least, we can relive "this is it" moment again and again even for a short time.

[brittany chavis]

you people need to leave Michael Jackson alone hes left the world and if he was here he wouldn't like you people saying these things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[marisela]

I think "This is not it" people are very blind for the pain...
Michael dead for Murray error... I hope the justice take action...
Michael was heal and happy, he love This is it show...

[willyoubethere]

Not all the fans, only 4892 fans are following "this is not it".
Most of fans are also fans of "this is it" more than 500000 followers.
Some of my friends are fans of "this is not it" but they already bought their tickets to see the movie. What do you think about that

[Aymi]

Thank you for making others aware of this, a lot about Michael's death and the lead up to it is being covered up. Most of it just does not add up - I don't think you should slate these fans as none of us know 100% the truth that autopsy result has not been seen so no one knows 100% for sure 136lbs was his weight just as no one knows that 108lbs is right BUT why would the follower fans who loved and cared about him lie? They have NO reason to that I can think of, these people also supported him when the trial was on - they are not stupid obsessed fans - many of them are well read and very intelligent fans who simply want justice. I hope justice is done, for Michael and for his 3 little ones.

[Alv]

I'm glad the truth is being revealed. Everyone a part of AEG is responsible for his death because they totally ignored the fact that he was TOO ILL to perform 50 concerts (of course they knew he was ill; yet they continued because it is all about the money...he was being controlled; he had no say on what he wanted to do, decisions were constantly made by all those around him. Those who worked with Michael Jackson for over 20 years were the only ones who noticed his illness and tried to tell Kenny Ortega but Ortega did not care to listen.
And to clear up what a previous comment said: First of all these are dedicated and loyal FANS who are running the site and campaign; they would never in their lives use MJ's death as an excuse/for benefit.

[Robert Walcott]

They're right, this is not it. "After Monterey" a Michael Jackson Tribute album by Robert K Walcott of Blue Ribbon Press. CDBaby.com
http://www.blueribbonpress.net/AfterMonterey.htm

[kane38]

This will describe you the true meanings of a group of so called Michael Jackson (MJ) fans. They call themselves This-is-NOT-it (tini).
They claim to know the truth about what really happened with MJ. THis to the fact they were following MJ everywhere around for 24/7. They even chased him in their cars and at night slept in those cars as well. In our opinion that is not a good fan, in our opinion and by many laws worldwide, that would be stalking.
MJ would talk to these fans, because he knew all too well, that if he didn't, or press charges against them, they would run to the tabloids and sell their story, not necessarily the truth. Just what is happening now.

Their story is based upon a few photo's they compared, the first set from the HIStory tour MJ made during 1996-1997 and the photo's available from the rehearsals of his tragicly ended show This is It. This together with their own "testimonies" which easily could have been made up, because there is no other proof they had these encounters then their own stories, is their solely proof they use to target AEG Live and Sony Music as being the MURDERERS of Michael Jackson.

Many other fans has tried to reason with these group. But unfortunally didn't succeed. This group erased every question asked against them, threatened people on facebook and in several fora worldwide, but yet they manage to point the guilty finger for these actions into the other direction.

We urge you, the legeslative forces everywhere in the world to take immediate actions against this group. They willingly defamatoring, slandering and threaten people at random. They will try to willingly ruin the premier event of the This is It movie worldwide, with their keytarget Los Angeles, trying to carry around with a golden casket, which will be very upsetting for all those fans who are just their to pay their last respect upon their hero, Mr. Michael Joseph Jackson.

[Gillian]

I couldn't have said it better. I agree with you 100%. They look more like attention-seekers than fans.

[Janice Cross]

Now that i have actually VIEWED the web site this URL takes you to, i realize this whole thing is so entirely bogus. The photos of MJ with these girls have clearly been photoshopped AND their stories just do not mesh with reality. And they call themselves fans? I can not believe the L A Times wasted the space to give ANY credibility to this group of individuals who bring nothing but shame to MJ's memory.

[This is really NOT it]

By Mesfin Fekadu, The Associated Press
Updated: 10/22/2009 10:27:55 PM PDT

Michael Jackson rehearses in a clip from the documentary "This Is It," being released in theaters Tuesday. (Video image courtesy of michaeljackson.com )

NEW YORK - Kenny Ortega was responsible for some of Michael Jackson's biggest concerts, including what were to be his comeback shows in London. But in the singer's final days, the producer-director-choregrapher felt like he needed to take on another responsibility — making sure Jackson stayed healthy.

"Michael had sleepless nights and we had to look after him. (I'd say to him), `Stay hydrated, have a protein shake - Did you eat today before you came?"' Ortega said in an interview Thursday to promote the new Jackson documentary, "This Is It."

"Michael's an adult. ... We didn't want to baby him," he said. "(But) I had concerns and we had conversations, wanting to make sure he was doing everything he could to build himself and not break himself down."

Jackson died June 25 at age 50.

Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, has not been charged with a crime but is the focus of the police investigation.

[brm]

As an artist deeply involved in social causes involving children's rights, I have to admit that what happened to MJ (the tabloid media lynching; the gossip web trash; the creepy entourage; the disrespect for this guy's family, and especially his kids), is making me think twice about my own involvement in those same issues that MJ cared about and contributed to. To all of you, I say, bravo for putting an end to artists' involvement in volunteerism.

[janette]

michael | October 23, 2009 at 05:49 PM
...i could not have said it better.

i've looked into this group myself, as well as tried to correspond with some of the members. responses are vague if any at all, and appear to come from a very blind perspective (their promo vid was released before the autopsy report, btw). not only this, but they seem to forget, or do not acknowledge, that MJ died by the hands of another. HOMICIDE. so do i find TINI's efforts suspicious, and possibly taking advantage of grieving fans? absolutely. if one were looking to honor MJ, one would keep focus on the results of the investigation.

and if Michael worked hard for his tour, it is because that was his passionate and devoted work ethic, as was always. any fan, long-term or otherwise, should know this. "This Is It" is the opportunity to witness a most unique and phenomenal artist expressing his genius through his creativity for one last time. 90% of the movie earnings will go to MJ's estate (the same # as MJ's tour contract earnings agreement). his children will benefit greatly from their father's efforts. this i support wholeheartedly.

as an obvious fan of MJ, TINI does NOT represent me in any way. after all of the attacks that MJ had endured throughout his short life, we should know to better educate ourselves with the FACTS. nothing less. so shame on you, TINI. This Is NOT It, ain't it for me.

[Jere]

"Testimonies by fans who claim to have interacted with Jackson in his final months"

THIS is where I start to be skeptical. When did Jackson ever really interact with his fans close enough to confide his fears and anxieties? Man was a recluse to his final days.

[Paula to Michael]

Michael, you are right, I have tried to reason with some of the fans who have taken off with this group "this is it" , this group information came out before his autopsy results came out and that they do not match. ie the weight information, this group also states that he was being given drugs to keep him going through the day thus coming to rehearsals groggy and yet he rehearsaled 8 to 10 hours a day, the autopsy report said the only drugs he had in his system was what the Doctor gave him. They talk about how thin he was and being forced fed, and how he wasn't eating and yet Michael Jacksons personal chef said she personally cooked for him and he asked her to join them on the tour. Michael Jackson once said himself that when he is gearing up for a concert he does not eat and he lose weight if anyone looks at his videos they will see he was always very thin, Watch I believe it's the 35 or 40 yer celebration where he is performing "you rock my world" he is wearing white jeans, look at how thin he was and that was years ago. I don't know who this group is but they have some issues. Oh, yes I have a picture of Michael Jackson from the net with the title "Michael Jackson Last photo shoot" he is standing on top of a table to promote his upcoming o2 concert, he was wearing gray jeans with a nice leather jacket, he looks fabulous and the article states the picture was taken days before his death.

[blondy]

I wonder why this fans are going overboard.we all know AEG and sony are vultures and MJ hated sony in particular.The movie is going to benefit MJ'S estate and I would love to help to make the estate solvent.
l miss him so much

[njeri gitau]

His voice excellent as ever. The guy talent wasnt growing old. Always gifted, talented, what a genius? God bless his heart.. This is it is more like a farewell to us his fans. It makes me tear up always, but I will watch movie.
The other thing we need to stand for michael jackson's estate.Some people want to change MJ's wish, so bad. People need to respect Michael jackson he made the best choice of having a will as he knew his kids would suffer without it especially during the ugly SONY problems during 2001-2002 Invicible CD promotion. SONY had refused to promote this good work by Michael-so read this below:
Fans we need to attend to most crucial things. All the tribute are good, but there are some very disturbing news from California regarding Michael jackson Will. The excutors are seiking to ahve limnited say on the Michael jackson estate. This will be a blunder because everyone is eyeing to get Mj money. His kids will be frauded, they are so young. Can the judge make sure the money is kept for the kids permanently as they are so young and cannot manange their father's estate. Fans we need to rally behind michael Jackson Estate executors. i dont know them and since michael died with all the deals on the estate, ia m sure they-Mr Branca and Mr. McCalin. You know waht these two people have nothing to loose at all. Michael's children will loose big time. His fans will too because we don't want to see Michael jackson estate and children frauded off money

[njeri gitau]

Fans and all please buy and read MOonwalk. There is something about it that will amke you have so much peace that Michael use the words This is It so many times int he book. What he said on that book is the smae thing he repeated to those who interviewed him all his life after he already wrote the book. But they chose to lie. I am more than sure that Michael is watching us from above as he always talked about above. He enver took credit for naything and hearing him apprecaite other people's work of art is jsut amazing. READ READ THE BOOK PLEASE.

[Rainbow]

I used to believe that Michael Jackson's death was solely Dr. Murray's fault. But look, he is not even charge yet!! What is really happening? I'd done a lot of research and following the reports, news, interviews very closely ever since MJ passed away and from my deductions, there is certainly something being covered up. First, we know that Dr. Murray is lying. He said that he took 30 minutes to call 911 and he didn't know MJ's house address. How could he not know when he drove there everyday? The police later found out that Murray actually took almost 90 minute to call 911 and made 4 separate phone calls in between!
Then there are 2 autopsy reports, the first one that comes up says MJ was 178 cm and 51kg and have nothing in his stomach except for some undigested pills. 2 months after that, another autopsy reports said he was 175 cm, 62 kg and was quite healthy. Why are there 2 different autopsy reports?
There are still many details we don't know. We are not at the centre of the event and we don't know what is really happening. These MJ fans who created "This Is Not It" saw something that was not right. They saw MJ wasn't feeling great and happy and even said AEG announce 50 concerts without his knowledge. Who are we to say that those fans are lying or just seeking attention? We don't know them. As far as I can tell, those fans are followers of MJ, and they love him. What kind of benefit will they get from the campaign compare to AEG and Sony who is making billions from albums, dvd and movie sales?! They are just here to create awareness, they know what they saw and they want AEG to stop lying that MJ was healthy and energertic during his last few days.

[Tiffanie Green]

For me, the people that worked with Michael are not the ones that pulled the trigger on Michael! Dr. Conrad Murray is the one! If anything was happening to Michael AEG wouldn't show it on the big screen! The goal is to show Michael in a positive light and not a negative one! Fans as we all struggle with the passing of Michael please note that he is in a better place free of tabloids, people hurting him, and he can go wherever he wants to. God puts us here for a short period of time and without notice he calls us to be with him! One day that will happen to all of us! I truly believe that we will see Michael again! God realized Michael's work here was done and he wanted Michael to be with him in Heaven!

[saon]

The followers were not stalkers in the meaning demanding and pushing. They were genuinely worried and do not believe the autopsy report on his weight to be true - remember it was a "leak", not the actual report. To me, those young girls get added credibility from Jackson's makeup artist for decades, Karen Faye. She worried too and brought up the issue many times during rehearsals, just to be hushed down. She said he was frail and listless.

Of course there were othr moments as well - surely Jackson longed to be on stage - but many, many people feared he could not make it. Jackson's insane use of pills and propofol confirms there were real cause for alarm. The project should have been stopped. The whole concept of a tour without giving a trial concert first was preposterous.