TMZ Scoops World on Jackson Death

Two sedatives blamed for entertainer's demise

(NEWSER) - Confirming reports leaked Monday, the LA County coroner's office said today that Michael Jackson's death was a homicide. The ruling means someone else caused the death but does not assign blame or even necessarily mean a crime was committed, MSNBC reports. The official cause of death is "acute intoxication" with the powerful anesthetic propofol, which Jackson's personal physician, Conrad Murray, has acknowledged administering. The full autopsy report was not released. More»

He's just such a tool.

(NEWSER) - Hey, if Spencer Pratt thinks he can be the next Brad Pitt, why shouldn’t his wife be the next Michael Jackson? In yet another example of the reality show couple’s delusions of grandeur, Pratt called Heidi Montag "the new, modern-day, 2010 Michael Jackson” following her Miss Universe “performance," MTV reports. Except—of course—“way bigger.” More»

(NEWSER) - The House of Representatives will not consider a resolution praising Michael Jackson’s humanitarianism, the Boston Globe reports. “A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views to—that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different,” Nancy Pelosi explained. Sponsor Sheila Jackson-Lee, who spoke warmly of MJ at his memorial, says she isn’t giving up. More»

He knew what he was doing—and we should follow his example

(NEWSER) - Michael Jackson wasn't known for his financial prudence, but he got one thing right: his estate planning, writes Jane Bennett Clark for Kiplinger. Here’s how to follow his good example:

• Write a will: Two-thirds of Americans don’t. Jackson’s is concrete: His kids get 40% of his estate, his mother gets 40%, and 20% goes to charity.

Let the 'freak show' begin

(NEWSER) - Surprisingly, the elephants entering Staples Center this morning aren’t there for the “Michael Jackson Memorial Orgy of Excess”—but for the circus, opening tomorrow. “That seems completely appropriate,” writes Lisa de Moraes for the Washington Post. As for today’s “freak show,” 16 TV outlets are planning live coverage. “Overwhelmed by the sheer number of Jackson death-march viewing options?” Let de Moraes guide you: More»