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Was Jackson Healthy or On the Brink? Yes.

Drug-addled or ready to rock, his inner-circle tells it from all sides

By Drew Nelles, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 12, 2009 2:43 PM CDT

(Newser) – Was Michael Jackson happy and healthy, or drug-addled and depressed in his final days? Depends who you ask. The AP compiles a list of contradictory reports from the star’s inner circle:

Concert promoter Randy Phillips initially told reporters Jackson was "a healthy, vibrant human being,” but later said he hired an attendant whose sole job was reminding the singer to eat.

Dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein says Jackson “was very happy,” but confirms he went to rehab for a painkiller addiction. Klein also says Jackson suffered from lupus and vitiligo, a skin disorder.
Several close friends, including self-help guru Deepak Chopra, say they confronted Jackson about his drug abuse. Chopra says he last spoke with Jackson about the issue just six months ago.
Singer Akon says his famous mentor reminded him to stay healthy, asking him, “What are you doing out there on the road? Are you eating? Are you exercising?”

[Quotes (1)]

In this March 5, 2009 file photo, pop singer Michael Jackson punches the air after announcing that he is set to play ten live concerts at the London O2 Arena in July. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, file)

In this June 23, 2009 handout photo provided by AEG, Michael Jackson rehearses at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevin Mazur, AEG/Getty Images, File)

In this March 17, 2005 file photo, Michael Jackson arrives at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Maria, Calif., to begin Jackson's trial on charges of child molestation. (AP Photo/Michael A. Mariant, file)

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Michael is just one of the healthiest people that I know. He was pressuring me to stay healthy, like, 'Akon, eat right. What are you doing out there on the road? Are you eating? Are you exercising? Are you drinking a lot of water?' - Akon

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

brawne

Jul 12, 2009 10:58 AM CDT

Anyone who believes that there is a liberal media after the MJ thing has to accept that there are only corporations choosing what media will fly--be profitable or not. If you choose the blue pill, you're only following the status quo. Choose the red and you will only get the truth. Doesn't matter which you swallow--only that you know that you chose.

brawne

Jul 12, 2009 10:35 AM CDT

Yeah, actually some people are 100% that way. If you can identify with a guy about a half billion dollars in debt who RENTS a house that costs more a month then most people make in a year then I guess he's no different than you. Me? I start budgeting a tad before I get to half a billion.

peacenique

Jul 12, 2009 7:57 AM CDT

In other words, he was no different than any of us... we show different parts of ourselves to different people. Nobody is 100% this way or 100% that way.

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Celebrity • Entertainment

drug addiction • painkiller • Michael Jackson • Akon • Deepak Chopra • Randy Phillips • celebrity death • Arnold Klein

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Was Jackson Healthy or On the Brink? Yes.

Drug-addled or ready to rock, his inner-circle tells it from all sides