Jermaine's Old Book Pitch: Michael Hated Jews

Paris, Prince, and Blanket share memories with Oprah

(NEWSER) - Oprah Winfrey’s highly-anticipated interview with Michael Jackson’s children aired today, allowing Prince, Paris, and Blanket a chance to tell the world all about the “best dad ever.” Paris, 12, says “no one understood what a good father he was,” and says, “He was the best cook ever … he was just a normal dad.” Her particular favorite meal? Michael “made the best French toast in the world.” Prince, 13, shared his favorite memory of Michael: “We were in Bahrain, and we used to wake up early and walk on the beach.” More»

Assemblyman pushes for study amid skepticism

(NEWSER) - Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch is one of the most opulent estates in the US, and one California lawmaker can't resist the idea of turning it into a state park. "It will absolutely be a destination for many who admire music and the performing arts," said Assemblyman Mike Davis, who intends to push for the park's creation when the legislature meets in August, the LA Times reports. More»

White patch may be vitiligo

(NEWSER) - Photos of Michael Jackson's children vacationing in Hawaii have revealed a strange patch of white skin under the right arm of oldest son Prince Michael, indicating that the boy may be suffering from the same skin-lightening condition as his father. Michael Jackson, who was often accused of bleaching his skin to appear whiter, revealed in an interview that he was being treated for vitiligo, which left him with patches of de-pigmented skin. A dermatologist and head of the National Vitiligo Foundation who studied recent photos of Prince Michael, 13, said the teen appears to be suffering from the condition. More»

Plus, mom and sister speculate about murder

(NEWSER) - Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death, so of course, he’s all over the news:

• In a BBC interview, brother Jermaine says that “if Michael would have embraced Islam he would still be here today,” the Telegraph reports. “Why? Because when you are 100% clear in your mind as to who you are and what you are and why you are and everybody around you, then things change in a way that’s better for you.”

'Tasteful yet profitable' marketing of singer's death rakes in $1B

(NEWSER) - Estate of Elvis Presley, watch out: You may yet be eclipsed by Michael Jackson. Jackson died on the brink of financial collapse, but a year later his estate is booming. Last year he sold 8.3 million albums in the US—more than any other artist—and the posthumously released movie Michael Jackson's This Is It grossed $261 million worldwide. The estate has made an estimated $1 billion over the last year, but observers disagree on whether Jackson's on track to surpass Presley as the ultimate entertainment estate. More»