La Toya: Michael Looked 'Fabulous in Casket'

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.”

Michael Jackson's daughter and sister weigh in on King of Pop's death

(NEWSER) - Paris Jackson and her aunt La Toya both have theories on Michael’s death—one sad, one a little wacky. “What happened is they worked him too hard,” La Toya remembers Paris telling her. “They kept working him and Daddy didn't want that, but they worked him constantly.” La Toya, however, believes her brother was murdered over the catalog of songs he owned, the Mirror reports. More»

'Beat It' video and tribute song hit the web

(NEWSER) - The tributes to Michael Jackson keep on coming. Basketball stars Shaquille O’Neal and Damon Jones recorded their own version of the dance-off/knife fight from Jackson’s “Beat It” video, TMZ reports. Meanwhile, La Toya Jackson released a song, “Home,” in her brother's memory, Cover Awards reports. Both can be seen at left. More»

Plus, ubiquitous biographer publishes another shocking book, more

(NEWSER) - Joe Jackson wants to turn his grandchildren into the “Jackson 3,” Michael’s biographer tells the Sun. “Joe wants the children to go on a world tour in 2010. He has also already offered recording contracts to two of Michael’s kids,” Ian Halperin tells the tabloid. “He wants to exploit the kids the same way he did Michael.” More:

• Halperin—who else?—has a new book out, and it includes allegations that Michael Jackson was gay, according to the Sun: “The very first time he had sex with me he said, ‘The King of Pop’s going to lick your lollipop,’” says one alleged lover.

(NEWSER) - Michael Jackson was "murdered" by a shadowy entourage of handlers who were after his money, says his angry sister La Toya. "I believe Michael was murdered. Not just one person was involved, rather it was a conspiracy of people," she tells the Daily Mail. "Michael was worth more than a billion dollars. When anyone is worth that much money, there are always greedy people around them." She says he died in his personal physician's bedroom, surrounded by oxygen tanks and an intravenous drip stand. More»