Talk:Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson has skin cancer??

I think this should be included, because it was not denied by his publicist (http://www.miley5.net/content/index.php?action=show&id=15). It is likely that he does...?? Entteengossip (talk) 10:19, 23 May 2009 (UTC)

It was denied. Also, that website is not a reliable source. Pyrrhus16 10:26, 23 May 2009 (UTC)

"Today, a White House spokesperson refused to deny that Barack Obama was a serial killer." That proves it, or does it?--♦IanMacM♦ ^{(talk to me)} 10:32, 23 May 2009 (UTC)

Until Jackson confirms anything regarding his health it's not going in the article, period. — R² 11:11, 23 May 2009 (UTC)

michael jackson photos

well i think he needs a new picture up here. i looked back in the discussion and saw that some people had trouble with a mugshot of michael being posted, and i think that is very mean and inhumane. however, i do think we need a RECENT photo, that isnt in spite of jackson or been altered by tabloids to humiliate him. how about we use a photo of jackson at his recent 02 announcement? i mean, he looked amazing in that. while he was wearing sunglasses, there are some great shots of him. [5] [6] [7] those are some amazing shots. that sites main page has alot of other pictures if you follow links to 2009, 02 anouncement. now understand that particular site would probably not be the best place to get the image due to the watermarks and everything, and obviously whoever posts an image must follow wikipedias rules. however im just using that site as a guideline to what would be a great improvement to the article. it would really help wikipedia as its a positive, yet recent, image. Kingofpop69 (talk) 00:41, 24 May 2009 (UTC)

We certainly can't use those images, because they are clearly copyrighted and almost certainly pirated. I'm suspicious of an index page that has embedded popups anyway. But since MJ is a living person, we do need images that are free of copyright; the ones you link don't qualify. Rodhullandemu 00:47, 24 May 2009 (UTC)

well certainly. like i said, those images were just guidelines for somethinng to use. what im saying is, does anybody have pictures of this that they own that would qualify? because this would be a great set of pictures to use from. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Kingofpop69 (talk • contribs) 01:04, 24 May 2009 (UTC)

Voice Type

It says in the article that hes a tenor with very high tenor abilities. I know that he often sings in falsetto but isnt his chest voice high enough to be classified as countertenor. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.34.246.81 (talk • contribs) 19:33, 28 May 2009 (UTC)

Genius

Someone should create a category called geniuses so I can put Michael Jackson in it. —Preceding unsigned comment added by CedrictheWelshDragon (talk • contribs) 18:29, 31 May 2009 (UTC)

Hmm, that would be a rather pointless category, but aren't they all a little pointless? — R² 21:41, 2 June 2009 (UTC)

The term 'genius' is rather subjective, as compared to factual. And this is, an encyclopedia.

Jehovah's Witnesses

Does anyone know anything else about Michael's current position on Jehovah's Witnesses, and how active his religious upbringing was? If he is a disfellowshipped Witness, then someone should file his name away in the Former Jehovah's Witnesses category. 62 Misfit (talk) 23:04, 4 June 2009 (UTC)

Jackson was a very strong Witnesses all the way up to his mid twenties. He broke away from the religion but still respects aspects of it. For example, during his 2005 trial he occasionally wore good luck charms from the witness religion. These days he only talks about spirituality in general terms and doesn't specify his religion. — R² 23:51, 4 June 2009 (UTC)

Uh...they don't USE good luck charms or symbols. It's against their religion.- User:Psychotime (talk) 17:58, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

genres:urban

in the off the wall,bad,thriller albums has no urban feel to them and when i correct it someone changes it some one tell me why--Mjlouisdbz14 (talk) 09:17, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

Because here at Wikipedia we use reliable sources not our own opinion. Also, this has nothing to do with the Michael Jackson article, you should have discussed the issue with me personally or on the talk pages of those albums. — R² 10:36, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

His Religon

Does anybody know wheather or not the allegations that Michael Jackson is Islamic is true? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.203.238.106 (talk) 03:00, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Only Michael Jackson knows what religion he is, and he say's he is not a Muslim. — R² 13:35, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Who can say that he is muslim or not? Just he! Finoqueto (talk) 22:29, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Another lawsuit

This from the BBC today [8]. Also, this about the concerts in the Daily Telegraph.[9]--♦IanMacM♦ ^{(talk to me)} 09:22, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Seems like everyone wants a piece of the pie. — R² 12:30, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Minor addition for clarification

In the section of Vocal Style, the following sentence is found:

A distinctive deliberate mispronunciation used frequently by Jackson, occasionally spelt "cha'mone" or "shamone", is also a staple in impressions and caricatures of him.

It does not say what word is these spellings are mispronounciations of. As it turns it (if you follow the reference for that sentence), the word is "c'mon" (yes, perhaps an obvious guess, but it inspired at least me to try to confirm).

Ordinarily, I would just make an edit, but this page is semi-protected, and I've never bothered to create an account. This is the edit I would make:

A distinctive deliberate mispronunciation of the phrase "c'mon" used frequently by Jackson, occasionally spelt "cha'mone" or "shamone", is also a staple in impressions and caricatures of him.

69.181.137.117 (talk) 20:02, 20 June 2009 (UTC)Sean

Aside from the single "source" of the Bad lyric sheet, is there actually a source for "c'mon" being the source for "shamone"? – iridescent 20:14, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

Video games

I am wondering where the best place to mention the several video games MJ has been/participated in, such as Michael Jackson's Moonwalker? SharkD (talk) 23:35, 23 June 2009 (UTC)

The only one worthy of mention would be the Moonwalker one, we have to avoid trivia stuff. If we are going to mention the video game, it would go in the Bad era section, since it was released in 1990 I believe. We also need to prove that the video game is notable enough to go in this biography. Did it do well, either critically or commercially? Have the BBC, CNN etc discussed it? — Please comment R² 01:58, 24 June 2009 (UTC)

Cardiac Arrest?

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/entertainment/celebrity_news/dpg_michael_jackson_hospital_lwf_062509_2611501 Pontificake (talk) 21:05, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Several reports on Google News, all based on the TMZ story. It can wait until a more reliable source reports it. Rodhullandemu 21:09, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

It's on the BBC website [10], but still no details.--♦IanMacM♦ ^{(talk to me)} 21:18, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

All that's on the BBC is a noncommittal "The reason for his admission is not clear. More to follow." which seems to be the Reliable Source line at the moment. Wait and see what's said; it could be something as simple as a bruised knee and the media have misinterpreted seeing him on a stretcher. It would hardly be the first time. – iridescent 21:20, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

This should not be included until Jackson speaks, this was started by TMZ after all, not known for telling the truth when it comes to Jackson. — Please comment R² 21:28, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

sky news is reporting that police in LA have confirmed that jackson has been taken to hospital. it's real folks.

The cardiac arrest is a fact. It was just reported in the Situation Room.--Camilo Sanchez (talk) 21:33, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I'm sure this fact will be clarified by Jackson in due course. But given the medias history of writing large quantities of shit about him every day, we should indeed wait. — Please comment R² 21:35, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

• [11] - Denimadept (talk) 21:34, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Here's a source on MSNBC.com per news wire sources: Michael Jackson rushed to hospital conman33 (. . .talk) 21:37, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

• LA Times [12] Hello32020 (talk) 21:39, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Again, this has been started by TMZ, other media are just reporting the TMZ story, let's just be patient. — Please comment R² 21:41, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Let's not go crazy about rushing headlong when the sources themselves are still doing so. Facts are scarce and rumour is rife. WP:BLP requires us to be careful with this sort of thing, and if necessary, I'm prepared to enforce it. Meanwhile, just the facts, please, and thank you all for bringing it up here beforehand. Rodhullandemu 21:42, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

The idea that this must wait for an official Michael Jackson press release is patently absurd. Multiple reliable sources are reporting this, so it can and should go in now. Tarc (talk) 21:44, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

• [13]: Local media stating that LA Fire Department has confirmed this. Hello32020 (talk) 21:46, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Michael Jackson is dead.

he's dead. check out reteurs.

I'm looking at five news sites right now, including Reuters (and Fox News), and I'm seeing nothing about him being dead. Hospital, but not dead. I hate to use a 4chanism, but link or it didn't happen. 173.58.146.209 (talk) 21:52, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

He's dead. Jacob Richardson (talk) 21:51, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Also on TMZ Hill of Beans (talk) 21:56, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Fully protected, all done. PhilBroadway (talk) 21:56, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

This is not a joke I was watching TV, he is really truly dead.

Things are still unclear.. CNN is reporting that his is still alive. We should wait for an official statement from the Jackson Family. Vasant56 (talk) 22:23, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

he's dead

confirmed by BBC News and RAI News 24 (Italian state media).--Xania ^talk 21:51, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Goodnight sweet crazy prince of pop

Reports of his death. Basket of Puppies 21:53, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

This hasn't been confirmed yet. The only "source" of this information is TMZ. RAI is reporting him dead with TMZ as their source. BBC UK is not reporting him dead. Neither is MSNBC. Neither is CNN. I'm not saying the story is BS, but there hasn't been a secondary source of confirmation yet. Soccernamlak (talk) 21:57, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Okay, as an update, LA Times has confirmed TMZ's initial report that Michael was not breathing when the paramedics arrived and had to perform CPR. No further word on his condition. Soccernamlak (talk) 22:02, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Despite a couple of headlines saying he's dead, no actual stories are claiming to know whether he's dead or not.

This is the original TMZ article which has been going around Twitter a lot seems to be the original source of the reports of his death --Dolphonia (talk) 21:59, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

This article also says dead, but it refs TMZ. KiTA (talk) 22:08, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

CNN.com Ticker: "BREAKING NEWS: L.A. Times reports that Michael Jackson has died" KiTA (talk) 22:26, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Article Lock

Could the article be fully protected for a while, or we will be removing poorly thought out edits all night? Regret having to ask for this.--♦IanMacM♦ ^{(talk to me)} 21:49, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Do you remember what happened when Anna-Nicole Smith died? I spent nearly a day (with breaks of course) reverting edits on that page. I'd rather have this page locked entirely. 21:54, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

BBC has not, in fact, reported his death. --Aqwis (talk) 22:06, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Does anyone think it noteworthy to say in this article that various news sources are reporting his death? Carlos_X (talk) 22:23, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Protection

Reuters has just reported believed (my emphasis) dead. Full-protection until it's clear what's going on. Also taken the unusual step of semi-protecting this talkpage before it becomes a BLP nightmare (assuming the allegations aren't true). – iridescent 21:56, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

just wandered in bleary eyed following to see what was happening on wiki - it's the frontpage of smh.com.au for what that's worth. My view would be that given the no. of sources mentioned above a brief, neutral reference to these reports would be appropraite in the lead. Maybe a sensitive, smart admin could give it a go? Privatemusings (talk) 22:02, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

All reports of such are being disseminated from TMZ. ⒺⓋⒾⓁⒼⓄⒽⒶⓃ② ^talk 22:07, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

edit protection

{{editprotected}} The cited source for the cardiac arrest is pointing to the Rolling Stones band rather than Rolling Stone the magazine. #148. Tarc (talk) 21:57, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Done. --- RockMFR 22:03, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Quick request

BBC News, Reuters and AP are NOT (at present) reporting the death of Michael Jackson at present, they are simply stating that TMZ is reporting his death. Please can we calm down, Wikipedia is an important website and we really don't need to precipitate further confusion with premature reports here. Nick (talk) 21:58, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Apparently, these guys here have never heard of HIPAA. ⒺⓋⒾⓁⒼⓄⒽⒶⓃ② ^talk 22:04, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

CNN, MSNBC, even FOX is still reporting him as being in treatment. ⒺⓋⒾⓁⒼⓄⒽⒶⓃ② ^talk 22:06, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I agree that we should make sure we don't jump the gun. Eric Wester (talk · contribs · email) 22:06, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

until CNN reports his death, it's not true. TMZ is just a glorified Tabloid. Jru Gordon (talk) 22:09, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

LA Times and CBSNews are now reporting his death.

Michael Jackson died.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gK_BZYsLvb9-YlmofeU7Ye4OzVuQ

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/michael-jackson-dead-20090626-cyjb.html

These seem to be two reputable links. Especially the one that's not TMZ - a tabloid one that might just be trying to sell. I'd wait at least another half hour before writing anything official though.

• Live CNN feed as well as all other News stations from California (I'm living here in the Los Angeles area) say he is currently hospitalized as UCLA medical center and his condition is "unknown". The Bookkeeper (of the Occult) 22:21, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

• LA Times now reporting death 1

Wow. I almost made a joke about WP:BLP not applying anymore. Then I realised, this is actually sad. :/ Lewis Collard! (lol, internet) 22:22, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

He is not dead, but in a coma. Don't change the article to dead until a very reliable reference is available. Jørgen88 (talk) 22:24, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

BBC World News just reported that the L. A. Times is reporting that Mr. Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors at 3.15 this afternoon, about five minutes ago.—Dah31 (talk) 22:25, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Local news channels are now confirming death. The Bookkeeper (of the Occult) 22:26, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Link to the L.A. Times report.[14] --Allen3 ^talk 22:29, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Honestly, I would wait till a press release comes out. What's the LA Times and AP's source, I wonder. We should hold out until we have a confirmed reputable source, and a press release would probably be best. Capgun2713 (talk) 22:34, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

LA Times reports death

Link is here: [15] -Nick^talk 22:22, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

(as reported by city and law enforcement officials). Dabomb87 (talk) 22:24, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Sadly, his death was confirmed.Rangond (talk) 22:25, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Preemptive full protection?

I see the page is fully protected - apparently preemptively? That would be counter to policy... Evercat (talk) 22:23, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I'd say WP:IAR easily applies. –Juliancolton | ^Talk 22:28, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I concur. ⒺⓋⒾⓁⒼⓄⒽⒶⓃ② ^talk 22:35, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Updates

CNN reports he may be in a coma due to cardiac arrest. Sephiroth storm (talk) 22:23, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

CNN has now heard from the L.A. Times that he's died. --Joshmaul (talk) 22:27, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

At all people: cool down, Wikipedia is an Encyclopedia, not a real-time portrait of the world. Let the facts be discernible, and then people will edit the arcticle accordingly nihil (talk) 22:28, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Really? And from what year does your definition of "Encyclopedia" come from? Any reason why the fact that he's been declared dead isn't in and of itself noteworthy, whether it's true or not? I think Wikipedia is starting to turn into a bureaucratic shadow of what it was intended to be. Let the people edit. That's what this place is for. Bjquinn (talk) 22:40, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Death

This page needs to be unlocked to the extent that you will allow his death to be noted. EnglishHornDude (talk) 22:25, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Hell No. ⒺⓋⒾⓁⒼⓄⒽⒶⓃ② ^talk 22:27, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Take a look at the edit history of Anna-Nicole Smith and look what happened when the page was knocked down to just semi-protection. ⒺⓋⒾⓁⒼⓄⒽⒶⓃ② ^talk 22:27, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Nonsense; accurate information should be written into the article, with appropriate sourcing. Articles shouldn't be protected "pre-emptively" just 'cause there might be vandalism. In such case, *all* articles should be thus protected, since in theory any article can be vandalised. --HidariMigi (talk) 22:30, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

There's a difference between vandalism and excess vandalism. ⒺⓋⒾⓁⒼⓄⒽⒶⓃ② ^talk 22:32, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I agree, this article could be semi-protected and vandalism dealt with as it occurs.--Susan118 ^talk 22:43, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Confirmed dead

According to local publications and law enforcement. http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_35630.aspx --.:Alex:. 22:26, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/celebrities/index.ssf/2009/06/michael_jackson_dead_at_50_tmz.htmlHereFord 22:27, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

NBC News confirmed two minutes ago on-air: [16] --(GameShowKid)--(talk)--(evidence)--( 22:28, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Confirmed numerous places, now. Please update. Qb | ^{your 2 cents} 22:29, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I think it would be best to wait for confirmation from BBC and CNN. –Juliancolton | ^Talk 22:32, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Confirmed dead 17 minutes ago.TFBCT1 (talk) 22:30, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Dead at 3:15PM PST, 6:15PM EST. Gage (talk) 22:31, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Updated. Ian¹³/t 22:33, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I believe that we should NOT update the article to show his death until an official statement is made, since Wikipedia should be focused more on accuracy rather than updating speedily with unverified claims User:CodingBucky

Total Article Lock Down Necessary?

Is it really necessary to lock down the whole article? Semi Protect should be fine now that his death is confirmed.Aspensti (talk) 22:31, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Please, no. I do not want to clean false edits and spam. ⒺⓋⒾⓁⒼⓄⒽⒶⓃ② ^talk 22:34, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Agree. I think the page will get out of control even with established users.--Abusing (talk) 22:45, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Ok, I woder how long is long enough?Aspensti (talk) 22:49, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

So only admins can be trusted and everyone else is presumed to be a vandal? Now I know how the anonymous IP editors feel...--Susan118 ^talk 22:56, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Please update citations 2 and 3

Whomever added citations 2 and 3 regarding Michael's death needs to update their retrieval dates, as I'm quite certain you didn't read them on June 25, 3909.

Also, in the Background box, it should be listed that he died in LA, California.

TX, Hcurtis (talk) 22:32, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

2008? Come on. If Admins are locking everyone out, then get it right...at least!

22:33, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Spelling

Could we have "hospital" spelt correctly in the last sentence of the introduction please? At the moment it's "hostpital". Thanks. DBaK (talk) 22:33, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Fixed. AngelOfSadness talk 22:38, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Michael Jackson has just died, apparently

Yes it's official: CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/michael.jackson/index.html Marianolu (talk) 22:27, 25 June 2009 (UTC) It is now confirmed that he has died:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/pop-star-michael-jackson-was-rushed-to-a-hospital-this-afternoon-by-los-angeles-fire-department-paramedics--capt-steve-ruda.html

This is not a quote of TMZ - it is from official sources. --Time to update folks. That is what it is. --Valyim (talk) 22:26, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/25/michael-jackson-dies-death-dead-cardiac-arrest/ Once things are clearer, this article should be edited. RIP mike 83.43.149.8 (talk) 21:53, 25 June 2009 (UTC)----

Sky News and BBC have confirmed his death

---They havent confirmed anything. They are going by what the TMZ website has said. --Deathtrap3000 (talk) 22:00, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Micheal Jackson's death is on the front page of the Drudge Report and is reported 'confirmed' by Fox News and KHNL Honolulu. Da Killa Wabbit (talk) 22:07, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

---

My local news here in Charleston, WV just said so, too. Sailorknightwing (talk) 22:01, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

---

It's official. CNN has confirmed that he has died. DAP566 (talk 22:03, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

It's just been broadcast on Sky News on TV and it's on their website too. Sky News

The BBC Confirm he's been taken to hospital but don't sat any more than that BBC article Cloudy (talk) 22:03, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

So far, TMZ's the only one reporting his death. Sky News is repeating TMZ's report, while BBC, CNN, Reuters, etc., only report that he's been taken the hospital following his heart attack. There's been no independent report of his death. IMHO, TMZ's not a particularly credible news agency. I'd rather wait for word from someone who isn't just repeating their claim. -FeralDruid (talk) 22:05, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

---

He's had a heart attack, reported by LAT [17] Safety Cap (talk) 22:07, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Jackson's legal representation should release an official statement through Reuters and the Press Association that will be picked up by the major news sources. Let's wait until that confirmation comes out from his people before updating the page. (aeropagitica) 22:08, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/pop-star-michael-jackson-was-rushed-to-a-hospital-this-afternoon-by-los-angeles-fire-department-paramedics--capt-steve-ruda.html

LA Times confirms death. --beefyt (talk) 22:22, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Even my local news has confirmed that Michael Jackson is dead too that means ABC, NBC, CBS as well will be reporting on this too but don't rush to edit this article take your time in doing so. -- Red Polar Bear Ranger (Red Polar Bear Ranger)Louis Marinucci

Any reason why we can't update to say that it was REPORTED that he died? I mean, even if he's not dead this whole event will be worthy of including in the article later on anyway. Bjquinn (talk) 22:32, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Confirmed, LA Times reports death. CBS and CNN seeking independent confirmation (via live report). -FeralDruid (talk) 22:35, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

CNN says: Entertainer Michael Jackson has died after being taken to a hospital on Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest, according to multiple reports including the Los Angeles Times and the Associated Press. CNN has not confirmed his death. Exploding Boy (talk) 22:39, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

ABC's World News led with "Michael Jackson 1958-2009" and said he had died. Does anyone still doubt this?--Pawnkingthree (talk) 22:45, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

E! Online cites Joe Jackson; the Beeb has just confirmed Jackson's death.—22:46, 25 June 2009 (UTC) (I mean Dah31 (talk) 22:47, 25 June 2009 (UTC))

{{Edit protected}}

Admin, please add the following {{Wikinews|Report: Singer, songwriter Michael Jackson dies}}. Should be in external links section then moved to section about death when that section is created. Thanks, Calebrw (talk) 22:36, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I hope no one is planning to use any sources that quote TMZ, the National Enquirer of the internet. --Susan118 ^talk 22:39, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Currently the article does cite TMZ as a source, but the information is collaborated by the LA Times and a local Fox affiliate TV station. Calebrw (talk) 22:44, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I don't know TMZ, but I trust the BBC, and they say that TMZ have been reliable for this kind of story in the past.KTo288 (talk) 22:47, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

The accessdate for both of the death references has been incorrectly set to the year 3909, and they should have a filled-in date as well. GreenReaper (talk) 22:43, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Admin, please also remove, Category:Living people, add Category:2009 Deaths; Correct infobox- birthdate- ((birthdate|1958|8|29)), ((dda|2009|6|25|1958|8|29)). The format is correct as written except use {{ }}, not (( )). Thank you. TFBCT1 (talk) 22:48, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Can someone change the citations to AP/Reuters/BBC? They'd be the highest quality sources available, and he deserves that much. Sceptre ^(talk) 22:50, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Death date and age template

Could we please switch to the death date and age template in the infobox? Gage (talk) 22:40, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Don't forget about the location of death, and the correct dash symbol for the (August 1958 [–] June 25, 2009). Tinton5 (talk) 22:42, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

(ec) And remove Category:Living people, too, please.--Joshua Issac (talk) 22:43, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

and now the inevitable Wikipedia-related article

"Michael Jackson's Reported Death Roils Wikipedia". Exploding Boy (talk) 22:46, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Link doesn't work? --Susan118 ^talk 22:50, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I think it must be getting overloaded. It doesn't work reliably for me either, but it is there. It says, partly, "As news organizations reported Michael Jackson's hospitalization on Thursday afternoon, Wikipedia editors were wrestling with the problem of whether to allow an unverified report of the singer's death to appear on the online encyclopedia . . . Some Wikipedians repeatedly deleted references to Jackson's alleged demise, saying in separate comments that "This is not yet verified," "He's not dead," "Premature edits," and "ONCE AGAIN, HE IS NOT DEAD, JUST STOP." But they were too slow for the legions of Wikipedia users who descended on the site and repeatedly modified the entry about the pop star. The typical edit was to insert today as the date of Jackson's demise. Others were more subtle; one used the word "was" instead of "is," while another edit called "Invincible" his "last studio album." By around 6:15 pm ET, Wikipedia appeared to be temporarily overloaded. The site reported the error: "Sorry! This site is experiencing technical difficulties.... Cannot contact the database server: Unknown error (10.0.6.24))" Exploding Boy (talk) 22:55, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Thanks!! --Susan118 ^talk 22:57, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Bold

I have been bold and started Death of Michael Jackson. This is looking one big story. Francium12 (talk) 22:44, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I was about to suggest that we merge it into Michael Jackson and start a new section called "Death", but I see that it has been deleted. Clem (talk) 22:49, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

This is "big" enough for it's own article. C'mon I have thousands of good edits, stop treating me like a vandal admins! :-) Francium12 (talk) 22:52, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

There isn't nearly enough information yet to write an article. --Susan118 ^talk 22:58, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

And the inevitable article about Wikipedia

Michael Jackson's Reported Demise Roils Wikipedia. Exploding Boy (talk) 22:47, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Dead link - I guess we are not very roiled. Tempshill (talk) 22:59, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Removal of death template

I've removed the death template because there's no official statement of his death. Feel free to readd it should information change. Ryan Postlethwaite^{See the mess I've created or let's have banter} 22:45, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Confirmed by BBC. I'd say it's safe. –Juliancolton | ^Talk 22:47, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Not safe. Wikipedia has to maintain neutrality. The LA Times article is reporting he died at 3:15, there would have been an official statement by now. Sephiroth storm (talk) 22:49, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

BBC, Sky, CNN all confirming 100% now.. Dvmedis (talk) 22:51, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Seems pretty darn safe to me. Inferno, Lord of Penguins 22:52, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

BBC is not confirming it. BBC is saying "likely" as a result of LA times article and now AP. It's also reporting reports of coma too. Suggest the template is change to "this article is about someone how may have recently died. Still doubt till official confirmation. --Joopercoopers (talk) 22:55, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

shouldnt this template be there:

badmachine (talk) 22:57, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Citation Removal

The link to the article by The Australian should be removed as the only part about his death is where it reports that TMZ has said it, it is currently cite 4. I Grave Rob_§talk♥^stalk§ 22:48, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Article shouldn't be locked

The article clearly shouldn't be locked. Yes, it is going to be a high traffic article, but that is irrelevant. You do not lock articles in response to "Oh, it MIGHT be vandalized". Indeed, it is discouraging to new people, who often come to Wikipedia BECAUSE they hear a news report and want to contribute, and it is bad for the encyclopedia as a whole. I'm sure those here can handle what vandalism may come, and it will allow the article to be improved. Titanium Dragon (talk) 22:53, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I think Mr. Jackson was famous enough to reasonablly guess that there are a LOT of people currently viewing this artice. As such, the hassle of reversing every act of vandalism today would greatly outweigh any positive edits that might, possibly occur.

Age under death

Put age under death, and not born. Jørgen88 (talk) 22:51, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Never mind, its done. Jørgen88 (talk) 22:52, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

USAToday

USAToday has confirmed the death. Gwen Gale (talk) 22:53, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

USA Today is simply referring the AP report.

Edit notice?

The edit notice on this article is unneeded and out of line IMO. It assumes a false premise, that the page was protected due to a dispute. In fact, it was protected preemptively so that the page doesn't "get swamped." There is nothing wrong with sourced admin updates. Oren0 (talk) 22:54, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

"Death" section

Someone out to create a separate "Death" section, so in-coming information can go in there and people looking specifically for it know where to look. All Hallow's Wraith (talk) 22:56, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

The article needs {{Recent death|Jackson, Michael|date=June 2009}} at the top.--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:CHICAGO/WP:LOTM) 22:56, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

This article does not need full protection, it needs semi protection and blocking of any vandal accounts. There simply is no acceptable reason either to protect or for admins to continue editing while it is protected. Thanks, SqueakBox talk 22:58, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Agreed. Tempshill (talk) 22:59, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Its an admins world today.--Jojhutton (talk) 22:58, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

I have to disagree, im lagging out due to page accesses. Sephiroth storm (talk) 23:00, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

On the contrary, based on past examples of articles when the subject dies, it is entirely necessary. I'm not an admin and I cannot edit, but I fully support these actions, especially after what happened with Anna-Nicole Smith. ⒺⓋⒾⓁⒼⓄⒽⒶⓃ② ^talk 23:00, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Typical Wikipedia. Something remotely controversial comes along, and the Admins wade in with full protection immediately. What ever happened to assuming good faith and letting the facts speak for themselves?82.13.161.114 (talk) 23:01, 25 June 2009 (UTC)

Persondata

Please update persondata.--Joshua Issac (talk) 22:59, 25 June 2009 (UTC)