Posted on 06/28/2009 6:02:33 PM PDT by My Favorite Headache
KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has issued the following statement (via his Facebook page) regarding the passing of pop music legend Michael Jackson, who died Thursday (June 25) at age 50:
"[I've] gotten a lot of questions from media and from quite a lot of you [regarding] Michael Jackson.
"I have refused all media requests for interviews. There are enough people in the industry being quoted. Some altruistically, some for media coverage.
"Either way... When I was going out with Diana Ross in the early '80s, I met Michael a few times through her. We spent social time together. Found him to be gentle, charming... obviously very talented. And that was that.
"The Michael of later years is someone I didn't recognize... nor like very much.
"When there are children involved... when there are allegations (many) of child molestation... when there are admissions of inviting countless young boys to spend weekends and sometimes Michael's bed with them (Michael's quote), clothed or unclothed... makes no difference... when there are payoffs to the children making the accusations in the $20,000,000 range ($20 million dollars!!! — as reported by media) ....There's more than doubt in my mind.
"This doesn't take into consideration Michael's children... none of whom are biologically his. All three of whom have had a 'strange' upbringing. But then we don't know much, except a 'father' who thought nothing of dangling his young child over the balcony (head covered in a towel), so his fans could get a thrill.
"So what's my comment regarding Michael's passing? I hope he finds peace. I wish his family and friends all the best in these very sad times.
"But as regards media coverage: celebs can always get media coverage.
"But what about the children who spent nights with Michael in his bed? (He has admitted on camera he has done it many times, and would continue to do it.) They need a voice. And they should have a chance to have their say. With lie detectors attached. Maybe then, away from rich celebrities, tricky lawyers and L.A. court systems that can't seem to convict anyone.... maybe then, we'll find out the truth about child molestation charges leveled at Michael Jackson from children (that's plural, not singular).
"My comment? I recognize and respect his talent, but the rest is very tainted. And I want to hear the truth, once and for all."
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A celebrity who is telling it like it really is. Very refreshing.
That makes two of us.
Don’t mind me. Just enjoying this thread.
And the fact that these few words from Gene has sparked such debate.
His deed is done, IMHO.
Puh-leeze.
And, with all due respect, your comment about the media NOT telling us whom to idolize is a bit silly.
WOW!
Agreed....and I like how some of these celebrities have gone on TV to talk about Michael and then promote a show or gig...or something of their own.
Right. Even the murderers and rapists doing hard time usually draw the line when it comes to little boys.
Well, the article does state that Gene says he's been asked by a number of people for a reaction or statement, so . . this is his statement. It's irrelevant if he would've put out a statement if he hadn't been asked; he was asked, so there is his statement.
As to when MJ was alive, if you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing. Looks like Gene did that. I don't approve of every aspect of Gene's lifestyle (or rumored lifestyle), but at least he tells it like it is; you can take him at his word.
I say, bury MJ and be done with it. Never liked his music (I'm a rocker, not a 'pop'er) or his videos (not much of a dancer, so I'm not into watching others dance, either), but I realize others found him very entertaining. Heck, I wasn't much of a KISS fan either, but I like Gene's straight-forward approach.
Never been a KISS fan, bought an album or saw a KISS show, but now have more respect for Gene Simmons than before.
Nice.
Gene is a brilliant guy, a great businessman, and a patriot.
Gene you’ve been shacked up with hottie Shannon Tweed for years and you still don’t have the balls to marry her. Idiot!
The show makes it clear how much he cares for his children...a different man than you see on stage.
other than the fact that he hasn’t married the mother of his children he is a very traditional and conservative guy.
I love watching his show “family jewels”.
Its funny as heck! Mostly because it shows the truth...that this self proclaimed “rock god” is nothing more than a henpecked husband trying to do what any middle aged dad does....try and prove to his teenaged kids that he’s still “cool”
I read that Liz Taylor was the first to call him The King of Pop.
That's the name!!! I couldn't think of it at first, but it was the Stanley Theater. I saw them again on their next trip to Pittsburgh when it was KISS, Rush and Mott The Hoople, again at the Stanley. Little did I know at the time that Rush would become as big as they did.
I want to say that I rode the streetcar down there but I think they were gone by then... sad! We lived in Brookline and rode the streetcars downtown many times. And if I was lucky we continued on to West View Park. :)
roflol Can’t hide the hook.
Who was that lady? LOL
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