I guess I'm a bit late here.

But anyway, I heard the news about Michael in class on the day it happened. A couple people got texted around the same time. We suspected it was a prank. Confirmed later.

I was shocked, but I'd never paid MJ much attention. My dad played some of his stuff while I was a kid, but I never really got into it myself. Also, I didn't have much of an opinion (or even much knowledge) concerning the rumors and scandal surrounding his personal life. I have to admit, I suppose his appearance wasn't doing much to convince me of his respectability.

His death sparked a sort of research binge. I read biographies and watched many of his videos on YouTube. Suddenly, I kind of found myself pretty disheartened by it all. He was such an amazingly talented and devoted entertainer. Maybe more importantly, interviews and accounts convinced me that he was a gentle, very sympathetic person with a troubled background.

I've never been so upset by the death of a person I've never met. I don't buy into any of the rumors or negative criticism. He was misunderstood, but it's clear now more than ever that he's affected millions. He deserves all of the affection and fondness devoted to him.

RIP MJ