Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael"/ Excerpt @pg151/New Interview Post 3743

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

and I didn't say anything to the contrary. I even wrote that my opinion can change after I read the book. It's only natural.

I just say that judging (and even hanging) a 300+ pages book by looking to a 3 minute TV interview is premature.

We're mostly judging what he said in the last pages. Nobody's giving the review of the whole book. So all the opinions are based on what he said, not on what he didn't say. So if we express our anger now, it is a healthy anger. Holding it back almost equals to let him say what he wants to say about Michael.

But as soon as the book is released and if people read it, then they'll comment on the whole book or some highlights. So what's the problem with expressing current disappointment and anger with what he said?

In three minutes of interview he didn't have anything else to say but what he said? He wasn't obliged to mention it at all, but as a matter of fact he did.

 

[Gif9gud]

I am gonna buy Frank´s book, and I am looking forward to reading it.

Although the timing of this interview does disapoint me. But for now I am willing to give him the benefit of doubt: This book has been planned for a long time, and he didnt know exact timing of the trial.

Also...

2000 to 2002 were the years that Frank really spend a lot of time around MJ. In the same periode MJ really looked as if he was having problems (It was a difficult time for him for many reasons). So I would expect Frank to have a lot to say on the topics of medications, and Mike being unhappy.

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I just don't understand what is the point in giving him the benefit of doubt when he said that Michael was addicted? What doubt? That he didn't say it? But he did! No doubt about it.

 

[xrisx]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Honestly I'm just tired of the "addict" talk. Even if Michael had some depency issues at come times in his life, even if he needed medication to deal with psychical pains.. is that really the only thing people need to be focusing on?

Why is that when people say they want to show the real Michael, that's what they first focus on?
There is so much more to Michael than that and that's why I'm dissapointed with Frank taking this route.
Of all people you would think he would have a better story to tell than this one.
I don't want to hear any of these people complain some years down the line when the "addict" talk will have officially become a part of Michael's legacy. Look at Elvis. It has tainted his legacy.
Let's not be naive to think the general public won't do it to Michael when seemingly everyone who was close to him at some point keeps the focus on this issue.

I'm just tired of it all. When I hear the words "showing the real Michael" I'm thinking his personality, his charity work that he did without the world watching, etc. The addict stuff is overdone imo. In fact seeing that documentary of Michael in Russia reminded me why I love him so much. Seeig him with those children....that's a part of the real Michael imo.

Again like I said before I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and hopefully in his book he will shine a light on the real Michael instead of his medical history. Or at least give the background story to the medical stuff.
But then again didn't Frank work for Michael at some point? I wonder why that ended. (Just thinking out loud , not trying to start anything)
Anyway I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I'm not so sure about the book anymore though..

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

We're mostly judging what he said in the last pages. Nobody's giving the review of the whole book.

perhaps you should re-read the last few pages. people have been saying that they won't buy the book etc solely based on that interview. That's taking that 3 minutes interview and generalizing it to the 300+ page book.

So what's the problem with expressing current disappointment and anger with what he said?

the problem is generalizing it to the book. I too expressed my unhappiness with the word "addict" but I did not go on to burn cities based on that one word one interview.

for example if objectively thinking what about what he said during Gest documentary? On that one he said he was not an addict and mentioned medical issues. That's totally different than 20/20 interview. That alone should stop people to ask "what's going on here" and logically wonder why the difference and ask for clarification.

For example what would happen if we get the book and it turns out drugs are such a small part of the book and it's explained that Michael had medical issues and hard times that he needed medicine and it was some opportunistic doctors that took advantage of a vulnerable man and abused his trust for money that caused the major issue.( Frank said the very such thing on 20/20 interview as well calling Murray the worst but no one seems to remember that). What then? Say sorry? To me that is an empty sorry. I really do not believe that you can hang a person and then say you are sorry for killing them.

In three minutes of interview he didn't have anything else to say but what he said? He wasn't obliged to mention it at all, but as a matter of fact he did.

did you watch the interview and hear the question "was Michael an addict?". It's not like he started the topic on his own. He tried to answer it by using "situational addict" and blame a bunch of doctors for it including Murray. Again everyone is focused on the word "addict" but fail to realize that he went on to blame some opportunistic doctors for Michael's "addiction" issues.

 

[claudiadoina]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

^^^^But the line must be drawn somewhere.........


But you gotta understand why fans are angry.........
......Michael endured so many insults and accusations but only very few came to his defence.......
......And now everybody comes forward to defend him.....but it's just too late......


This book might be the best book written about Michael.........but what's the point?......we already know how brilliant Michael was/is/will always be!!!

Why should somebody defend Michael?
What in the name of God did Michael do so terrible that he needs to be defended over and over again?I just don't get it.:sad:

 

[JMie]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

The way I see it, yes it was a small clip, probably edited, but it was Frank who gave this interview, who said those things and gave them the material to edit out the phrases. He shouldnt have talked about it at all. I dont think he is stupid and he was around Michael for enough time to find out all the dirty tricks that media uses to twist words. And with that in mind he should Not have given them anything at all. He could have talked about his musical genius (he's been to enough concerts and must have seen him writing and recording), he could have talked about his good heart (he visited hospitals and orphanages with Michael). He witnessed A LOT, and what does he choose to talk about? The drug use! How difficult is it to say to an interviewer "i am sorry i dont want to talk about it, instead lets talk about this and this". But no, he talks about drugs because its a hot topic and will help him attract potential readers' attention.

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Why should somebody defend Michael?
What in the name of God did Michael do so terrible that he needs to be defended over and over again?I just don't get it.:sad:

why are we defending Michael? Why do we email media outlets to get them stop using "jac*o", why did we protested to stop Discovery autopsy show?

It's not really that hard to understand. Michael is not here anymore and now other people - including fans - are standing for him , to protect him, to defend him etc. It's because of love.

 

[claudiadoina]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

why are we defending Michael? Why do we email media outlets to get them stop using "jac*o", why did we protested to stop Discovery autopsy show?

It's not really that hard to understand. Michael is not here anymore and now other people - including fans - are standing for him , to protect him, to defend him etc. It's because of love.

I know very well all these.It's not what I meant at all.

He didn't do anything wrong in his entire life, only good things and it is the saddest thing ever that somebody has to defend him.

Anyway it was a rhetorical guestion.

 

[Autumn II]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Agree to disagree, with some. That's ok, in a discussion. :flowers:

There are times when three minutes is all it takes to trash someone. I think Michael deserves better. I've done interviews before, and there are times when "no comment" IS your friend.

 

[classic]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

The way I see it, yes it was a small clip, probably edited, but it was Frank who gave this interview, who said those things and gave them the material to edit out the phrases. He shouldnt have talked about it at all. I dont think he is stupid and he was around Michael for enough time to find out all the dirty tricks that media uses to twist words. And with that in mind he should Not have given them anything at all. He could have talked about his musical genius (he's been to enough concerts and must have seen him writing and recording), he could have talked about his good heart (he visited hospitals and orphanages with Michael). He witnessed A LOT, and what does he choose to talk about? The drug use! How difficult is it to say to an interviewer "i am sorry i dont want to talk about it, instead lets talk about this and this". But no, he talks about drugs because its a hot topic and will help him attract potential readers' attention.

The problem with avoiding a question is that the media and public oftentimes, especially in this cynical world, takes that as confirmation rather than simply a request for privacy.

 

[claudiadoina]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

The problem with avoiding a question is that the media and public oftentimes, especially in this cynical world, takes that as confirmation rather than simply a request for privacy.

But isn't that you may know and agree the questions asked before the interview is actually done?

 

[Autumn II]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

But isn't that you may know and agree the questions asked before the interview is actually done?

Actually, that is possible. There may be an option to preview and agree to the questions, OR, if they are not acceptable, to decline the interview. It is also possible to state before the interview that some questions are off-limits, and name the topics you don't want to discuss (I know. I've done it). If a person is to undertake promotion of something, be it product or original idea, then one would hope that the person would be prepared and would behave in a professional way. Or, have a PR adviser and actually PRACTICE. That DOES happen. Questions about "medications" surely could have been anticipated and prepared for, i.e. "no comment" would be best, in that Frank DOES know that the jury is in deliberations.

(If you think that all jurors, everywhere, follow the letter of the judge's instructions, then I've got a bridge in Brooklyn I want to sell you.)

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

People say that I am sometimes delirious... That I rave... Yet, I am among those who is as reasonable as one could be! I don't know if people realize how Cartesian I am!

All I do is reporting facts as I observe them. It is true, there is observe and observe! It depends on the definition we give to the word "observe".

For example: When people are asked to observe silence... instead of observing it, like we observe the eclipse of the moon, they listen to it...

...bowed heads, with that!

They aren't able to see the silence though. They fear it! So, as soon as silence pops up, as if an angel just passed by, people fill it by saying:

'Funny! An angel has just passed!' although the people didn't see pass the angel by!

But, if they were brave enough, like me, to observe silence face to face, they'd see the angel! For, ladies and gentlemen, when an angel passes by, I can see it! I am the only one maybe, but I do see it! Of course, I never say when an angel passes by,
because if I said it, automatically a doubt would hang over in the forum!

I can see it hanging over... the doubt! Of course, I never say that I see a doubt hanging over, because if I said it, I'd immediately be interrogated:

'What do you mean a doubt is hanging over?'
'Like a waving hand in the air?'
'How do you identify a doubt with certainty?'

Well my answer is: thanks to its shadow!

The shadow of a doubt is something everyone knows about. If the doubt casts a shadow, it means that -there's no shadow of a doubt- the doubt exists...!

And, we know the number of doubts depends on the number of shadows! If there is a hundred of shadows, there is a hundred of doubts. I don't know how to convince you?! I'd give you my word, but you'll put it in doubt!

The doubt... If I saw it hanging over I'd say: 'I see a doubt hanging over.' And immediately there'd be silence...
Because of it someone would then probably say: 'Funny, an angel has just passed by!' And we'd have to start all over again!

Regarding the angel, I was also asked some insidious questions: 'Tell me, your angel, what's its gender?' To that, I can't do otherwise but let the doubt hang over, because I don't have a clue!

'Where does it come from?' I don't know, but, it goes to its fall!

Because the angel, attracted by the lights of this forum throws itself into it... Dazzled, the angel gets its wings burnt and the angel falls. And, an angel that has fallen is fallen.

Ladies and gentlemen... to the memory of all the angels that have fallen in this forum, let's observe a minute of silence...

Only doubts will hang over...


[thanks to Raymond Devos]

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

perhaps you should re-read the last few pages. people have been saying that they won't buy the book etc solely based on that interview. That's taking that 3 minutes interview and generalizing it to the 300+ page book.

Well, he missed the opportunity to promote his book as he should, or he just missed the target audience and turned to those who like reading scandals.

the problem is generalizing it to the book. I too expressed my unhappiness with the word "addict" but I did not go on to burn cities based on that one word one interview.

for example if objectively thinking what about what he said during Gest documentary? On that one he said he was not an addict and mentioned medical issues. That's totally different than 20/20 interview. That alone should stop people to ask "what's going on here" and logically wonder why the difference and ask for clarification.

For example what would happen if we get the book and it turns out drugs are such a small part of the book and it's explained that Michael had medical issues and hard times that he needed medicine and it was some opportunistic doctors that took advantage of a vulnerable man and abused his trust for money that caused the major issue.( Frank said the very such thing on 20/20 interview as well calling Murray the worst but no one seems to remember that). What then? Say sorry? To me that is an empty sorry. I really do not believe that you can hang a person and then say you are sorry for killing them.

See above

did you watch the interview and hear the question "was Michael an addict?". It's not like he started the topic on his own. He tried to answer it by using "situational addict" and blame a bunch of doctors for it including Murray. Again everyone is focused on the word "addict" but fail to realize that he went on to blame some opportunistic doctors for Michael's "addiction" issues.

He could have skipped such questions, he wasn't threatened.

 

[love is magical]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

When Janet Jackson told Robin Roberts that her family had "interventions" several times without success, nobody said let's give her benefits of doubt, nobody suggested her words may be taken out of context or her interview was edited. Janet Jackson didn't even use the word "addict" at all. Nevertheless, she became the sister who called her dead brother an addict.

I'm against judging a book or a film prematurely. I'm not criticizing Frank's book. I won't call the book anything before knowing what it's really about. My disappointment bases solely on his interview with 20/20. The fact that he would use "drug talks" to promote his book is enough for me to be angry and skeptical. What he said could be the truth, but was not thoughtful and was self serving. Yeah... He warned Michael and took drugs away from him to prevent overdose. Did he think he had Michael's interest in heart disclosing such details on national TV? What misconception could he clear? That Michael was surrounded by "bad" doctors. Hello? Don't we all know Michael was over medicated and died at the hands of a negligent doctor? What's new there? One thing I was not aware of before - Frank took drugs out from Michael's room, so no bad thing can happen. Thanks Frank.

As far as I'm concerned, Frank's book can be filled with warm and funny stories about Michael. But, it doesn't excuse him from plugging his book by feeding the media. The damage is done. Anyway, this type of memoir is not what I want to read. Like Michael said, I want to read about what inspired a great artist. I want to learn about the creative process. Not who he dated, or the brand of candy he liked. These private details are so trivial and invasive.

 

[PaceMioDolceCuore]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

]

...

What perhaps affects my behavior is not my "friendship" with Frank or such , it's a personal thing. I came to US as an immigrant and after 9/11 I was judged, condemned and hanged due to my religion and nationality. Seeing people play judge, jury , hangman before listening to everything is what I cannot wrap my head around.

That!

People rightly get all upset when Michael gets labeled all sorts of things, gets called J*cko and the like. Yet at the same time for some it seems acceptable to be calling people "rats and leeches".

The vitriol in just the last few pages is once more astounding.

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

That!

People rightly get all upset when Michael gets labeled all sorts of things, gets called J*cko and the like. Yet at the same time for some it seems acceptable to be calling people "rats and leeches".

The vitriol in just the last few pages is once more astounding.

Michael himself called people who took advantage of him "leeches"

 

[ExoticPrincess]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

So this is Klien's rebuttal for "the Klien made him addicted to demoral" claim. Now Klien blames others for getting Michael addicted to prof and here we have the addiction word again. Basically, this month will be the addiction month, so lets see who will come forward next.

I keep saying it, I truly believe Grace will be next, but it won't only be about drugs, she will also drag his children in the mix. I really do hope she stays in the shadows and not add to this disgusting exploitation.

Frank is smart enough to know this book won't sell without digging up some dirt for the media to run with, the positive headlines are'nt the ones used to attract viewers or buyers, its the negative ones. No one can tell me that Frank did'nt already realise that the media would run with all the 'drug addictiction' commentary given whats going on in the trial. He says he's doing this for Michael, well I beg to differ, he's doing this for himself and using his time spent with Michael to get some credibility.

In the end Michael loses yet again.

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I keep saying it, I truly believe Grace will be next, but it won't only be about drugs, she will also drag his children in the mix. I really do hope she stays in the shadows and not add to this disgusting exploitation.

When Michael died, someone said on CNN (was it Jermaine?) something like "Be prepared, expect people claiming to have known Michael to pop up and talk and write about Michael creating nothing but controversy in order to get profit." Whoever said it, he was so right.

 

[Memefan]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

But, if the book is wrong to be out there, why would anyone here want a review of it and to know what is in it? People are calling this family "rats" or not true friends because of what? If we learn that Michael really disappointed someone and truly let them down, would he then become a rat also and never really valued that friendship either. So, was Whitney Houston and Gladys Knight rats because they talked about conversations they had with Michael or time spent with Michael during the accusation/trial period? Are people on this board ready to say they no longer want to hear anything information about Michael that is not already available prior to his death? It sounds like that is what people want.

Well, it's best being informed to know what's we are up against. Don't you think?

That!

People rightly get all upset when Michael gets labeled all sorts of things, gets called J*cko and the like. Yet at the same time for some it seems acceptable to be calling people "rats and leeches".

The vitriol in just the last few pages is once more astounding.

**rolls eyes** what is this....censorship?

Rat: (person known for betrayal): traitor (see for more synonyms)

leech: a hanger-on who seeks advantage or gain

Again, tell me what is wrong with these words? on the other hand, You might want to look up vitriol...

Michael himself called people who took advantage of him "leeches"

Hmmmmmmm...What's wrong with "leeches"? Even if MJ never said the word, to me it is appropriate.



ETA. All we are asking is for people to restrain themselves during jury deliberations.
is that too much to ask?


This drama is over, until i read Ivy's upcoming review/summary.

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Well, it's best being informed to know what's we are up against. Don't you think?


Hmmmmmmm...What's wrong with leeches? Even if MJ never said the word, to me it is appropriate.

I think that more fans have been using this word since MJ said it himself.

I don't understand why some fans are not ok when other fans use that word in defense of Michael Jackson against the people who take advantage of Michael Jackson's name for the money, yet the very same fans are saying nothing when Michael Jackson himself uses the word "leeches"?

 

[Autumn II]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I am fully capable of making an informed decision about what I think, and what I do or do not want to do (I do not want to buy that book) based on a three-minute statement, or a thirty-second statement, if that statement crosses the line and once again mentions "the A-word" and discloses ANYTHING that should be kept private. If a person says to me, or says about someone I care about, "you are are a. . . " and that statement crosses the line, and takes thirty seconds or less? Message DELIVERED. And especially, now that the jury is in deliberations, and with Michael being trashed all over the place, yet again. . . . that is bad timing, Frank. If that was "the hook," then I expect a whole lot of fans didn't take that particular bait. If some want to read it, no problem, but my dollars will not make their ways into Frank's pocket, yes, based on that ONE, ill-timed and badly prepared. . . statement.

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I am fully capable of making an informed decision about what I think, and what I do or do not want to do (I do not want to buy that book) based on a three-minute statement, or a thirty-second statement, if that statement crosses the line and once again mentions "the A-word" and discloses ANYTHING that should be kept private. If a person says to me, or says about someone I care about, "you are are a. . . " and that statement crosses the line, and takes thirty seconds or less? Message DELIVERED. And especially, now that the jury is in deliberations, and with Michael being trashed all over the place, yet again. . . . that is bad timing, Frank. If that was "the hook," then I expect a whole lot of fans didn't take that particular bait. If some want to read it, no problem, but my dollars will not make their ways into Frank's pocket, yes, based on that ONE, ill-timed and badly prepared. . . statement.

Well if you analyze it business-wise, it is perfect timing. I just think that Frank targeted the voyeurs and scandal readers. He succeded.

 

[twinklEE]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I don't see the problem in calling people out for what they are, which is rats and leeches. Michael on the other hand was never 'w.cko/j.cko'. Or any other degrading name they called him.

 

[jrsfan]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I keep saying it, I truly believe Grace will be next, but it won't only be about drugs, she will also drag his children in the mix. I really do hope she stays in the shadows and not add to this disgusting exploitation. Frank is smart enough to know this book won't sell without digging up some dirt for the media to run with, the positive headlines are'nt the ones used to attract viewers or buyers, its the negative ones. No one can tell me that Frank did'nt already realise that the media would run with all the 'drug addictiction' commentary given whats going on in the trial. He says he's doing this for Michael, well I beg to differ, he's doing this for himself and using his time spent with Michael to get some credibility. In the end Michael loses yet again.

I think Grace will be next too.

 

[Autumn II]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Well if you analyze it business-wise, it is perfect timing. I just think that Frank targeted the voyeurs and scandal readers. He succeded.

Yeah, in that he may have succeeded, but I'm sure he alienated a lot of fans. I was actually somewhat neutral about this book, until his three minutes of fame. Not neutral anymore. . . . . . :bugeyed

 

[qbee]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I see a lot of speculation and opinions about Frank's Motives. I hope no one has to eat crow after the book is released
myself Im looking for an honest portrayal of thier friendship and Michael as Frank knew him as no one else could.

 

[StellaJackson]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I see a lot of speculation and opinions about Frank's Motives. I hope no one has to eat crow after the book is released
myself Im looking for an honest portrayal of thier friendship and Michael as Frank knew him as no one else could.

But how can we trust him to be honest after you know what? This is the problem. the entire family shot their good character up the wall and I for one won't be able to trust them again.

 

[Snow White luvs Peter Pan]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Did he run his mouth off during 20/20 intervew? My dissapoitment comes from what he said in that stupid documentary.