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

[Ashtanga]

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

 

[love is magical]

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

Ivy, 99.5% of people that watched 20/20 would not be able to distinguish the difference between long term drug addict and situational addict because they do not research Michael Jackson the way we do. To most, the misconception that Michael was an addict is reinforced.

What Janet said on her Robin Robert special is no better or worse than what Frank said on 20/20.

Frank may mean well, but it came out really bad.

Again, if it's inexcusable for Tito and Rebbie talked about intervention during trial, why it's somewhat okay for Frank to describe Michael as situational addict during jury deliberation?

May be if you see things from a non-fan's view, you'll see how bad Frank's interview was.

 

[serendipity]

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

You took the words right out of my mouth. I was about to say something similar. There is no platform that will have the same impact as a 20/20 interview. Frank should have thought of that backlash from fans when he gave that interview. He is talking to one fan to help him out. As a friend of Michael he should be outraged about the interview and immediately come out with a big statement on his facebook or some other outlet. If I had a close friend and was going to write a book to correct misconceptions and a tv program edited my interview in a way that would harm my friend, I would be screaming from the roof tops on behalf of my friend. It seems it is not that important if he is waiting for Ivy so they could come up with a platform. I am not impressed.

The problem is these "explanations" now that he wants to do for the fans are ALSO self-serving, because he's worried that his sales will suffer after the backlash. He chose this time to promote his book during the trial deliberately, because the topic of "addiction" is at an all time high. He wasn't caring about MJ when he did that, he was caring about selling his book. And now worried the sales may suffer he wants to "explain himself" to the fans -- the only ones likely to buy his book. Again, I see a self-serving person, trying to sell a product at his "friend's" expense. Like you said, I'm not impressed.

 

[ivy]

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

He is talking to one fan to help him out.

he's not talking to me for help.

As a friend of Michael he should be outraged about the interview and immediately come out with a big statement on his facebook or some other outlet. It seems it is not that important if he is waiting for Ivy so they could come up with a platform. I am not impressed.

he's not waiting for me either. we were trying to come up with a platform that everyone can ask questions and express their concerns. you don't want that and prefer a statement? am I in fault for trying to give you a chance to ask and talk?

fine I'll ask for a statement. I'm f*cking tired to try to bring something to you that you all can have a chance to express yourselves. What was I thinking?

 

[love is magical]

he's not talking to me for help.he's not waiting for me either. we were trying to come up with a platform that everyone can ask questions and express their concerns. you don't want that and prefer a statement? am I in fault for trying to give you a chance to ask and talk?

Ivy, people's frustration and anger expressed here are never towards you. Honestly, I don't know how mesningful it is to have a platform or Q&A session. Fans are not the one who have misconceptions. It's the public who have misconceptions.

 

[classic]

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

Does Frank actually use the term situational addict in the interview? I notice there wasn't a full quote around these words in the article. Or is that the news reporter's own description or summary of how the reporter interpreted what Frank stated.

This is from the article: "Years later, Cascio began working for Jackson. He said he would keep Jackson's stashes of the anti-anxiety drug Xanax, the narcotic painkiller Percocet or the sedative Valium out of Jackson's reach at night."I wanted to always make sure I had them with me and not have anything in his room where he didn't wake up and say, 'I can't sleep tonight,' and not realize what he's taking. I was trying to think 10 steps ahead," Cascio said.Jackson, he said, resorted to certain medications when he "just wanted to escape all the chaos."Cascio said the drug he worried about most was Demerol."I didn't like what it did to him at all," Cascio said. "There was a change in personalities, especially when you saw him coming down from it and, you know, he became a different person."Cascio said Jackson became angry, bitter and "mad at everyone just taking advantage of him.""That's not a person that I was very fond of," he said. "That's not a person that I know that he wasn't fond of."

Is this really what people are upset about? He was being protective. He was young when Michael went to rehab so maybe that fear never left him that it could happen again; whatever he experienced or saw may have been heightened by that fact. Actually, I could not lie about wishing he had been with Michael in June, maybe sacking out on the floor keeping an eye on Murray.

He isn't trashing Michael. He isn't making him seem something that he isn't. He's not being vague about what he saw. He focuses on how the problem was more of one with doctors and others versus Michael necessarily being on the prowl for medications and drugs. He refers to Michael having to deal with the chaos in his life at times; he's probably been there enough to know that the situations may have increased a need for medications that Michael otherwise would not take. That is very important because that clarifies he wasn't someone just in a stupor from day to day, week to week, month to month as some has made it seem.

Maybe it is me, but I don't read this and think Michael was abusing prescription meds. I read it and think that Frank was extremely fearful about the medications. The hang-up may have been his more than Michael taking more than necessary. The statement about not wanting him to wake up and take something that he didn't realize he was taking isn't an indication of thinking that someone is an addict; he didn't say he didn't want him to take anything at all. He just wanted to know that in a groggy or anxious/agitated state that Michael got the right thing (what he actually wanted to take) because people do mis-take medications at times. What's interesting is that he doesn't say that Michael got mad at him for holding on to the medications, so maybe he saw it as a safeguard.

This is in the end simply Frank's perspective of his experiences with Michael.

If this is about Frank disclosing information that only he knew beforehand, is it really fair to think that his friends will never share personal stories about him? It doesn't matter if another friend chooses not to do so. How can he tell about Michael as he really was versus the media's tabloid portrayal without anecdotes from their friendship? It would be like someone saying that they know personally that he had vitiligo but refusing to state how they knew it. Or when people state how he was such a great father, they give examples. It is going to happen.

Do you all really want no one to talk about Michael the person ever? Because at this rate, that is what will happen. I happen to think that there is so much to learn from him as a person and not just as an entertainer. The general public really missed the boat on this by not making it easier for him to be more open to more interviews.

And as for the timing of this . . . well, the discussion about doctors and medication is going on now; so get it out now and not rehashing it again months down the road. He has information about a relevant topic that is being discussed now. I didn't see people having a problem with him discussing Michael during the '05 trial; he discussed what was the relevant news issue at the time. Were people upset then that he spoke out while there was a trial or jury deliberations? Because if not, how can you be now?

And again as for the jury, I think that we have plenty of instances to prove that jurors tend to not give a rip about what is in the media when it comes to doing their jobs. If not, Michael probably would have been convicted; Casey Anthony probably wouldn't have been found not guilty. If the jury finds Murray not guilty because of what Frank said, then I highly doubt they were on the verge of convicting anyway. The issues that Frank discusses have nothing to do with the issues that the jury must decide. If anything he stresses the point about the "bad" doctors just looking for money.

Finally, I agree with Ivy for why I also had a problem with things coming from the family. Also, they were too many inconsistencies from them to make me think that things happened the way they said they did; so they may have been concerned, but I still don't think all went down the way they stated. And Frank didt not intertwine Michael's death with any problems he may have had with pain medications and Frank doesn't act as if Michael's life would have been perfect if only he had clung to Frank more than he did.

And is the public really giving Frank's comments that much attention? This is the only place I've seen it discussed heavily and raked over the coals.

 

[max000]

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

Hi Ivy...... you are fired up tonight and getting closer and closer to what is begging to be said.

 

[missred07]

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

do you want him to take back this?

But then there were, as Cascio calls them, the "random people" -- doctors, he said, who saw Jackson as "a money pit."

"They were just selfish, disgusting doctors that knew they would get paid," Cascio said. "They would, like, push [medications] on him because they knew he would pay them."

everyone seems to focus on only one part "situational addict" but fail to realize that he went to blame some doctors for his addiction issues and ended it with saying that Murray was the worst.

Honestly, This part is also upsetting me. He did make MJ sounds like he was doctor shopping that the doctor would give MJ drugs because they know he would pay them like the media said. This sounds quite bad. I think it sound even worse than "situational addict" (which I really don't know what's that supposed to mean by Frank). I actually want him took back all the 20/20 interview. The whole tune just sounds like MJ did doctor shop and the doctor would give him whatever he wanted because of money. How does that sound good during this sensitive time? I really don't understand. I am not talking about the book but the whole interview just really make me really disappointed. For a long time, I like the Cascios, I do want to believe they are the ones truly care for MJ. However, what he said in 20/20 is really quite bad.

 

[ivy]

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

And is the public really giving Frank's comments that much attention? This is the only place I've seen it discussed heavily and raked over the coals.

they are not. no other media even picked the story and no other fan site is discussing this issue in this length and depth and in this anger.


and I'm done. I'll ask for a statement and will never ever go out of my way to do something for everyone.

 

[classic]

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

The problem is these "explanations" now that he wants to do for the fans are ALSO self-serving, because he's worried that his sales will suffer after the backlash. He chose this time to promote his book during the trial deliberately, because the topic of "addiction" is at an all time high. He wasn't caring about MJ when he did that, he was caring about selling his book. And now worried the sales may suffer he wants to "explain himself" to the fans -- the only ones likely to buy his book. Again, I see a self-serving person, trying to sell a product at his "friend's" expense. Like you said, I'm not impressed.

Let's be fair. Even the judge did not think that we would still have a jury working this case at this time. The trial was suppose to be over even based on the given timeline after the last change in scheduling. So, there wasn't any deliberate use of trial time. Heck, has he even started a real, high promo yet for the book and it is a week before release date?

And Michael was not harmed by what he said. Neither has the outcome of the trial.

 

[love is magical]

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

Classic, no offense. Why don't you watch the actual 20/20 segment and see what Frank actually said?

Also, I dont think the public is actively discussing Tito and Rebbie's interview neither. So?

I just saw a documentary about Michael's concert in Moscow in 1993. During the whole film, the word "drug" is not used at all. We saw footage of orphanage visit. That smile of Michael when he held a baby said it all.

 

[StellaJackson]

and how do you know that? from your crystal ball?

if you must know he contacted me and we have been trying to come up with a platform that would allow him to express himself.

he does care.

Then why does he refuse to answer the many respectable questions that we have asked him on twitter? Because he has something to hide thats why.

 

[Autumn II]

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

There may not be a "right time" to discuss MJ's drug issues, but this certainly is the WORST possible time. Why during jury deliberations? He couldn't wait until the trial is over? Honestly? Don't tell me this isn't self-serving.

(BTW, there is no need to discuss MJ's drug issues at all quite frankly, no need whatsoever. Who really needs this and benefits from it, other the person discussing it and selling the product? Because it certainly isn't Michael)

Unless he "expresses himself" to the public at large (and potentially the jury), it is all moot IMO. The fans need no explanations, we know MJ had health issues and he wasn't stuffing himself with drugs for the heck of it. He can't undo what he did in that interview no matter how much he explains himself. The damage is done.

If he truly cared for MJ and not not only for himself, he should've waited a few days until the trial is over. It's the very least he could've done. It's too late now.

Thank you. I do applaud Frank for anything he did to try to help Michael, and for being a friend to him. That doesn't mean he had to WRITE ABOUT IT. That is a violation, IMHO, and that he did so is discouraging, and disappointing.

I don't want to ask Frank any "questions," at all, and certainly don't want him to "explain" anything further. Nothing more. The damage has been done. I just hope he gives no more interviews, at all, and I wish he hadn't said what he did on national tv, at such an unfortunate time.

Michael endured so MUCH during his life, and now there are the incredible invasions of the trial and the awful "talking-heads," and to me it seems like his good works are being eclipsed. It does NOT make it ok now, to discuss "the A-word." Not that Michael didn't have problems with that. . . clearly there were issues...but just because others are hanging his private life out to dry, doesn't mean that we should. The man deserves some RESPECT, and some PRIVACY. Because others have endlessly discussed it, and still are, does NOT make it ok for us to do the same. Self-restraint can be a virtue, and so can SILENCE.

Personally? I PLEDGE not to discuss, speculate about, try to figure out, or seek more information about -- Michael and MEDICATIONS. I am NOT in denial that there were issues. I just want him to have the respect he truly deserves. I PLEDGE not to discuss it, nor read about it. I'm DONE. I'm going to choose to focus on the many wonderful and positive things about Michael, and I'm just so sorry he had so much pain, and so many challenges in his life. IMHO, Frank should not have said what he said, at any time, and especially at such a critical moment. He blew it, IMO, and that's the end of it for me. No "explanations" necessary, from him.

 

[ivy]

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

Then why does he refuse to answer the many respectable questions that we have asked him on twitter? Because he has something to hide thats why.

who are you kidding with the "respectable questions" part? when I run a search for him all I see is cursing.

 

[Petrarose]

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

he's not talking to me for help.



he's not waiting for me either. we were trying to come up with a platform that everyone can ask questions and express their concerns. you don't want that and prefer a statement? am I in fault for trying to give you a chance to ask and talk?

fine I'll ask for a statement. I'm f*cking tired to try to bring something to you that you all can have a chance to express yourselves. What was I thinking?

Oh no Ivy I am not blaming you for anything. This is something Frank caused and here we have again a Cascio causing conflict in the community due to their behavior. The only reason why you are caught up in this is because you are the main one who aggressively supports Frank's behavior in reference to the 20/20 interview and you said you are working on a platform for Frank (I paraphrase). However, I read your comment to me and saw where you are coming from so I have left it at that. My comments from now on is in reference to Frank.

 

[classic]

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

Honestly, This part is also upsetting me. He did make MJ sounds like he was doctor shopping that the doctor would give MJ drugs because they know he would pay them like the media said. This sounds quite bad. I think it sound even worse than "situational addict" (which I really don't know what's that supposed to mean by Frank). I actually want him took back all the 20/20 interview. The whole tune just sounds like MJ did doctor shop and the doctor would give him whatever he wanted because of money. How does that sound good during this sensitive time? I really don't understand. I am not talking about the book but the whole interview just really make me really disappointed. For a long time, I like the Cascios, I do want to believe they are the ones truly care for MJ. However, what he said in 20/20 is really quite bad.

To me, it sounded as if Frank was talking about some doctors inserting themselves into Michael's life. I remember during the trial, there were plenty of people stating how they could help Michael with this or that if they could get in touch with him. Who was the person talking then about some compression machine that could help Michael? It was crazy and that is just from who we know about. If you are in pain or someone knows you suffer from chronic insomnia, they probably know that it would not be hard to convince you to try their services.

 

[missred07]

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

Ivy, 99.5% of people that watched 20/20 would not be able to distinguish the difference between long term drug addict and situational addict because they do not research Michael Jackson the way we do. To most, the misconception that Michael was an addict is reinforced.

What Janet said on her Robin Robert special is no better or worse than what Frank said on 20/20.

Frank may mean well, but it came out really bad.

Again, if it's inexcusable for Tito and Rebbie talked about intervention during trial, why it's somewhat okay for Frank to describe Michael as situational addict during jury deliberation?

May be if you see things from a non-fan's view, you'll see how bad Frank's interview was.

I have to agree with this post. What the Jacksons did is really bad but Frank's 20/20 interview is also quite bad. Fans got angry with the Jacksons and for sure the fans got angry with Frank. Honestly, I think the fans will be way more disappointed to Frank than the Jacksons since most of us already give up for the Jacksons. However, there are way more people think the Cascios are those who support MJ and want nothing back. I still want to believe that Frank didn't mean to say anything harmful but the fact is his 20/20 interview did make MJ sounds quite bad and the timing is just horrible. To me, it not just the "situational addict" upset me. The whole things he said about drugs all sound quite bad and fit the tune with the media.

To Classic, you can just go watch the second half of the interview on ABC website. The situational addict did come out from his own mouth.

 

[love is magical]

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

Agreed with Autumn. Why we feel we have the need to learn every single detail of the man's private life? All in the name of getting informed and knowing the truth. What we don't realized is that we are invading the privacy that the man valued so much in life. Do you think Michael would be happy to know that his friend told the world that he too pills away from him?

I think, as a fanbase, we have some soul searching to do.

In so many way, Michael Jackson is his music. Learning and studying his artistry is the beat way to get to know Michael Jackson. What Frank said is WIND.

 

[StellaJackson]

who are you kidding with the "respectable questions" part? when I run a search for him all I see is cursing.

There have been plenty of respectable questions, especially in the last week. The actions of the Cascios are indefensible.

 

[classic]

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

Classic, no offense. Why don't you watch the actual 20/20 segment and see what Frank actually said?

Also, I dont think the public is actively discussing Tito and Rebbie's interview neither. So?

I just saw a documentary about Michael's concert in Moscow in 1993. During the whole film, the word "drug" is not used at all. We saw footage of orphanage visit. That smile of Michael when he held a baby said it all.

No offense. But, I get what he said. He stated his observations, interactions, and feelings about a situation concerning Michael that is being heavily discussed right now. My not sharing your interpretation or viewpoint does equate to not knowing what was said.


And the fact that you saw this documentary should tell you that Michael's legacy will not ever be about drugs and addictions no more than it will be about child molestation charges.

 

[missred07]

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

To me, it sounded as if Frank was talking about some doctors inserting themselves into Michael's life. I remember during the trial, there were plenty of people stating how they could help Michael with this or that if they could get in touch with him. Who was the person talking then about some compression machine that could help Michael? It was crazy and that is just from who we know about. If you are in pain or someone knows you suffer from chronic insomnia, they probably know that it would not be hard to convince you to try their services.

Ha, I guess, it's the interpretation from different people. I think it might go either way. My father watched the 20/20 with me and he said I am in denial that MJ likes to doctor shop for years and even one of my best friend say so. That's why I feel more and more frustrated and anger over with his interview. SIGH....

 

[love is magical]

No offense. But, I get what he said. He stated his observations, interactions, and feelings about a situation concerning Michael that is being heavily discussed right now. And the fact that you saw this documentary should tell you that Michael's legacy will not ever be about drugs and addictions no more than it will be about child molestation charges.

But, you did ask whether Frank used the term situational addict himself. If you have watched the segment, then you would know. Of course I know what Michael's legacy is. I'm talking about public misconception. Frank said he wanted to clear some misconceptions. I just don't see how if he was promoting his book with drug talk.

 

[Petrarose]

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

Personally? I PLEDGE not to discuss, speculate about, try to figure out, or seek more information about -- Michael and MEDICATIONS. I am NOT in denial that there were issues. I just want him to have the respect he truly deserves. I PLEDGE not to discuss it, nor read about it. I'm DONE. I'm going to choose to focus on the many wonderful and positive things about Michael, and I'm just so sorry he had so much pain, and so many challenges in his life. IMHO, Frank should not have said what he said, at any time, and especially at such a critical moment. He blew it, IMO, and that's the end of it for me. No "explanations" necessary, from him.

Autumn that pledge really touched me. Thank you. It is a good pledge to follow and in the long run that is what we will have to focus on because we cannot dwell on negatives to long. They drain the spirit. Michael's legacy depends on us focusing on his contributions to music and humanity. Thanks for bringing this back to the forefront.

Ivy I don't like when you get upset, because you are the most beloved admin here. Don't get too mad at us.

 

[classic]

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

Agreed with Autumn. Why we feel we have the need to learn every single detail of the man's private life? All in the name of getting informed and knowing the truth. What we don't realized is that we are invading the privacy that the man valued so much in life. Do you think Michael would be happy to know that his friend told the world that he too pills away from him?

I think, as a fanbase, we have some soul searching to do.

In so many way, Michael Jackson is his music. Learning and studying his artistry is the beat way to get to know Michael Jackson. What Frank said is WIND.

Then you will support stripping this site of everything about Michael that is not music related?

 

[love is magical]

Ha, I guess, it's the interpretation from different people. I think it might go either way. My father watched the 20/20 with me and he said I am in denial that MJ likes to doctor shop for years and even one of my best friend say so. That's why I feel more and more frustrated and anger over with his interview. SIGH....

That's why I react the way I react as well. I watched the 20/20 with my friend. Her first comment "Gee. MJ was such a druggie."Again, the average Joe will not interpret Frank's words the way Classic and Ivy do here.

 

[love is magical]

Then you will support stripping this site of everything about Michael that is not music related?

I'm just voicing out my opinion. There is no need to blow my comment out of proportion.

 

[claudiadoina]

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

He blew it, IMO, and that's the end of it for me. No "explanations" necessary, from him.

This.
IMO he blew it from the moment he announced he will write a book.

 

[classic]

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

But, you did ask whether Frank used the term situational addict himself. If you have watched the segment, then you would know. Of course I know what Michael's legacy is. I'm talking about public misconception. Frank said he wanted to clear some misconceptions. I just don't see how if he was promoting his book with drug talk.

Maybe what you think is the misconception and what Frank thinks is the misconception are two different things because he was there. What do you define is the misconception?

 

[Petrarose]

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

Ha, I guess, it's the interpretation from different people. I think it might go either way. My father watched the 20/20 with me and he said I am in denial that MJ likes to doctor shop for years and even one of my best friend say so. That's why I feel more and more frustrated and anger over with his interview. SIGH....

You see that is why most of us get frustrated, because the average person listens to these programs and use the information in a general way which is what the reporter wants. If Frank says he had to remove Michael's meds from his bedside, the general public will conclude that this happens all the time and connect this with his death. That is why it is important when talking about Michael Jackson, people have to watch what they say. The media do not use time/dates because they want to cement a general idea of who Michael Jackson really is, and that idea is a negative one.

 

[claudiadoina]

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

Maybe what you think is the misconception and what Frank thinks is the misconception are two different things because he was there. What do you define is the misconception?

If we are in the same team the definition must be the same.