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

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Whoa going on a show like Dr. Drew where the host is a drug specialist (or whatever he likes to call himself and his favorite subject) is a major NO, NO! Especially if you don't want drug talk to be the major topic of ur book or have people think that's what it's mostly about. Common sense would have told Frank that?! And it also would have told him if u can't do a good job in interviews then it wasn't such a bright idea writing a book that u would have to do interviews for.:ermm:

Honestly, publicly the book is failing and making things worse for those that will not care to even bother to buy it and see how he explains things clearer. Although it seems some things get's more confusing really from the bits I read IMO. But, on a personal level for some fans that don't mind the book I don't see this helping MJs image in anyway cause we already had love for him. So it really ain't gonna changed much it seems for the outsiders which is a shame cause wasn't that the "promise?" smh
 
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Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

i don't meant this flippantly but Propofol has seen the biggest brand awareness campaign in this decade!

I don't for a minute doubt the authenticity or the close friendship Michael shared with the Cascios..in fact I'm sure they were much better confidantes to Michael than his own family. My problem is with Books like these, if you decide to detail use of prescription medication then you have to understand that it will be misinterpreted and misquoted given the high profile nature of Michael and his demise.

Sadly, Frank's book and its underlying purpose is preaching to the converted. we already knew Michael was hurting, we knew he wasn't chasing highs and wasn't a drug addict but as long as you choose to publish it then you're going to get headlines such as below. Working for the most famous man on earth should have taught Frank to keep some things private and speculation and opinions are dangerous territory. He can't even defend himself at interviews because he isn't cut out for it. Fingers crossed we won't see anymore rubbish kicked up.


People update: Michael Jackson was on Propofol in 1999, manager says

?
San Jose Mercury News - Tony Hicks - 2 days ago
Michael Jackson took Propofol as early as 1999, a former manager claims in a new book, and says Jackson was late to his 30th anniversary ...
Michael Jackson was taking Propofol from? CTV.ca








 
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Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

The point is to promote the book to get people to read it. The best way to do that is the highest and viewed shows. He want people to read the story for themselves. The publishers sets up these Interviews - But frank is not a celebrity or used to being interviewed. Hopefully after Dr Drew he will get more prepared. I just dont think he is cut out for these interviews. He is very shy.

Do you know what Drew's ratings are? This has absolutely NOTHING to do with ratings.

Drew is a bottom feeder just like frank. Frank went there because a serious show like Anderson Cooper & other higher rated show wouldn't get him on.

I will leave you the pleasure of discovering Drew's disastrous ratings for yourself.

So all of you worrying of what a disaster the interview was (I don't watch Drew, regardless of who's on), take solace, not many people watch that junk.

Taj Jackson


Unfortunately I still have 2 expose a lot of lies out there, & educate those who think they knew MJ better than some of his own family.

Taj Jackson

Tomorrow will be that day.

Taj Jackson

Hypocrisy, Lies, Rumors, Double Standards,and Vindictiveness. I'm gonna set a lot of the record straight.

Taj Jackson

I was taught growing up to ignore ridiculous rumors and lies. However we live at a time when negativity grows faster than the truth.

Wonder if these tweets will be Frank related? interesting.

Everyone knows, i am EMPHATICALLY against the Jacksons. Every single one of them.

But if Taj gets his act together, i will do a complete 180. So he better comes through today and call out, no only the self-serving Cascios (true heirs? lol) but also, the hypocrisy we've been witnessing in the fan community.

Time for Jacksons to stop acting like greedy m**f*** and start putting MJ's interests above their schemes.
 
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Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

''some'' people are giving frank too much of a benefit of a doubt here
hilarious to read, how people act differently based on their personal likes and dislikes
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

''some'' people are giving frank too much of a benefit of a doubt here
hilarious to read, how people act differently based on their personal likes and dislikes

No. These fans are just plain hypocrites. Something we've called them on many times before. Not the first and certainly, not the last time.


Nothing to do with likes & dislikes. I don't like the Jacksons but i totally agree with Taj, here. I supported the Cascio tracks, but this leech has now crossed the line.

And if people are too wrapped up in his ish to face that fact, their problem.
 
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Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Taj should look at his own family. u expect othets to betray mj but not family. and the jacksons have done more damage than anyone. hes prob just jealous of the cascios realtionship with mj. cause even though i dont like what frank has done. mj spent more
time with the cascios than the jacksons
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

So the Cascios divided the fan community a year ago in the most disasterous way yet Frank Cascio is now being given a platform here to sell his book? Yet no questions about last year are allowed. It isn't about him setting the record straight. It is about him promoting the book. Absolutely shameful.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Dr. Drew needs to be right all of the times so do a lot of people here
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

So the Cascios divided the fan community a year ago in the most disasterous way yet Frank Cascio is now being given a platform here to sell his book? Yet no questions about last year are allowed. It isn't about him setting the record straight. It is about him promoting the book. Absolutely shameful.

I EXPLAINED the Q&A multiple times. It's done through his PUBLISHER. It's not rocket science, publisher = book. And any more accusations towards MJJC will NOT be tolerated.

Get this through your head : This is about the book and have absolutely nothing to do with the songs. It was always like this.


No. These fans are just plain hypocrites. Something we've called them on many times before. Not the first and certainly, not the last time.

there's no need for division among the fans. if you don't agree, fine. Just don't create a grouping and/or division.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Taj should look at his own family. u expect othets to betray mj but not family. and the jacksons have done more damage than anyone. hes prob just jealous of the cascios realtionship with mj. cause even though i dont like what frank has done. mj spent more
time with the cascios than the jacksons
I agree with this. Has GLE paid their bills for the tribute yet? The 3 brothers suing over the Thriller and Beat It jacket deal. I must have missed the part where they ever had anything to do with Thriller and Beat It. Some of the Jackson's forget they live in a glass house but they keep throwing stones.
 
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Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

So the Cascios divided the fan community a year ago in the most disasterous way yet Frank Cascio is now being given a platform here to sell his book? Yet no questions about last year are allowed. It isn't about him setting the record straight. It is about him promoting the book. Absolutely shameful.

And I'm really tired with your rambling. You have yours opinion about "Cascios" tracks and many people have a different ones. I personally like those songs very much and I'm positive we hear mostly MJ on them and not an imposters. I also don't believe that MJ being a musician would waist 3 months of his life and not to record if there is a studio available, even if it's an amateur one.

And yes Cascios definitely knew an ADULT Michael Jackson better then his biological family. Many, many people know that and there is no way Taj will be ever able to change this opinion. There are too many witnesses and facts over the years to support this opinion.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I EXPLAINED the Q&A multiple times. It's done through his PUBLISHER. It's not rocket science, publisher = book. And any more accusations towards MJJC will NOT be tolerated.

Get this through your head : This is about the book and have absolutely nothing to do with the songs. It was always like this.




there's no need for division among the fans. if you don't agree, fine. Just don't create a grouping and/or division.

Ivy, not sure I understand your post.

What about division? You must have noticed it yourself, the hypocrisy is very real and very true.

So the Cascios divided the fan community a year ago in the most disasterous way yet Frank Cascio is now being given a platform here to sell his book? Yet no questions about last year are allowed. It isn't about him setting the record straight. It is about him promoting the book. Absolutely shameful.

You do read like a broken record with your recurring Cascio track posts...but I do agree with you in this case. His first time answering fans' questions since last year, and he refuses to address the most important issue?

Talk about self-serving.

But then again, he will preach to the choir, most of those who will bother with this PSA probably already bought the book. lol


And yes Cascios definitely knew an ADULT Michael Jackson better then his biological family. Many, many people know that and there is no way Taj will be ever able to change this opinion. There are too many witnesses and facts over the years to support this opinion.

Sigh.... who questioned that? Where?

MJ was close to many families ...Do you see the Barnes selling books?

No one questioned the fact that they were close to MJ for some years. He had a falling out with Frank and we might never know the whole truth because he is dead and Frank is selling a book, so don't look to him for an answer.

The fact remains Cascios weren't the only family MJ was very close to. They just decided after he passed to milk it for all its worth...while the others have maintained the same level of secrecy out of respect for MJ.
 
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Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

now it seems Taj wants to do the same this year. Frank Cascio hasn't said a bad thing about Taj. He actually commended him in his book. Why don't Taj "set the record straight" on others that have really done MJ harm.....oh like some of his family!
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

now it seems Taj wants to do the same this year. Frank Cascio hasn't said a bad thing about Taj. He actually commended him in his book. Why don't Taj "set the record straight" on others that have really done MJ harm.....oh like some of his family!

I agree and people are falling into the trap IMO.

In Frank's book he says he loved 3T, he looked up to them as a child, he mentions all the time they spent together - it's all positive.

Now Taj sets up a twitter conference rant? It sounds petty. and honestly they should act like adults and solve any problems they might have in private.

Regardless of how you think about Frank, Taj shouldn't be given credibility this much. He should first explain going through with the sham tribute and how the artists and the staff and charities left unpaid for their work and how they are still using Prince and Paris to promote yet another tribute. In my book it's far worse to use Michael's children. Even though we are to assume that Frank wrote this book for the sole purpose of profit, he's at least not using Michael's kids. On the other hand I have a problem with Prince, Paris being used for his uncles to get paid in shady deals. Only after this is explained I'm willing to listen to what he has to say about Cascios. Otherwise he's pot calling kettle black.

--------------------------

And I will make this clear once again. There's no such thing as Frank refusing to answer questions about the song controversy. It's just never been on the table. All of our discussions were with his publisher about his book. That was the focus from the start. Again I did not sit down with Frank and negotiated what we can ask or cannot ask. I went through a publisher for his book. Songs were never a part of this process. It wasn't even discussed.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I think tomorrow's Q&A will be a lot easier for him to do, it's a lot less pressure than going on TV. HLN's hosts tend to be on the pushy side for sure. -_-

I felt badly for Frank particularly at the beginning of the Dr. Drew interview when he asked if he didn't think it was strange for an adult male to spend so much time with children. Frank tried to explain (though not too well) but Drew kept cutting him off and blah blah blah. I have a message for Dr. Drew...try reading the book!
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Frank Cascio 'My Friend Michael': Michael Jackson's Friend Reveals Intimate Stories In New Book
Nicki Gostin

Frank Cascio met Michael Jackson in 1984, when the King of Pop was at the peak of his career. For the next 25 years Cascio and his family traveled the world with the superstar. When he was 18, Cascio became Jackson's assistant and then went on to manage the star.

In the new book "My Friend Michael," Cascio writes honestly and candidly of his long relationship with Jackson, including sticking by him during some dark periods like Jackson's child molestation charges and prescription drug use. It's a fascinating glimpse into Jackson's world and what emerges is a new, unexplored side to the entertainer -- a surprisingly sweet and normal version of the controversial star.

How did you meet Michael?

When I was four years old, my father was the general manager of the Helmsley Palace in New York and Michael became very friendly with my father. After they established a relationship, Michael wanted to meet the rest of the family, so one day my father took me to work to meet him. I had no idea who he was.

Your family became very close with Michael. You and your brother went on tour with him and your family celebrated holidays with him. How did your personal relationship with him grow?

We established a real friendship. We became a big family; Michael was a part of our family. Every Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthday -- we made a point to celebrate together. It became tradition for all of us.

You went to work for him when you were 18 and you write that you witnessed some of his problems with pills.

There were times. When I first started working with him, in Munich, he fell 50 feet [when] there was a mishap during a concert. That took a tremendous toll on his back. When you're in pain, doctors give you medication. There were times when I was a bit concerned. I definitely witnessed some of it but it wasn't a constant pattern -- I want to make that clear. It was based on what was going on in his life, his schedules, but yes, there were times when I was concerned.

His family tried to stage an intervention.

Yes, there was a time when his family wanted to speak with him. Michael just didn't want to have any conversations about it.

How did the first molestation charges against Michael affect him?

That really, really hurt him because he was falsely accused of something he did not do. It really comes down to [Jordy Chandler's] family's manipulation and the father's jealousy. It was really sad. The whole world got a false impression of Michael. Something that was so beautiful -- Michael's innocence and affection for children -- got completely turned around. He was so passionate about helping kids and it was turned around and used against him.

You and your brother slept in his room hundreds of times.

There was nothing sexual about it at all.

But now as an adult, do you realize it wasn't normal behavior?

From the outside looking in, I completely understand how people might think that's strange or weird or inappropriate. I can absolutely see that side of it, but it was a different situation. Michael was a different person. You can't compare Michael to anyone else in this world because he sincerely was a child at heart. He was truly a special individual. But I can tell you there was never anything inappropriate. He had no sexual attraction to children. Children were his inspiration.

You write that he once had a fling with a fan.

He was very flirtatious with fans. I remember once seeing him in the back of a car kissing a fan.

Even though you two were extraordinarily close, you also had a falling out with him. What happened?

It was due to a lack of communication during the second [molestation] trial. Michael was told false information that I did not wish to testify on his behalf -- which really hurt him -- and that was never ever the case. I was more than willing to testify on Michael's behalf. I was an unindicted co-conspirator, so we were legally not allowed to be in constant communication. There was a lot of jealousy on behalf of the people who were working with him at the time. They didn't want me back and they tried everything in their power to make sure I did not get back and start working with Michael again. It really hurt because I would do anything for Michael.

You say that at the end of his life, he acknowledged his perilous financial situation.

He acknowledged to me that things had to change and we were in the process of putting an incredible machine in place with great people to turn everything around. At one point he had some bad advisors advising him. I'm very happy that John Branca is one of the trustees [of Jackson's trust] because, through their ups and downs, he was always great to Michael. He always did the right thing by Michael.

Did it break your heart hearing the recordings of Michael that Dr. Conrad Murray made?

The fact that this man would even record him in that [medicated] state... It's just wrong. You just don't do that. You don't take advantage of someone when they're in that state of mind. It's so sad because if you listen to what he's saying, he's truly concerned about children. He's talking about building a children's hospital. It was so dear to his heart.

One of the things that comes most through the book is how much he loved being a father.

He was the greatest father in the world. I don't think I've ever seen somebody prepare for fatherhood like he did. He was a surrogate father to myself and my brothers and sisters. The amount of books that he read on parenting... He wanted to be the greatest father in the world and he achieved that. I can't properly explain how amazing a father he was. He loved his children more than life itself.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/1...n_1098123.html
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I am going to buy this.

I think it could be a good read.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I agree and people are falling into the trap IMO.

In Frank's book he says he loved 3T, he looked up to them as a child, he mentions all the time they spent together - it's all positive.

Now Taj sets up a twitter conference rant? It sounds petty. and honestly they should act like adults and solve any problems they might have in private.

Regardless of how you think about Frank, Taj shouldn't be given credibility this much. He should first explain going through with the sham tribute and how the artists and the staff and charities left unpaid for their work and how they are still using Prince and Paris to promote yet another tribute. In my book it's far worse to use Michael's children. Even though we are to assume that Frank wrote this book for the sole purpose of profit, he's at least not using Michael's kids. On the other hand I have a problem with Prince, Paris being used for his uncles to get paid in shady deals. Only after this is explained I'm willing to listen to what he has to say about Cascios. Otherwise he's pot calling kettle black.

I agree with you on this one. I'm tired of Taj's cryptic tweets. He's offering nothing, but further doubts and skepticisms, which are not something fans need. The way he handles the criticism on his family is juvenile. At one point, I felt for him because some of the attacks towards Katherine truly crossed the line. But, seriously, the Jacksons need to stop entering all these shady business deals. They have to get their acts together first.

I felt badly for Frank particularly at the beginning of the Dr. Drew interview when he asked if he didn't think it was strange for an adult male to spend so much time with children. Frank tried to explain (though not too well) but Drew kept cutting him off and blah blah blah. I have a message for Dr. Drew...try reading the book!

Drew Pinsky won't read the book. Even if he read it, he won't acknowledge how wrong he's been. Most people in the media are too embarassed to admit how wrong they were. So, they continue to downplay Michael's influence and ridicule Michael.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I for one want to hear everyone's side Taj's comments and Frank's comments. Both these individuals were extremely close to Michael. I really think we need to stop fighting other peoples battles for them. I realise Frank's comments about the Ts were positive but besides the Posthamous album tracks fiasco there hasn't been any apparent spat between the Jackson's or Cascios so Frank really has no reason to be nasty to the Ts.

I think we should all sit back and let things unfurl for themselves. Too much vested interest in one party will only divide us all as fans.
 
And I'm really tired with your rambling. You have yours opinion about "Cascios" tracks and many people have a different ones. I personally like those songs very much and I'm positive we hear mostly MJ on them and not an imposters. I also don't believe that MJ being a musician would waist 3 months of his life and not to record if there is a studio available, even if it's an amateur one.

And yes Cascios definitely knew an ADULT Michael Jackson better then his biological family. Many, many people know that and there is no way Taj will be ever able to change this opinion. There are too many witnesses and facts over the years to support this opinion.

Come to the debate thread in the controversy section and we can show you why we feel the way we do. And I wasn't rambling. I care about Michael's art is all. I'm not loyal to anyone else. Not Frank, not Taj or anyone else. I am loyal only to Michael. I want to respect his memory and artistic legacy. Something which a lot of people who should be doing, are failing to do.

I didn't say anything about them not knowing Michael as an adult?

I think Frank is very shy. I always thought that myself since meeting him when Michael came here for his Oxford speech etc in 2001.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Anyone know where I can find a video of Frank on the Wendy Williams show? Is it on the internet? Thanks :)
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I am going to buy this.

I think it could be a good read.
It is. :) Based on the summaries and the reviews here, I decided to buy the book (yesterday) and finally finished reading it today. I am glad I did.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

he realizes now.

I think when you read it it's like he sees a doctor to come in with 2 other doctors, setting up equipment to help Michael sleep. He realizes today and thinks that it was Propofol. Later an anesthologist also tells him that he's put Michael to sleep and ease him out of it. He now realizes that it was Propofol. I mean it's like description of how you give Propofol fits to what he has seen.

He realizes? :scratch:Hmmmmmmmmm :thinking: :fear: If he realizes and not has absolutely sure about that, this matter should have stayed out of the book. :unsure: :doh: Or not? :fear: In my opinion if you not has absolutely sure, you should keep your mouth shut. Fact! It's very simple. -_-





He is very shy.

OMG! :eek: Poor Frank! :better: :doh: :smilerolleyes: :p





I agree Frank is not prepared for Dr Drew. I knew that one would be a disater for sure. Frank is not confortable with these interviews. He is not used to being in the the hot seat or spot light. He gets frustrated over the questions and the attitude.

Yes.... :(






Ash

What puzzles me is why would Frank go on an addict show to promote his book. To me, this should be the last place he went to. What do you think?

For me is very strange, since Frank has spent much time close to Michael. Did not he learn nothing with Michael about these issues? :bugeyed :wtf: I'm sure Michael explained and talked a lot about these things (who to talk to and who not to talk/inteviews and bla bla bla...) with Frank. :fear:
 
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Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Hey Taj, why don't you do a Q&A? That would be better than any rant on twitter or posting mysterious tweets.
"What I did not expect was for certain MJ fans and fan clubs to spew or tolerate so much hatred and lies towards my family..."
Hmm... Maybe you could explain what happened with the money from the tribute or explain that stupid Beat it jacket deal and why the family is shamelessly using the children as cash cows. So please explain your family's actions and make us understand.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Frank was on Dr. Drew last night to promote his book:

CNN.com - Transcripts

PINSKY: Tonight, an HLN primetime exclusive with Michael Jackson`s former manager and close friend who witnessed the highs and lows of a musical genius spiraling out of control. Frank Cascio is here with us tonight. He joins us to talk about his journey with the King of pop, from touring overseas with Michael to witnessing his drug use.

It`s all here in his new book "My Friend Michael: An Ordinary Friendship with an Extraordinary Man." Now, Frank, you got to know Michael when you were very young. I guess, your father introduced you. He worked at the hotel where Michael and his family would stay. How old were you then?

FRANK CASCIO, AUTHOR, "MY FRIEND MICHAEL": I was 4 years old. When I was 4, I was -- my father says, I`m going to bring you to work with me, and I`m going to introduce you to a friend of mine. And his name is Michael Jackson. So, he takes us to -- he takes me to the hotel.

And we`re greeted by a gentleman by the name of Bill Bray. And he brings us into the room and says, I`d like to introduce you to Michael Jackson. And Michael puts out his hand and goes, "Hi, I`m Michael." I say, hi, I`m Frank.

PINSKY: And Michael was how old at the time?

CASCIO: Gee, I don`t even know. I think 27.

PINSKY: So, he was an adult male, and you were four or five years old. How was it that a four or five-year-old started hanging around with a guy in his 30s?

CASCIO: Well, Dr. Drew, it was not just me. It was my entire family. He first and foremost befriended my father, my mother. It wasn`t just myself. It was my entire family that befriended Michael. And --


PINSKY: And then, you ended up, as I understand, you ended up spending a good deal of time with him and being sort of welcome to travel with him. How do you think that happened? Again, you were a five-year-old kid. Why does a man in his late 20s, early 30s, encouraging a young child to spend time with him on the road?

CASCIO: Dr. Drew, you have to understand, this situation is completely different. We`ve known Michael for years, since I was 4. And it`s -- again, this is my entire family. We created such a strong foundation. And a family bond that, you know, it was --

PINSKY: But Frank, that`s what I want to get into. That`s what I`m confused about. We`ve been talking about Michael now for months, and we`ve heard all these stories about the propofol. And I`m well aware that the anesthesiologist had been giving propofol to Michael for 15 years probably before we ever found out about it, but I`m curious --

CASCIO: I don`t know if that`s an accurate statement.


PINSKY: When did you first see it? The propofol.

CASCIO: Well, I actually have never seen Michael taking propofol. The first I`ve ever heard of propofol was during this Dr. Conrad Murray trial. I -- you know, I think it was in 1999, there was a doctor who explained to me a procedure and what he was doing, but I`ve never seen Michael taking propofol. I`ve never --

PINSKY: OK. Well, the procedure that an anesthesiologist would do, let`s be clear, an anesthesiologist uses propofol to put people to sleep. And that`s the only drug you can use that puts people reliably out and then wakes them up again in a couple of hours. Everything else would have him out the rest of the day.

So, what you described in your book is somebody receiving propofol. That`s just the way it is. So, that was December of 1999, I guess. So, you did witness propofol being administered --

CASCIO: No, I never --

(CROSSTALK)

CASCIO: I`ve never seen Michael --


PINSKY: All right. You saw an anesthesiologist explain to you that he was giving him propofol on a regular basis. But let`s go back to -- you also had an experience with Michael where he was completely intoxicated when he was due on stage. Tell us about that experience.

CASCIO: It was the 30th anniversary special. And I was actually at the Twin Towers right before that picking up something from Bank of America. I get a call from security saying, you know, we can`t get in touch with Michael, we can`t -- so I rushed back. And I opened the door. And he`s sleeping. And I can tell he was a little groggy.

And I knew he was -- he took some medicine. And -- right before the show. And I was really disappointed with him that he did so. But you know what? Michael is a fighter, and he was fine. We got him ready, and he performed an incredible show.


PINSKY: And so, why didn`t somebody intervene right then? Why didn`t somebody do something about his substance use? It was to the point now where it was affecting his ability to function at work. He was, you know, clearly well beyond what a physician would want him to be taking. How come people didn`t jump in right then?

CASCIO: Dr. Drew, I mean, there was a time where there was definitely some concern. And his family addressed the situation with Michael. They were there. They were trying to have conversations with him. And Michael didn`t want to hear it from anyone. But you know what? At the end of the day, we had a conversation and you know, he moved on.

He went past that stage. And then, he was completely fine. You know, he was under a lot of stress, and he happened to be in a lot of pain during that time. And you know, these situations with the drugs, I think, actually getting taken out of proportion because, you know, when Michael -- for instance, I`ll give you an example. In Munich, Germany, he fell 50 feet, 50 feet on a malfunctioned, on a bridge. He was in severe pain. That hurt
.

PINSKY: I`m not saying he didn`t get exposed to the medicines for legitimate reasons. He had a bad burn. He, of course, was going to take them. But the fact is -- but Frank, why was he -- he was admitted in London to a chemical dependency treatment program, if you recall. And there`s a video of him talking about his addiction.

And here`s the thing about addiction is once you meet criteria to be admitted to a program, by definition, either the program needs to be delicensed because they didn`t properly diagnose somebody or they allowed somebody who didn`t have the disease of addiction, which almost never happens or he has a lifelong condition, because he met criteria and was admitted to a program.

CASCIO: No. He --

PINSKY: So, we know he has addiction. It`s not something debatable. That`s just simply a fact in the history of his life. And my question simply is, why didn`t people -- you know, once he got treatment, why didn`t people continue to support that process of recovery?

CASCIO: Dr. Drew, there was -- Michael was in a situation where, you know, he also knew there was a point in his life where he came to a point where you know what, he wanted to get better, and he did. And that happened.

But you know, we`re talking about -- you know, I really -- and I`ve seen -- there were so many doctors who manipulated Michael. And Michael was also a victim of these doctors. These doctors --

PINSKY: Yes.

CASCIO: -- manipulated him.


PINSKY: And I totally agree with you, Frank. Now, I want to hear more about that. I want to hear more about that. I completely agree with you.

CASCIO: They saw Michael as a money pit.

PINSKY: Yes.

CASCIO: They pushed thing -- and that`s where I got so upset and pissed off.

PINSKY: Good.

CASCIO: Because that should have never happened.

PINSKY: You`re right.

CASCIO: And that`s where I put my foot down. And I had very clear conversations. In fact, you know, there was a doctor in Florida, Dr. Alex Farshan, and I had security -- if any doctors went to the hotel room to call me. I went up to that room, and I got so mad, I -- this poor doctor. and I tell you, this poor doctor. I reamed this poor guy out. And I have to tell you --

PINSKY: Frank, what are you talking about? You`re my hero. You didn`t ream the poor guy out. You saved Michael from, perhaps, an earlier demise.

CASCIO: But you`re not -- he happens to be one of the only doctors that really, you know, helped him and wouldn`t do any of those things to him. And I`m giving you an example that, you know -- I was wrong in that situation with Dr. Farshan, but you know, there were people out there. And guess what? He got better. He was good.

There was times where he was absolutely fine and clear and so healthy and great. You know, you have to understand, depending on what this man was going through in his life, unfortunately, these things happened. He can`t -- he was in a lot of pain for multiple reasons that, you know, people don`t understand and couldn`t understand. And everybody is different, Dr. Drew. Everybody is different.


PINSKY: But Frank -- first of all, I want to say thank you for trying to intervene on his behalf. I could not agree more strongly than what you just said about how physicians saw him in whatever way, either they were lit up by taking care of him or they saw him as an opportunity to make money. Whatever it was, he was ill served by my profession.

And I hope you keep championing that message because that is really a learning opportunity for all of us. But the bigger issue here is that my patients today all die because they have pain and a doctor prescribes too much medication to them. When an addict has pain, it has to be managed differently than you would the average person with pain.

I`m not saying they should suffer. I`m not saying they shouldn`t get pain medicine. I`m saying it needs to be managed completely differently. Frank, thank you so much. We will look for your book.
 
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Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Frank in his live stream says MJ was not an addict more clearly now... but, then he defends the Jackson family again by saying they (The Jacksons) like his family knew MJ well from his depths. See I wouldn't have an issue with that if members of the jacksons family weren't saying MJ was an addict. He also says that MJ told him don't ever write a book about him while he was alive or he be in trouble and he knew MJ was serious cause MJ don't say things without meaning and he also admits that he wouldn't have written the book if MJ were still alive.

That's why I can't approve this book mainly cause it's clear MJ would not want all this stuff whether said before or not, explained away in some book about his private life by one of his friends. It's clear Frank did this for himself and might truly feel proud about it and wether some think it was for a postive reason or not?... The fact that MJ wouldn't have like this is enough for me to say no thank u. I don't mind the stuff he said about the allegations but truth be told what he said alone in the book isn't gonna change no haters mind especially when there is so much like the FBI files they can easily access themselves and then some but, they don't even bother...

Frank did help a great deal with the 05 case with those reciepts but, I think MJ having the Arviso family recorded saying great things about him was also a huge moment that also aqcuitted the man. Something Roger Friedbrains forgets to mention.
 
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Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Hey Taj, why don't you do a Q&A? That would be better than any rant on twitter or posting mysterious tweets.

Hmm... Maybe you could explain what happened with the money from the tribute or explain that stupid Beat it jacket deal and why the family is shamelessly using the children as cash cows. So please explain your family's actions and make us understand.
Seems like Taj is living in a reality of his own.. , hating fanclubs and MJfans, for what exactly? For NOT supporting his broke ass?! For not going back in time? For not supporting his dead band? LMFAO I hope he continues this way... at this rate no one's EVER GONNA support Taj i.e. Tariano Adaryll Jackson II.
 
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