Rev. Al Sharpton On The Jacksons: ‘This Family Has Always Rallied’
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Rev. Al Sharpton with Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson
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Rev. Al Sharpton departs the Jackson family compound in Encino, California on July 6, 2009
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Michael Jackson smiles backstage at the 1984 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles
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FIRST PUBLISHED: July 7, 2009 11:59 AM EDT
LAST UPDATED: July 7, 2009 12:19 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
With Michael Jackson’s memorial set to start within hours at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the Rev. Al Sharpton told Access Hollywood that the Jackson family is “focused.”
“This family has gone through many crises, none like this, but that family walked in that courtroom every day with Michael during a trial that ended up being unfounded,” he said on Tuesday morning. “This family has always rallied. And they’re rallying now.”
Adding that he’s been with them at their family home in Encino “every day,” he said that he hasn’t seen any infighting among the Jacksons.
“I have not seen any of those divisions and I don’t know where those reports come from,” Sharpton said. “Frankly, I haven’t even seen the reports, because they’re not inside watching the reports. They’re inside trying to make sure that Michael’s children are fine and his legacy is fine.”
A private viewing of the late star was reportedly held on Monday night at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills, but Sharpton could not comment on what the event had been.
“I was not there. As far as I know, some of the family members are going to the cemetery. I… don’t ask them what the content of that is,” he said.
Michael died on June 25 at the age of 50.
Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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