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Investigation Continues on the Cause of Michael Jackson's Death
Aired June 27, 2009 - 15:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDIRKCA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: As Michael Jackson's family, friends, fans, mourn his death. A lot of questions still unanswered. Two days after the singer collapsed. Here's what we know right now. Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray has hired an attorney. Murray is the last person believed to have seen Jackson alive at least one of them. Our affiliate, KHOU says that the doctor and his attorney are scheduled to meet with L.A. detectives this afternoon.
And moving vans have been spotted at the home that Jackson was renting. It is not known what is being taken out if anything. Meantime, the cause of Jackson's death stills a mystery. After an autopsy, the coroner in Los Angeles has ordered more tests. The results could take up to six weeks.
At the request of his family, Michael Jackson's family, Jackson's body has been moved to an undisclosed mortuary. Let's get straight to CNNs Dan Simon on the phone with us from Los Angeles. Dan, you are outside the rental home that Michael Jackson has been living in and there have been signs of moving vans there, what do you know about these moving vans? And any other activity?
DAN SIMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (via telephone): Yeah, hi Fred. A couple of moving vans here. Police have this area roped off. We can clearly see at least one large moving truck. We have seen movers carrying out boxes. Obviously it appears that Michael Jackson's family has made preparations to have his personal things taken out of this very large rental home here in the Holmby Hills Section of Los Angeles.
Fred, as you mentioned. KHOU reporting that, the doctor that, Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's personal physician has hired an attorney who is going to be meeting with detectives this afternoon. Still so many questions about how Michael Jackson died. What kind of prescription medication he was taking, what was going on in the hours and days before he died?
And finally, Michael Jackson's body, we can tell you has been taken from the coroner's office, moved to an undisclosed mortuary. The family asking that place not be identified. We really don't know where Michael Jackson's body is at this point.
Of course the question, we really want to know, when is the funeral going to take place? What kind of arrangements are being made for the funeral? Who is going to be speaking? What kind of entertainers are going to be there that sort of thing. We are still waiting on all those details -- Fred. WHITFIELD: Now a couple things, Dan. We are talking about the body being now given to the family. They, we heard from Reverend Jesse Jackson last hour. He confirms that it is the belief that the family wants to conduct its own autopsy. Meantime, the L.A. Coroners Office says still more tests need to be done. They no longer have possession of the body but they will be carrying out toxicology tests or at least awaiting the results. Explain that for us?
SIMON: Well, takes about four to six weeks to get those toxicology results back. It was suggested that perhaps Michael Jackson's family would hire their own person, their own coroner to conduct an independent autopsy. We don't know if in fact that is taking place. What we do know in terms of what the L.A. County authorities did, they conducted an autopsy yesterday, they probably have some preliminary results, but in terms of the whole detailed results those will not be available for at least four weeks, Fred.
WHITFIELD: OK. And Dan Simon there at the rental home, Holmby Hills, rental home of Michael Jackson.
Some pretty chilling words too, moments after Michael Jackson was dead, declared dead. An unidentified man called 911 to ask for help, actually at the home. He described the efforts under way to try to revive the singer.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sir, we have -- a gentleman here that needs help. And he is not breathing. He is not breathing. We need to; we are trying to pump him. He is not breathing.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. How old is he?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is 50 years old, sir.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: 50. Okay. Not conscious. Not breathing.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, he is not breathing, sir.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is not conscious.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is not conscious, sir.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right. Do you have -- is he on the floor? Where is he at right now?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is on the bed. On the bed.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Get him on the floor.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's get him down to the floor. Help you with CPR right now.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We need -- UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're on our way. We are on our way. I will do what I can to help you on the phone. Did anybody see him?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, we have a personal doctor here there with him, sir?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You have a doctor there.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is not responding to anything. He is not responding to CPR or anything, sir.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, OK.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: That was the 911 call. Again that personal doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, we have since learned that he has indeed, CNN has confirmed he has hired an attorney based out of Houston. And our affiliate, KHOU out of Houston is reporting that actually members of that law firm representing that doctor will be meeting with L.A. authorities later on today.
Meantime, possibility that medication may have played a role in Jackson's death is a key concern for a number of people close to the star. After he was cleared of child molestation charges, four years ago, Michael Jackson spent a week at a center run by Dr. Deepak Chopra. Chopra tells CNN that during that week, Jackson asked him for prescription for a narcotic.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. DEEPAK CHOPRA, AUTHOR: After the trial in 2005, Michael came and spent a week with me. He stayed at my house. He came to our center. At one point he asked me for a prescription. He knew I was a physician, I have a license. He asked me for a prescription for a narcotic. I said what the heck do you want a narcotic prescription for. Suddenly it dawned to me that he was already taking these and he had probably a number of doctors who were giving him these prescriptions.
So I confronted him with that. And at first he denied it. Then he said he was in a lot of pain. He said he had back pain. I knew all the pain was muscle aches and pain, muscular pains from the stress that he was going through. I said Michael you don't need these drugs for that. There are so many ways to do it. For a while I lost it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: The center run by Dr. Chopra focuses on spirituality, and the mind-body connection. Jackson's fans are gathering around the globe.
CNNs Susan Candiotti is at New York's Apollo Theater in the heart of Harlem. Fans have clustered there since the news of the pop icon's death. We know that people have just, as they do outside of his concerts or when he was alive, people would impersonate him and they would dance to his music and a lot of that is going on still -- Susan.
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka, if you are a fan of Michael Jackson in New York this is the place to be. It has been for the last several days. As you can see, a lot of people in particular at this moment gathering under the marquee at the Apollo Theater where they mention a tribute that is coming up in the coming days, next week as a matter of fact. A couple of them in memory of Michael Jackson.
Hundreds of people here. Let's swing over just a bit. Because adjacent to the theater there is a fence that runs for I would say almost a half a block. It is filled with hundreds and hundreds of messages, and names. People leaving all kinds of words of honor in memory of Michael Jackson. Telling them how much they will miss him, but at least they say they will always have his music.
Among the many, many people that are here, is a woman who drove up for the day from Delaware isn't that right?
UNIDENTIFED FEMALE: Yes, yes absolutely.
CANDIOTTI: You brought your children with you.
UNIDENTIFED FEMALE: My daughter here and some friends.
CANDIOTTI: Some friend as well. Why did you want to make sure that you took time out to come here?
UNIDENTIFED FEMALE: It is a momentous moment, incredible moment in history really. I remember, you know growing up with Michael. I grew up in Africa. We knew Michael Jackson from when I was 5 years old. You know he is part of, of pop history, music history. I want to be part of that. I want her to be part of that. So that when she gets older, you know that she has memories maybe at the moment don't mean much to her. When she gets later, when she gets older she will know what the moment means.
CANDIOTTI: You'll introduce the music to her. If you haven't already?
UNIDENTIFED FEMALE: We have. She is already aware of Michael's music. She is not aware of how much of an iconic figure he is.
CANDIOTTI: What will you tell her about the sad ending to his life, such a short life?
UNIDENTIFED FEMALE: Yes, yes. It's difficult. I mean I think I am still in denial. You know I think I am still having difficulty finding words. But I think, you know, when she gets older it's -- I suppose maybe understanding and appreciating the significance of life and how precious it is. And I feel that Michael gave so much, I feel that he got so little. I think that is what saddens me most of all.
CANDIOTTI: Thank you very much. I will sweep by you just a little bit here and talk to Kat (ph). You live right here in New York. Its Saturday you are here with your friend. You decided to come by. What is there a particular song that speaks to you of Michael Jackson's?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Just growing up with his music it just seemed an important time to come here and to celebrate his life. Some of my favorites are "Black & White" and songs like that. But it seemed like on a Saturday just where we were supposed to be today.
CANDIOTTI: What do you make of the crowd here today?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It is really just a celebration of his life which, which is just really beautiful to see. Everybody coming together and just remembering him and the tragedy that happened.
CANDIOTTI: Do you think it is right to ask questions about what led to his death?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well I think any time there is a sudden death like this it makes you think and make sure everything is OK. But just, I think focusing on the bigger picture and the music he brought to the world and what a difference he really has made in our lives. CANDIOTTI: Thank you very much for joining us.
It is a day of music, of dancing, of tears. We have seen a number of people crying as they approach this wall. Of course there are vendors stretching out half a block. Selling all kinds of memorabilia, hats. T-shirts, CDs of Michael Jackson's. People walking around with life sized portraits of his. It is pretty clear if anyone is here they simply cannot get enough of Michael Jackson. If they haven't come yet, I feel quite certain they will in the days to come.
Back to you, Fredericka.
WHITFIELD: All right. Don't stop till they get enough. Continue to pour out there. Loving Michael Jackson, everything about him. All right, Susan Candiotti, appreciate it outside the Apollo Theater.
Be sure to join me at 4:00 today for a special report on the "Death of a Legend" the entire show devoted to the life and career of Michael Jackson. We encourage you to weigh in as well, we will get your e-mail responses on the air perhaps some of your questions might be able to be posed to some of the experts, and those who knew Michael Jackson will be joining us as well.
Plus, later on Don Lemon takes an in depth look at Michael Jackson's life, legacy, his childhood, music, finances, the influence. Don't miss the "CNN Presents Special, Michael Jackson Man in the Mirror" tonight and tomorrow 8:00 p.m. Eastern right here on CNN.
Michael Jackson's three children. Who will take care of them now? It is a question that could escalate into a bitter custody dispute.
And overseas, Iran warns the U.S. stay out of its affairs or face serious consequences. We'll bring you a live report from the White House.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) WHITFIELD: More now on all that is taking place after the death of Michael Jackson. You are looking at pictures right now. Right outside the rental home of Michael Jackson, you see those moving fans.
Well we understand earlier today, moving vans started coming in. You heard our Dan Simon reporting, just moments ago, saying that -- family members are boxing up some of his assets, some of his possessions, some of his valuables, boxing them up and presumably putting them into that moving van. Where they go from there, still unclear. But this is the latest information.
Now finally these images of what we have been talking about for the past couple hours now of moving vans being seen at the property there in Holmby Hills where Michael Jackson has been renting. Now, take a look at these pictures right here.
Now these are pictures -- that we are able to show for you now via broadband. And this is actually at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Some where in the purview, amongst the crowd there is Michael Jackson's star, a number of people of all walks have been turning out to pay tribute to Michael Jackson, walking past his star.
In some cases leaving flowers and other kinds of mementos. But again an image via broadband which is why the image looks jumpy the way it is. But it is happening at this moment. A live view at the Walk of Fame.
Much more on the investigation into Michael Jackson's death as we get it.
Meantime, let's talk about Iran now. A deadline is looming for opposition candidate in Iran to formally challenge the disputed presidential election. That as the top Iranian cleric warns protestors if they could face execution if they take to the streets again. CNNs Ivan Watson is at the Iran desk right here in Atlanta. Ivan, what else do you have?
IVAN WATSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Ominous warnings here. Human rights groups, Fredericka like Amnesty International have already documented hundreds of arrests of opposition leaders and now the groups Human Rights Watch out of New York has come out with a statement, eyewitness accounts of Basij Pro Government Militia, Pare (ph) Military Militia going house to house in neighborhoods where people have been chanting against the Iranian government and the results of the very controversial June 12th elections going through and conducting house invasions vandalizing property.
Human rights watch saying that they have been beating civilians in an attempt to stop these nightly protest chants and also says that Iranian authorities have been confiscating satellite dishes.
You are looking at just one of several videos that we have seen coming out of the Internet in the last week and a half. That seems to show this phenomenon at work. Pretty scary stuff. The people filming that are really terrified. You can hear them in the background. Now, a hard line cleric yesterday, he issued a warning that the judiciary in Iran should, show no mercy to these opposition leaders. Now look at this, this is a pro-government Website. It is described to be the public relations department for investigation of organized crime.
If you take a look here, these are photos that this Website has posted of what they say are demonstrators, circling their faces here, singling them out. And calling for information to turn these people in to the authorities. Describing them, accusing them of being terrorists, and anti-revolutionary groups.
There is an information war here. The opposition has used the Internet to try to circumvent government restrictions. And the government and the pro-government forces are doing these kinds of things as well.
Now, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad he came out swinging today for the second time in a week, Fredericka, lobbing accusations at U.S. President Barack Obama accusing him of interfering in Iran's internal affairs where he criticized the government's bloody crackdown on these opposition protests. Let's take a listen to what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PRESIDENT MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, IRAN'S PRESIDENT (Translator): We are surprised at Mr. Obama. Why did he enter into discussions about Iran's election? Didn't he say that he was after change? Why did he interfere, utter remarks, irrespective of norms and decorum? They keep saying they want to hold talks with Iran. All right, we have expressed our readiness as well. Is this the correct way? Definitely they have made a mistake. They revealed their intentions before the Iranian nation, before the world's nations their mask has been removed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WATSON: Fredericka, once again, the Iranian leader accusing the west of interfering in their internal affairs. Yet, three opposition candidates are still challenging the results of those June 12 elections. Two of them accusing the government of rigging them in Ahmadinejad's favor.
Fredericka.
WHITFIELD: Thank you so much. Ivan Watson. Appreciate that.
Meantime, let's find out what the White House is saying on this and other matters. Elaine Quijano Is at the White House right now, so the president has been careful about his language, and now Ahmadinejad has said he overstepped the bounds and maybe said too much. Now we have fighting words. What's the White House's response?
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: White House officials today Fredricka, I can tell you are pointedly not commenting on the latest rounds of remarks by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the Iranian president. Really what officials are doing here is letting President Obama's comments from yesterday's stand, it was during that joint appearance with Germany's Chancellor Merkel, that President Obama again denounced the violence, the Iranian government was using against the election protestors calling that violence outrageous and he placed the blame for it squarely on the Iranian government.
President Obama also dismissed the idea of apologizing to Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for criticizing the Iranian regime.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE U.S: I would suggest that Mr. Ahmadinejad think carefully about the obligations he owes to his own people and he might want to consider looking at the families of those who have been beaten or shot or detained.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
QUIJANO: And during Ivan Watson's live shot there, we heard Mahmoud Ahmadinejad refer to talks. Well President Obama does still, was hoping to have some progress on nuclear talks. These are multination talks to deal with Iran's nuclear program. But yesterday, Mr. Obama acknowledged that because of this violent crackdown that could in fact hinder progress on the talks.
Fredericka.
WHITFIELD: All right. Elaine Quijano thanks so much. From the White House, appreciate that.
Meantime, much more straight ahead on the death of Michael Jackson. Live pictures right now. OK. All right. Well momentarily we'll hear from the reporter who is at the property that Michael Jackson has been renting right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Welcome back. Live pictures, Encino, California where you are looking at. A barricade just outside the property. You see the pizza delivery man now walking across the shot to the entrance perhaps of the property of the Jackson family, where Joe and Katherine Jackson live.
Apparently a lot of reporters, as well as photographers and members of the public have been there, camped out to see the traffic that's going in and out. People who are visiting the Jackson family as they mourn the loss of Michael Jackson, who was 50 years old, passed away on Thursday.
All this by the way while the L.A. Coroner's Office says it is trying to pinpoint the cause of death. They have now handed over the body to the Jackson family, to their possession; we spoke with Reverend Jesse Jackson about an hour ago. A long time friend, a friend since 1967, of the family. He said, that Katherine Jackson said "Something physical happened and we need to know." That's why the family is then going to possibly have a second autopsy conducted from an independent toxicology, forensic authority in order to try to get some better answers as to the cause of the death.
Meantime, want to also show you now a picture outside of the rental home in Holmby Hills where Michael Jackson lived. That's where we find our Dan Simon now. Are there a number of people, who kind of just members of the public, who have just come out to see who and what is taking place at that property? We know that some moving vans did appear not long ago. Dan, you can tell us also what is taking place with those moving vans at the property.
SIMON: Well, Fred, first of all, let me point out that this area is still roped off the only people who can get into the neighborhood are reporters, and cameras. So, not a whole lot in terms of the public being able to come up to the house.
We can tell you that usually this is a beehive of activity. A lot of celebrities live in the area. Celebrity tours and whatnot usually here in the Holmby Hills area. Let me just sort of describe the surroundings behind us. You can see clearly a police car, behind us, you can also see, maybe make out a moving truck, a white moving truck. Our crews have observed movers, moving boxes.
Obviously, Michael Jackson's family has made arrangements to have Michael Jackson's possessions removed from this rental home. We are just sort of getting some bits and pieces of information in terms of who might be here. We believe that, at least a couple of Michael Jackson's siblings are here. Really hard to get confirmation who actually is inside. We have seen a number of vehicles show up. According to one CNN producer she believed that Randy Jackson was inside and just don't know, don't have the specifics or confirmation on that.
We should just tell you we are keeping an eye on this house. Trying to seeing if anybody might come out and make a statement. So, what we know at this point is there is a moving truck here at the house. Obviously Michael Jackson's possessions being moved out of the house.
Fred.
WHITFIELD: Any idea what the possessions may be? When we talked to Reverend Jackson earlier, he said he has art work, a lot of valuables. But any idea what the family would find that now would be the time to move the property out of the house? What sort of items?
SIMON: Well, you know it is a rental house. So, I don't know if it was a furnished house or unfurnished house. But we do know that Michael Jackson was not living in Neverland. So, perhaps we can assume that he had moved his stuff out of that house and maybe had brought it over here. Over the past several years we know that he spent some time in the Middle East. Exactly where all of his stuff is we really don't know. But clearly, what is here is being moved out.
WHITFIELD: Yeah, as far as you know, there has been no barrier, placed by L.A. authorities, since they're still investigating the death; there has been no barrier against moving any of these items from the home? The movers, no problem or family members no problem coming in making this move?
SIMON: Yeah, that is a good question. We do know that the L.A. Police Department spent at least several hours here investigating, spending some time interviewing people here. At a certain point they did relinquish the house back to the Jackson family.
So anything there that might be of evidentiary value they have chronicled taken pictures of. There was a vehicle reported taken away from the house. A vehicle being driven by Michael Jackson's personal physician. Presumably that car contains some sort of evidentiary value. But police haven't said what that was. The implication, perhaps there was some items related to Michael Jackson's medication, prescription medication, at least that's what the police department seemed to suggest when they made comments about it yesterday, Fred.
WHITFIELD: OK. And now we also learned that that doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, has secured an attorney, a Houston based attorney, and KHOU, our affiliate in Houston is also reporting there is a meeting to take place later on this afternoon between members of that law firm on behalf of the doctor, with L.A. authorities.
Know anything more about that? CNN I know has been unable to confirm that. That reporting based on our Houston affiliate.
SIMON: Well, we do know that the doctor has secured an attorney, a Houston lawyer. As you said, KHOU reporting that the attorney and perhaps the doctor himself will be meeting with detectives later on today.
We should point out, that all along police have said he is not the focus of any criminal investigation. But it would be -- routine matter you would think the police department would want to interview the doctor in terms of whether or not any sort of criminal investigation might come out of it still obviously premature to say. They're saying at this point he is not, you know the focus of any criminal probe, Fred.
WHITFIELD: All right. Dan Simon. Thank you so much. Outside the home there, that Michael Jackson has been renting.
All right, well be sure to join me at 4:00 today for our special report on the "Death of a Legend." The entire show devoted to life and career of Michael Jackson.
We're also following the reaction to Michael Jackson's death in other ways. Video tributes keep pouring in.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TANIKA SALMON, NEW YORK: UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He is amazing and something that I will always remember. I was able to take a picture with Michael Jackson. And I will never forget that. I love you, Michael Jackson. I will always, always, always, love you and be your biggest fan.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right, here are some of the stories we are working on right now in the NEWSROOM. The Brazilian military says it is calling off the search for bodies from Air France 447. The search for the flight data recorder goes on. The jet plunged into the Atlantic with 228 people on board June 1.
President Obama is urging the Senate to pass a controversial climate change and energy bill. The legislation squeaked past the House passing by seven votes out of 431 cast. Republicans call the bill the biggest job killing piece of legislation ever. The White House argues it will create jobs.
Also in Washington -- Metro officials are praising the train driver who died in Monday's crash. At a memorial service, the chief of D.C.'s mass transit system called Jeanice McMillan a hero who saved lives. Investigators found evidence that McMillan tried to hit the brake just seconds before impact.
Michael Jackson leaves behind a cloudy financial picture. He amassed a fabulous fortune early in his career, but then later a lavish lifestyle and flurry of lawsuits took a heavy toll. As CNNs Brian Todd reports, the king of pop may have died half a billion dollars in debt.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In building his fortune and then squandering so much of it, Michael Jackson did nothing in small measure. The zenith of his career illuminated not only a dazzling stage talent, but a shrewdness for business virtually unmatched by any superstar.
ETHAN SMITH, WALL STREET JOURNAL: The really smart, beneficial thing he did in 1985 was he bought a company called ATV Music Publishing, which held, among other things, the copyrights to 251 Beatles' songs.
TODD: Jackson outbid even Paul McCartney for that, paid almost $48 million for part of the Beatles' catalog, which is now reported to be worth more than a $1 billion.
(on camera): Jackson's record deal with Sony, analysts say, was one of the most savvy contracts in music history with royalties and other fees bringing him several million in years in album sales up to the time of his death.
(voice-over): But his last years were also marked by such uncontrolled spending that he had to borrow millions against those holdings just to have some cash flow. He's believed to have paid about $100,000 a month in rent for his last house in Bel-Air.
The Neverland ranch, with its Ferris Wheel, merry-go-round, life- size statues and arcade games cost him millions a year just to maintain. It's now partially owned by an investment firm that saved Jackson from foreclosure.
Jackson's shopping sprees, like one captured in a 2003 documentary, were legendary for bizarre excess.
Bruno Del Granado marketed Jackson's 1991 album "Dangerous," featuring one of his last major hits, "Black or White."
Del Granado remembers the last time he saw the "King of Pop" in Manhattan in 2002.
BRUNO DEL GRANADO, FORMER EPIC RECORDS MARKETEER: He was staying at the Plaza and he had the top-suite floor and there was maybe five, six people with him, which is great, but you think, wow, this is a little bit lavish.
TODD: Legal fees and costly settlements over child abuse allegations and broken business deals put an enormous strain on Michael Jackson's empire.
JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SENIOR LEGAL ANALYST: There were many lawsuits and Jackson often paid settlements to avoid going to trial and that was a big financial burden.
TODD: Michael Jackson's final bottom line isn't clear and likely won't be for a while. At his death he's reported to be about half a billion dollars in debt. It is not clear if his assets outweigh the debts. And analysts say the financial picture is so complicated, it could take years to sort out.
Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: All right. We're going to talk much more about Michael Jackson's financial problems in our next hour. Join us for "Death of a Legend" a special report, 4:00 Eastern Time. We're going to be joined by a few people who knew him well. They're going to be talking about what they remember about the man, Michael Jackson and his music.
Meantime, let's talk to our own Bonnie Schneider, because we've got some very dangerous weather taking place, particularly in the Midwest.
BONNIE SCHNEIDER, CNN METEOROLOGIST: That's right, Fred. We want to give everyone the heads-up, because we've been talking about the heat, but the heat is going to break tomorrow for many cities.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WHITFIELD: All right, Bonnie you, will keep us up to date. Appreciate that.
SCHNEIDER: Sure.
WHITFIELD: All right, gays and lesbians around the world are celebrating gay pride. We'll speak to a gay activist about some hot button issues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Gay pride activities shift into high gear this weekend with marches in New York, San Francisco, gay marriage tops a long list of issues affecting the gay and lesbian community. Joining me from Boston is Jarrett Barrios he is the incoming president of GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
Good to see you.
JARRETT BARRIOS, GLAAD: Hi Fredricka, how are you?
WHITFIELD: I'm doing good. So, as early as this Monday. This is a big weekend and the big week coming up for you, because this Monday you are among those invited to White House to talk to the president about what?
BARRIOS: About fundamental equality in a time that it's the 40th anniversary of Stonewall.
WHITFIELD: What do you expect to -- what kind of commitment do you expect from the White House? Or what kind of advancement are you looking for from the White House? Because there has been some criticism in recent months the White House has not been doing enough, quickly enough as it pertains to gay and lesbian rights?
BARRIOS: You know, I think that first of all we are appreciative, or I for one, am appreciative that the president has decided to commemorate Stonewall. This is a very important symbolic act from the White House. Stonewall goes back to 40 years this week to when few folks who used to go to a bar and couldn't go -- breaking the law when they went to a bar, stood up to the police and stood up to blackmail and discrimination. And we mark this, we remember this, as sort of the first time we started asking for equality.
And I think what's going on today is the same thing. It's really asking the president, and really, America, to recognize the same basic rights, the stuff that all of us take for granted as Americans, but that gay and transgender Americans can't take for granted.
In 30 states it's legal to kick somebody off their job just because they're gay. In 37 states just because they're transgendered and that really goes against the grain of what America is about.
You know, if you live, you work hard, you play by the rules, you should be able to be valued for what you do and shouldn't be kicked off the job. That's the kind of stuff that we are talking about.
WHITFIELD: A few things have transpired, not just this coming week, the plaintiff at the White House acknowledging the 40th commemoration of Stonewall, but also at the early part of this month talking about Gay Pride Awareness Month making sure the rest of America would acknowledge that. And then there was, I guess there is still some indecision about "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and where the White House stands on that. Do you feel like you're getting mixed messages from the White House? Or do you have an opinion on that?
BARRIOS: Sure, sure. "Don't Ask Don't Tell" is a statute that forces service members who are gay, out of the military. These are -- many of them, decorated veterans who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq at a time when we need them. Seventy percent of America thinks they should stay in the military and it's our belief, or it's my belief that the politician should follow the public on this one and that we should repeal that.
Now that's the charge of Congress, but I think that leadership on all accounts, from America, from the president and from Congress could really help.
WHITFIELD: OK, and what do you look forward as you meet with the president. Do you have high expectations or any expectations at all, what's the plan?
BARRIOS: Well, I got two expectations. First of all I am getting my 17-year-old son, who is the one who is most excited about going, I think he'll be the most excited kid in the room, is going to get to meet the president.
I'm a little more interested in what the president has to say, because there are a lot of things that need to be done to make America follow through on its promise to its gay, lesbian and transgender citizens. We've a lot of work to do, not just discrimination in employment, but issues around marriage. Loving, committed couples in 45 states have no protections, the ability have no protections at law to take care of one another.
These are issues which present not just the president, but state legislatures, and citizens around the country. We need to take our case, not just to the White House, but to America. That America is ours too and that the promises of America. The things we learn in grade school, liberty and justice for all, that there is no exception for gay people. That all means all. And that what we would like is just the opportunity to, when we work hard and play by the rules, to really have the same chance to be protected and take care of our families.
WHITFIELD: Jarrett Barrios, thanks so much, of GLAAD, thanks for your time. Appreciate it. And good luck on your meeting at the White House this week.
BARRIOS: Thank you.
WHITFIELD: All right, this breaking news we also want to bring to you as it pertains to the Michael Jackson death. We understand now from our Ted Rowlands who is covering the story from Los Angeles. He apparently just did an interview with Matthew Alfred, who is one of the attorneys representing Dr. Conrad Murray. He's the personal doctor of Michael Jackson. And the conversation goes as such. We understand that there is a plan today for Dr. Murray, as well as his attorney, Ed Chernoff to meet with LAPD detectives this afternoon.
And this is some of what the attorney, Mr. Alfred said, to our Ted Rowlands. He said as referring to the doctor, "He is very upset as are millions of people across the world. It's a human tragedy and he's upset, obviously, over the loss of Mr. Jackson. But he is not a suspect in the death of Mr. Jackson." Jackson and of course the attorney saying we intend to cooperate fully.
We're going to be hearing more from our Ted Rowlands, who did this interview, had this conversation with Matthew Alfred, one of the partners of the law firm that has been secured for Dr. Conrad Murray who has -- secured, I'm sorry, I have a producer in my ear.
Just tell me one more time. All right, Ted Rowlands is now with us out of Los Angeles.
So Ted, give me an idea of what this conversation was like. And it seems as though the attorney was very forthright, very willing to convey the sentiments of the doctor.
TED ROWLANDS, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Fredricka. You know, for the last day and a half there has been so much mystery around this doctor, his voice, is sort of heard on that 911 tape in the background. Of course, there has been a lot of finger pointing against this Dr. Murray. So, the attorneys want to be made clear that, in their mind, this is an individual who is totally cooperating with the Los Angeles police department. Yes, he did wait to meet with detectives, but he did so because he wanted legal representation.
He got -- a lawyer from Houston to fly out yesterday. They are meeting in the next few hours here in Los Angeles. But, he says this is a situation where this doctor, he said, you know literally had Michael Jackson die in his arms. And he's very upset. Obviously like people around the world he said, I asked him about treatment, did this doctor give Michael Jackson drugs before his death, et cetera and he wouldn't elaborate much there. He just said, "I have no information as to what, if any treatment or course of treatment he was doing for Mr. Jackson at all."
The theme here, the basic message from at least the attorneys that Dr. Conrad Murray has hired, is this guy, is cooperating 100 percent. He wasn't on the run, by any stretch of the imagination and in the words of the attorney he wants to get on with his life after cooperating with this, and he's not a criminal suspect at all.
WHITFIELD: Interesting, all right, so the meeting between the attorneys representing Dr. Murray to take place momentarily, there with LAPD detectives. Thanks so much, Ted Rowlands, we'll hear from you again. We know you have more reporting to do on this, we'll try to advance the story best we can next hour. Thanks so much, Ted.
All right, meantime, this weekend, we reveal another "CNN Hero." Like many of this year's hero, Alfa Demmellash is helping those hard-hit by the tough economy from a small office in Jersey City, New Jersey, she's helping hundreds of people, mostly single mothers to not only build small businesses, but also build better lives.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANNOUNCER: This is "CNN Heroes."
ALFA DEMMELLASH, FOUNDER, RISING TIDE CAPITAL: I was born and raised in Ethiopia. My mom, (INAUDIBLE) to a brutal dictatorship. To save up for me to come to America, she started making these beautiful gowns as a way to make extra money and save.
Entrepreneurs, they are at the heart of what the American dream is all about.
My name is Alfa Demellash, and I co-founded an organization that provides business education to women and minority entrepreneurs like my mom. We believe in your dreams and what that makes possible.
We launched a school so that people could go in and really work on the hands-on management side of their business. We focus on providing people quality coaching so that they can take their products and services and sell them.
ROBIN MUNN, FLORIST: So, I was thinking about closing, but once I started taking the classes, I found that the fire come back.
SHAWN WHITE, CLOTHING DESIGNER: To know I can go out here in this world and sell clothes, it's crazy because I would never have had that insight if it wasn't for her.
KIM BRATTEN, ARTIST: They put hope back into the community. Now I'll be able to send my kids to college.
(BEGIN GRAPHIC)
Alfa's organization has provided education training and support to more than 250 entrepreneurs and small business owners in New Jersey, 70 percent are single mothers.
DEMMELLASH: We believe in you that you are on the beginning of your journey. This is really for us a place where the American dream can be realized. The ability to become self-reliant. The ability to have economics hope. That is the fabric of this country. This is something that speaks to people's dreams. We have to fight for it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: More information just in. We get confirmation now that the attorneys representing Dr. Conrad Murray, who was the personal doctor of Michael Jackson, the attorneys are telling CNN, telling our Ted Rowlands, they will indeed be meeting with the LAPD detectives not long from now. They're in Los Angeles as it pertains to what may or may not have taken place involving Michael Jackson at his estate.
Dr. Murray has been his personal attorney (sic), but through the attorney, Dr. Murray has said that he is very upset as are millions of people across the world it's a human tragedy and he's upset, "obviously over the loss of Mr. Jackson but he is not a suspect in the death of Mr. Jackson."
So, we'll delve into the investigation, the potential custody battle and the debt that Michael Jackson's death leaves behind in a full hour devoted to Michael Jackson, "Death of a Legend," right after this.
