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CNN Larry King Live
Jackson Family Legal Team Interview; Farrah Fawcett's Funeral
Aired June 30, 2009 - 21:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LARRY KING, HOST: Tonight, Michael Jackson's body on display to the world -- a public viewing set for Friday at Neverland so fans can say good-bye and see the face of pop music for themselves.
(MUSIC)
KING: The Jackson family attorneys are here with exclusive details about his mysterious death.
What's the latest today?
His children -- were they really his?
And the just discovered will -- what's in it?
A fight over money, the kids, Michael Jackson's legacy -- how big of a battle?
And Farrah Fawcett's funeral -- friends and family bid farewell to an angel, next on LARRY KING LIVE.
Let's get caught up with our reporters on the scene, Al Sharpton and then meet the attorneys for the Jackson family.
At the Neverland Ranch is Kara Finnstrom. At the Encino, California residence is Susan Roesgen.
And here in the L.A. Bureau is Drew Griffin.
All outstanding correspondents, all who have been on top of this story from the get go.
What's the latest at the ranch -- Kara?
What's the latest you can tell us about what's going to happen there?
KARA FINNSTROM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Larry, we've watched this two lane country road just outside of Neverland Ranch completely transform over the last couple of hours. Media have converged here and you can hear the helicopter overhead. Fans are behind us.
What we know about what's going to be happening over this weekend is that on Thursday morning -- late Thursday morning, we're told Michael Jackson's body will be brought from the Los Angeles area. It will be brought by a motorcade of some 30 cars over a distance of about 130 miles back here, home from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.
That is going to be quite an undertaking. We're told law enforcement is trying to iron out all the details -- the security concerns, the traffic concerns associated with that. And then, Larry, we're told on Friday, there will be a public viewing of Michael Jackson's body and on Sunday, a private memorial service, just for his family.
KING: All right.
And in Encino, Susan Roesgen is at the home.
What about the children in all of this, Susan?
Any word?
Where are they?
How are they doing?
SUSAN ROESGEN, GULF COAST CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, Larry, mourners are coming here, partly to get a glimpse of the children. They'd like to see the children. We understand that the children are in the home behind me, the Jackson family home. But, honestly, Larry, you have to remember that they always wore masks and were covered up for most of Michael Jackson's life. Very few pictures of them without the masks.
So if they were to come out here, maybe even set up a lemonade stand, who would know it?
Who would even recognize them?
We'll keep on and we'll look for them. But, you know, they -- they may or may not be there.
KING: Good point.
Drew Griffin, our famed investigative journalist, what's the latest on the investigation?
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT CORRESPONDENT: The investigators -- the robbery/homicide detectives in L.A. Still combing through this town, trying to find out whatever they can about the medications that may have been used. That's the track they're on.
KING: Looking to what, arrest the doctor?
What?
GRIFFIN: Not to arrest the doctor, but to -- this is a death investigation, Larry. It still hasn't ratcheted up to a criminal investigation. What they're trying to do is aid the coroner in coming to some kind of conclusion on the death.
What we do know from the experts is most likely, these two autopsies -- the people who have asked for those autopsies know. So the coroner in Los Angeles knows how Michael Jackson died. The family -- whoever got that toxicology and autopsy -- probably know how he died.
I'll be interested to hear what your attorneys have to say.
Why they're not sharing that information, number one, the L.A. County coroner is waiting for the tests on the brain, which takes a while. But certainly the family knows what happened.
KING: If this were the death of Homer Smith, would this be going on?
GRIFFIN: No. It wouldn't...
KING: If Homer Smith's family wants a second autopsy...
GRIFFIN: Well...
KING: ...investigators at the house of Homer Smith?
GRIFFIN: Well, I don't know what Homer did, but I doubt it. But what's very interesting, Larry, and something that happened yesterday, the LAPD and the detectives -- they go back to the house and they go in and supposedly find more evidence. Now, that house had been given up by the LAPD for two days -- the Jackson family in and out of there with a truck.
So in the event this does become something more than just a death investigation, we're back to some kind of evidence issues that we had back in the O.J. Simpson days.
KING: Kara, in view of the kind of remoteness of Neverland, the two lane highway, why would they pick a July 4th weekend to do this?
FINNSTROM: You know, a lot of people in this community are asking that. Really, the only thing they can compare this with was Elizabeth Taylor, back in 1991, got married at Neverland. And they said it was a mess, that there was -- there were the traffic issues, there weren't enough restaurants and hotels to -- to service all the people who were coming in here.
Now, of course, we're talking about potentially a much, much bigger crowd coming in.
We did speak with some of the security detail that are here and some of the county officials that have already come in to try and start coordinating and organizing just the media and fans who have arrived. And they tell us they really don't know what the plan is going to be yet for this week.
KING: But no explanation as to why they picked a holiday weekend, which would have double traffic anyway?
FINNSTROM: Well, Larry, I'm just assuming that they -- you know, that they want to give him a burial at some point here. We don't know that this will be his final resting place. You know, there had been some speculation about that. The locals here certainly hope that isn't a case. They hope it's just a memorial and that they will then be going -- moving him to another location to be buried, because they say they don't want this to turn into another Graceland. They don't want that constant type of, you know, tourist attraction here, if you will.
KING: What's the story, Susan, on the will?
ROESGEN: Well, we understand that there is one will that has surfaced, that the family is aware of it now. They were not aware of it, apparently, when Katherine Jackson, the grandmother, filed a petition to get custody of the children and also to control Michael Jackson's assets that would go to the children.
Now, their lawyer is saying there is a will that was written in 2002. We only know bare bones of it, Larry. And that's just that it gives money to Katherine Jackson. It gives part of the estate to Katherine Jackson, to Michael Jackson's children and to charities.
You know, Michael -- so many -- Larry, so many people have forgotten that Michael Jackson gave millions away to charities. And that he apparently wanted in death for some of his estate to go there, too.
KING: And, Susan, is a will public knowledge?
ROESGEN: It is only in that that the family for the lawyer has confirmed that, yes, there is one out there. But one has not been filed today. We've been keeping track of the Los Angeles superior court here. There were no paperwork, no wills filed today. So the official filing and what it really says, we don't know yet.
KING: And, Drew, there is -- is there any foul play thought of here?
GRIFFIN: You know...
KING: I mean with all this -- that would be the thought, is this foul play?
GRIFFIN: Look, this is Michael Jackson. This is special even if nothing happened there, right?
But the fact of the matter is, on that first day, Larry, they -- they impound the doctor's car and they haul it away. There's got to be a reason for that. And they go back to the house on Monday. There's got to be a reason for that. If Michael Jackson just died and we know how he died and there's no question about how he died, it's being drug out a long time before they give us the answers.
KING: Thanks, Drew.
GRIFFIN: But with all of that, still, death investigation, not criminal.
KING: Thanks, Drew.
Obviously, CNN atop the scene.
Fans of Michael Jackson have had an opportunity to pay tribute to him today at Harlem's famed Apollo Theater. In 1967, Jackson and his brother won an amateur night showcase there. Michael was just nine. Emotions ran high inside the Apollo today.
Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REV. AL SHARPTON, MICHAEL JACKSON'S LONGTIME FRIEND: There was one young man that broke down race barriers, national barriers, made a way for Tiger Woods, made a way for Oprah Winfrey, made a way for Barack Obama. You can lie on him, but we believe in him.
(MUSIC)
SHARPTON: Stand up!
Stand up for Michael!
(MUSIC)
SHARPTON: Over here!
(MUSIC)
SHARPTON: Back there!
(MUSIC)
SHARPTON: Blame it on what?
(MUSIC)
SHARPTON: Come on!
(MUSIC)
SPIKE LEE, FILMMAKER: What Michael meant to us means so much. And let's not wallow in the negativity that they're trying to drag us down into.
SHARPTON: Long live!
UNIDENTIFIED SUPPORTERS: Michael!
SHARPTON: Long live!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Reverend Al Sharpton, long time friend of the Jackson family, orchestrated today's tribute at the Apollo.
He'll join us when we come back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: His music is still with us. He's a great legend and he's the king of pop.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Everything I am, I owe it all to Michael Jackson.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's in a much better place -- a much better place. No more pain.
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Joining us from New York, Reverend Al Sharpton, longtime friend. He presided over that public tribute today. He's been consulting with the family, as well, about the funeral.
Why the Apollo, Al?
SHARPTON: Well, you know, I thought it was very important that we send a signal. Those that really believe that Michael's image has been tarnished by the media, in many ways, that the people really love him. And I felt that we that are not in his inner circle, have no business interests, not in any way in a confidante level, but just have known him and worked with him on civil rights causes could do it so people would say wait a minute, with all of the controversy, people loved him.
And when you see the thousands that came out today, it, I think, changes the story, that despite all that has been said about him, people with no vested interest, not that close with him but that knew and respected his work, came out to say he was the king and he made ways for us.
KING: Why do you make him the forerunner of Tiger Woods, Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama?
SHARPTON: I think that what Michael Jackson and his brothers did in the '70s and '80s is create a comfort level where people of different races and nationalities began to accept, based on people's skills and work, that they could be like them and admire them and not be intimidated or fearful of doing that across the color line. So the kids that wore the little jackets like Michael Jackson and the pants legs up above the ankle and the hat imitating Michael -- the white kids in Iowa, the Asian kids in Japan -- these are the kids that grew up and voted for Obama, because race, to them, was different.
KING: Yes. What...
SHARPTON: These are the kids that cheered for Tiger Woods. You've got to give the Jacksons and Michael credit that they created a comfort level that, I think, grew and grew to where we are now.
KING: One other -- one other quick thing and we'll see you out here, I guess, tomorrow.
Do you fear that this weekend, July 4th weekend, as well, might turn into a zoo?
SHARPTON: I think that's up to the family. Like I said, I'm not in that circle. I was asked by some of them to just give my opinions. And I will.
But I -- what I'm talking about is the social legacy of Michael, as one that worked with him from time to time. I thought it was important that somebody expressed the views that was positive, since everyone else was trying to beat down his image. And I don't think he deserves that.
I didn't always agree with Michael, but I think Michael was a strong historic force that is being treated unfairly and I intend to keep fighting for him.
KING: Well, you're very eloquent.
We'll see you out here tomorrow.
SHARPTON: Thank you, Larry.
KING: Thanks, Al, as always.
Reverend Al Sharpton.
Farrah Fawcett's funeral took place today.
Did her jailed son make it to his mother's service?
We'll talk to someone who was there in 60 seconds.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: A private funeral service today for actress Farrah Fawcett conducted at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angles in Los Angeles. The woman who became a TV star and international sex symbol in the 1970s as one of "Charlie's Angels" died last Thursday at age 62 after a long battle with cancer.
Joining us at the location, Bonnie Tiegel, senior producer of "Entertainment Tonight" and "The Insider."
Bonnie was invited to attend today's private funeral and memorial for Farrah Fawcett.
Was this -- was this a high mass?
BONNIE TIEGEL, SENIOR PRODUCER, "ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT" & "THE INSIDER": I believe it was a high mass, coming from a Jewish girl. But I do believe that it was a high mass. It was -- Larry, it was just absolutely amazing when Redmond walked in, Ryan walked in, Tatum walked in, Alayna (ph). Kate Jackson was there. Gary Shandling was there. Cheryl Tiegs was there. Marla Maples was there. That there was such an amazing feeling in that church.
KING: Yes.
TIEGEL: It was love. It was great, great feeling.
KING: Did Redmond go back to jail?
TIEGEL: I believe Redmond was going back to jail. But before he went back to jail, he was actually the first person to speak. And he read a psalm. Ryan followed. And it seemed that Ryan's psalm -- that, actually, Redmond's psalm was still on the podium. Ryan got up there. He said, this isn't -- this isn't mine, what I'm going to read. He said, oh, Redmond read that. I can't do it again because he did it so great.
So he was accompanied by law enforcement people. He was in a suit. He looked good. I know it was very tough. Farrah's dad was there, as well.
But I do believe he was going back to -- back to his incarceration.
KING: Any word on burial?
TIEGEL: No word on burial. I know there's a big celebration I'm about to go to that Ryan is throwing. And he did an amazing job by arranging all of this -- just a phenomenal job. A great feeling...
KING: How is he doing?
TIEGEL: I think it's tough. I think it's tough, even though everybody knew this day was going to come. There was still hope and belief. And, as you know, we've lost a lot of people this week and last week. It's something that we just to deal with. The love of his life...
KING: Any public memorial?
TIEGEL: Not that I'm aware of. I think that's still in the works.
KING: Did you know her well, Bonnie?
TIEGEL: I didn't know her well. I followed everything that went along through the years, very much, with Alayna over the last three years -- and Farrah. And it was very kind of Ryan to -- to allow me to come. I feel very honored -- very, very honored to be there.
KING: Thank you.
Thank you, Bonnie.
Always good seeing you.
TIEGEL: Thank you.
Always.
Thanks, Larry.
KING: Bonnie Tiegel, senior producer, "Entertainment Tonight" and "The Insider."
What about Michael's will, his children, all the legal issues ahead?
All three of the Jackson family attorneys are right here, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: The three attorneys who represent the Jackson family all join us now.
They are London McMillan, lead attorney; Burt Levitch, who filed for Katherine Jackson to have control of the estate; and Diane Goodman, who also filed. They are from three different law firms. All represent. London is the lead.
What about the public memorial for Michael, London, at Neverland?
What do we know?
LONDELL MCMILLAN, LEAD ATTORNEY FOR KATHERINE AND JOE JACKSON: We know the family is planning that. And we'll get more information as it -- as it goes. We've kind of left the family to privately deal with those issues. And we'll take instructions from them and (INAUDIBLE)...
KING: Do you know why they chose July 4th weekend?
MCMILLAN: I'm not quite sure. It was a family decision. I think that's an ongoing discussion. And we support the family in whatever they choose to do.
KING: Burt, any funeral plans?
BURT LEVITCH, JACKSON FAMILY ATTORNEY: None that I know of, Larry.
KING: Is there a private funeral Sunday?
LEVITCH: Again, I have to...
KING: What was his...
LEVITCH: ...turn to London to answer those questions.
KING: London, is there a private funeral?
MCMILLAN: They are -- I'm not sure about the funeral plans. We -- we're the lawyers, Larry.
KING: Now, you said earlier today that the will from Michael Jackson written in 2002 has been located.
MCMILLAN: Yes, we received a copy of the will after we filed our -- our petitions yesterday to protect the estate and to protect the children on behalf of the family and Ms. Katherine Jackson. So we're currently reviewing the will. And we're going to review it in due course. And we've hired some very competent people who are in the trust and estates areas, as well as in the family areas. And I have my colleagues to my -- to my left.
KING: That is a specialty, is it not?
Are you a specialty, Burt, in trusts?
LEVITCH: Yes. Trusts and estates.
KING: Is there anything about this will, without revealing it -- I realize that -- that is especially surprising?
LEVITCH: I think we'll have to wait until it becomes public.
KING: Well, are you surprised, without being -- necessarily telling us -- by anything in it?
Just, you know, give me a little hint.
LEVITCH: Well, in a way, it reflects a thoughtful decedent.
KING: Thought -- you mean Michael was very thoughtful in this?
LEVITCH: That's how I take it, initially. But I'd also like to confer with the family to get a better sense of their take on it.
KING: OK.
Will anything, Diane, in it surprise people?
DIANE GOODMAN, JACKSON FAMILY ATTORNEY: No, I don't think so.
KING: OK.
Who drew it up, by the way?
LEVITCH: We don't know.
KING: So you weren't the lawyer at the time?
LEVITCH: No. Absolutely not.
KING: Why, Diane, are three different law firms involved? GOODMAN: Well, I'm involved in representing Mrs. Jackson in the guardianship matter. I do parentage law, family law. And my goal is to provide for the stability of the children in who they live with.
KING: Did the family attorneys file documents stating that there was no will?
Was that -- did that ever happen?
LEVITCH: At the time, there was no will. We went into court yesterday morning for the specific purpose of having Katherine appointed as special administrator for an interim period so that she could begin the process of securing the assets to make sure that things didn't start disappearing.
KING: And that happened, right?
LEVITCH: That did.
KING: She was granted that?
Temporary means what?
LEVITCH: There is a pair of hearings pending. And at that time, the court will be making a determination as to whether those appointments should be made permanent.
KING: You can change your will every day, right, London?
I can write a new will tomorrow for the will I wrote yesterday?
MCMILLAN: Well, if you're alive, obviously, you can do that.
KING: Yes.
Yes, good point.
Thank you.
MCMILLAN: And let me -- let me just clarify. When you said there was no will, there was no will presented to the family as of the time of the filing.
KING: I see. Yes. But there could have been a will you don't know about that might have been changed, that will written in 2006, right?
MCMILLAN: Well, that's the process. That is correct. And we're trying to actually ascertain whether or not there are other documents, whether there are other wills. We really want to try and find what was the best intent of Michael Jackson.
KING: In view of the public's attention to this, Burt, is this going to be a really long, drawn out, involved affair involving the death, the cause of death, the will, the whole drama? LEVITCH: I'm not sure how long the drama will last. Obviously, Michael Jackson is beyond an iconic figure and his life and his death are of importance to the world.
And in that sense, I think there will be media attention on this set of issues for a long time. In terms of the complexity of the estate administration, you need to keep in mind that, to the best of our knowledge, his business dealings were quite complex. And it will take quite a long time to sort out all of those issues.
KING: What about all of the questions about the children -- who's the father and all of that.
What do you make of that?
How involved is that going to get, Diane?
GOODMAN: I don't think it will be. The father is clearly Michael Jackson. He's the legal father. He's listed on the children's birth certificates and that is the children's only father.
KING: Where did this start about Dr. Arnie Klein, the dermatologist, who, by the way, said that he will discuss this at all today -- being called the father?
Do you know where that started?
MCMILLAN: I have no idea. But one thing I can tell you about representing Mrs. Jackson for three-and-a-half years, there are always so many rumors and so much scandal. But what I've known about him for three years is he's always been very kind, very giving, well spoken, well read and loving.
And I recall coming back from a deposition preparation one day. And we were supposed to plan on going through the practices. And we came home and all these children just ran up on him and showed him so much love. He just looked at me and said, "We'll have to postpone." He was a loving father. He had a (INAUDIBLE)...
KING: But where did all these stories come from?
MCMILLAN: These stories come from -- he's such a creative, transformative, extraordinary figure, who has done some things that, quite frankly, has -- has really inspired many of us and also challenged us in many different ways. And people want to just always talk about an icon.
When you represent celebrities, they just want to talk about them. They talk about you, too, sometimes, Larry.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: I heard.
Did you -- do you deal with his lawyer, Michael's lawyer, as well? LEVITCH: Well, we're certainly dealing together on this.
KING: I mean with Michael's lawyer?
LEVITCH: Well, you know, that's an interesting question, Larry -- the question of who's Michael -- who Michael's lawyer was.
KING: We don't know who his lawyer...
LEVITCH: Well, I think there were a lot of lawyers over a period of time. That's one of the reasons that there's...
KING: Does he have a current one?
LEVITCH: ...some confusion now.
KING: Doesn't he have a current lawyer?
MCMILLAN: When you say Michael, who are you referring to?
KING: Jackson.
MCMILLAN: Well, let's be...
GOODMAN: (INAUDIBLE).
MCMILLAN: Let's be clear. I'm...
GOODMAN: Once he's deceased...
MCMILLAN: I was one of Michael's lawyers, but, unfortunately, Michael is deceased and he used about three or four of us lawyers. And I handled many of his matters (INAUDIBLE)...
KING: So you represented both him and the family?
MCMILLAN: I represent Ms. Katherine Jackson, Mr. Joseph Jackson and I represented Michael for the three-and-a-half years prior to his passing, along with other lawyers.
KING: Are those other lawyers still involved?
MCMILLAN: Some of them are still involved.
KING: The registered nurse who says Michael pled for powerful sedatives will join us.
Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: Our panel of legal eagles remains.
We're going to spend some time, however, on the phone with the Cherilyn Lee, the registered nurse who apparently was involved in some way with administering drugs to Michael Jackson, as she says. When did you -- when did you work with him, Cherilyn?
CHERILYN LEE, NURSE, TREATED JACKSON: From January until three months ago.
KING: Of this year?
LEE: Yes.
KING: How did he retain you?
LEE: Actually, through a very close, dear friend. He called and had a concern. His kids had a little cold. And he wanted to know if I would come by and take a look at the kids. And then while I was there, he said, well, what else do you do?
And I said, well, I help people if they have low energy. And, you know, some of the people I've worked with for low energy when they needed it was Shaquille O'Neal, through his father-in-law, Lee Nelson.
And -- and so it sort of happened from there.
KING: And then you -- you -- did you see him various -- at various times at his home?
LEE: Yes, I did.
KING: OK.
And when did he ask you about the drug Diprivan?
LEE: About three months ago.
KING: And what is Diprivan?
LEE: And when he mentioned it to me, I actually had never heard of it. And what I did was, I said, are you sure? What are you trying to tell me? Because it sounds so much like so many other things.
And I was at his home. I excused myself from him. I called a dear friend, a physician, and asked him what was it. And he said that is a very serious drug, one that you do not use outside of a hospital. It's only used in the ICU.
And basically it's to quiet a portion of the nerve ending -- well a component of the brain. And he actually kind of broke it all down. And I said OK. So I went back to Michael, because I had to step out away from the house because the reception is bad to use a cell phone in his home. And I went back to Michael and I said, Michael, this is -- why do you want this drug? He said, I told you I need to sleep.
And I had already kind of watched him a couple of times. He said I want you to stay here and watch me sleep.
KING: I want to cut through here. Did you give him the drug? LEE: Oh, no, no, no! This is -- I did not give him the drug. I warned him not to take this drug. I said, I don't know who -- have you ever taken it before? He said yes. I just want to go to sleep and sleep well. If you can find me an anesthesiologist, or can you find me someone to come here and monitor me while I sleep, while they give me this IV.
I said, Michael, this is not a safe drug. This is not a safe drug. So this is when I went back to my office, picked up my PDR, went back to Michael and showed him verbatim in the PDR what would happen to him. I said you could not take this. I don't know why someone told you this is safe; it is not safe.
KING: That drug is given intravenously, isn't it?
LEE: Yes, it is.
KING: You would have no knowledge if after talking to you he took it?
LEE: No, because I didn't see him any more after that. That was three months ago.
KING: Based on that conversation, did you have grave concerns about him?
LEE: I had concerns, but I had concerns that he couldn't sleep. And I know -- I didn't know of anybody who was going to give him that drug. I said no one is going to give you that drug. If somebody did give it to you a long time ago, that's probably why they never gave it to you again. And in what setting did you have it? And he didn't want to answer all the questions. And I said OK, let me show you.
He said, OK, I see it's dangerous. But as long as somebody monitored me, I should be OK. I said, no you're not OK.
KING: Have detectives talked you about this?
LEE: No.
KING: You would cooperate with them if they did, right?
LEE: Oh, most definitely.
KING: When you heard of his death, were you shocked?
LEE: Oh my, I was beyond shocked. I'm still shocked. You know --
KING: Even though you knew he wanted this drug which could harm him?
LEE: I knew he wanted it, but I didn't see anyone giving it to him. Personally, I just didn't see -- after warning him, I didn't see anyone giving him that drug, after I went through all of the information as to what would happen to him. KING: What medicines did you give him?
LEE: I didn't give him any medicine. I only gave him nutrition.
KING: So you did things to help with his energy.
LEE: With his energy, cocktails, yes. Food products, yes.
KING: Cherilyn, we'll be back in touch. And maybe you can come back with us tomorrow if we need more information. OK?
LEE: Most definitely. Thank you so much. Thank you.
KING: Any comment on that, London?
MCMILLAN: I don't really understand the point of it, but again --
KING: Well, if he's asking for a drug like this and he said he's used a drug like this, the point of it is, obviously the man was aware of Diprivan; he could ask for a drug like Diprivan; she didn't know what it was; I don't know what it is. If he asked for it, it sounds like a duck, looks like a duck, it might be a duck.
MCMILLAN: This is her comment. It's a hearsay comment. It would be inadmissible anywhere in a court of law. It has no credibility in particular.
KING: Forget inadmissible. Are you concerned when you hear it?
MCMILLAN: I'm concerned when I hear anyone taking drugs or anyone talking about someone taking drugs. I want to also wonder why would one make a comment about something that they don't have much knowledge about, but they just said -- they didn't see the drug administered. It's because, again, of the Michael Jackson factor.
KING: Do you expect more of this, Burt?
LEVITCH: This is outside of my area of expertise.
KING: Your expertise is in --
LEVITCH: Trust and estates.
KING: As is yours, Diane?
GOODMAN: No, mine is in family law.
KING: Well, in family law, do you expect more of this?
GOODMAN: I don't think so.
KING: You don't think more people are going to come forward to say they had dealings with Michael?
GOODMAN: Well, I think there's lots of rumors about it, but I don't think there's anyone else who is going to be able to come forward.
KING: Does this lady concern you?
GOODMAN: No, not for what I do. My job is to protect the stability of the children and what Michael --
KING: Your role is the children? Your role is the trust. Your role is the family? and the --
MCMILLAN: And the trust and the assets.
KING: And the property of Michael's estate.
MCMILLAN: And his legacy, most importantly.
KING: You want to protect his legacy.
MCMILLAN: Absolutely right.
KING: We'll be back with more in a minute. Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: The following is a statement that was given to LARRY KING LIVE on behalf of John Branka and Joel Katz. They were hired by Michael Jackson to represent him prior to his untimely death.
These two highly respected attorneys and their law firms are now carrying out his wishes and desires as expressed in his last will and testament. It is their sincere desire that Michael's affairs be handled with dignity and respect. Since 1980, Mr. Branka has played a critical role in helping Mr. Jackson build the substantial assets that are now part of his estate. Mr. Jackson's will, signed on July 7th, 2002, names Mr. Branka as co-executor, along with Mr. Jackson's long time friend, John MacLaine.
The death of Michael Jackson was a tragedy and everyone who knew and loved him pray that he can rest in peace.
Comment, Burt?
LEVITCH: That's an interesting development, Larry. As you know, the family has a copy of the will. And they'll be reviewing it and --
KING: Do you know these lawyers?
LEVITCH: I certainly know one of them to have a fine reputation. I'm not familiar with them. I don't know them, to answer your question.
KING: The reputation of whom do you know?
LEVITCH: John Branka.
KING: He wouldn't speak if he didn't know what he was talking about, right, you would think? LEVITCH: Unlikely. But my concern is he may not have the full picture. There's certainly a possibility that he was involved at one point and, as I said it earlier, in response to a question, things were in transition often in Michael's life.
KING: London, they're saying though that they're his attorneys now, as I read that.
MCMILLAN: Well, John Branka has been with Michael Jackson from '80 till about '96.
KING: And then wasn't?
MCMILLAN: And there was a break. And I understand recently from Mr. Branka that he was just recently brought on a week ago.
KING: Oh, he told you that?
MCMILLAN: Mr. Branka told me and others. I want to put it in context. There's a long history and a legacy that they have had. There was a separation for quite some time. Apparently, Mr. Branka had the will in his safe. So one of the issues that we'll have to explore is, are the individuals named in the will still the people that Mr. Jackson wanted to administer and control his life after he passed and moved on?
KING: This can get involved.
MCMILLAN: It can get involved.
KING: There are claims that Michael's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, is not the biological mother of the two oldest children.
Debbie's attorney had this to say: "we refuse to be drawn into the speculation and rumors. The vast majority of what is out there is untrue, Ms. Rowe is the biological mother of the two eldest children."
As we mentioned earlier, Arnold Klein, the famed dermatologist will not comment at all. There were rumors that he was somehow involved.
Any comment on all of this, London?
MCMILLAN: I'll pass it to my esteemed --
KING: Diane?
GOODMAN: I think under the law, the only parents of the two oldest children are Michael and Debbie Rowe. And those are the only two parents. Whatever other roles people may or may not have played, I'm unaware of, but it doesn't matter. Those are the two legal parents.
KING: In other words, what we're saying is it doesn't matter if John Jones fathered those children; in court, Michael Jackson is the father of those children and Debbie Rowe is the mother. GOODMAN: Correct.
KING: So that's extraneous.
GOODMAN: Right. In parentage law, if someone donates their genetic material to someone else to create children, they give up their parental rights as part of donating their genetic material. They're out of it. So I don't know whether or not that happened here, but, in general, you have no parental rights when you donate your genetic material through a doctor. Then your parental rights are terminated thereafter under California law.
KING: When does it take place in court? When is the will read? When is probate, as they say?
LEVITCH: Assuming there's a will -- we've seen copies. As you have said, the family's aware of it. Eventually, someone needs to lodge that will with the court. That has to happen within 30 days of the decedent's death.
Typically at the same time, a petition for probate is brought, seeking not only the entry of that will to probate, but also the appointment of someone, typically the people named in the will, as the executors of the estate.
KING: And that could take place within 30 days?
LEVITCH: Yes.
KING: Somewhere there. You want to add something, London?
MCMILLAN: Yes, again, I want to go back to what our priorities always were and why we filed. Initially, it was to focus on the best interest of the children and so that we have custody with the wonderful Ms. Katherine Jackson. Everyone knows her as a matriarch of love for this family. They're in great shape.
KING: They're the main object now of concern, right?
MCMILLAN: They're the main concern, and I think we've taken care of that. The second was the family, allowing them time to grieve. I'm a little concerned about statements made about the estate and wills when we should focus on Mr. Michael Jackson, focus on the loss that we have, focus on burying Mr. Jackson, not focusing on the estate and what he left to whom.
KING: You represent the family. Are you a little worried about a zoo this weekend?
MCMILLAN: I'm worried about a zoo, and I think one of the things that we've attempted to do by our representation is to handle this with dignity. And I think the family has handled this relatively superbly and with dignity and class. People have come to Haven Hirsch (ph). People have gone to his other properties and they have been treated very well.
KING: Is there any official word yet on what's going to take place or not? All of this is --
MCMILLAN: All of this is still speculative. I ask people not to rush to judgment. Let's wait until the announcements are made, and respect the family and remember his legacy.
KING: Thank you all very much. We're going to have you back. We will do the probate right here. Everything else is public.
Michael Jackson helped raise tens of millions of dollars here and save countless lives in Africa. We'll take you back to 1985 in 60 seconds.
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KING: It's time for Impact Your World. If anyone did that, it's Michael Jackson. In 1985, he co-wrote "We Are the World" to raise awareness and money for famine-ravaged Africa. The song raised more than 60 million dollars, saved countless lives.
Let's listen.
(SINGING)
KING: Joining us now on the phone is Dionne Warwick, who sang "We Are the World" with Michael and dozens of others. What was that like?
DIONNE WARWICK, SINGER: It was an amazing event. Absolutely amazing. It was one of those times where -- you know, where you say you had to be there. I mean, that's basically what it all boils down to. It was a bunch of wonderful people on one accord.
KING: Now, we know that he co-wrote the song. What was his role at the recording?
WARWICK: Well, he sang, of course. And I'm certain that he was in the booth with Quincy and the rest of the engineers listening to playbacks. He was very, very much involved.
KING: Did you have any idea or realize the impact that would have?
WARWICK: Sort of, yes. When you bring a group of entertainers together who have one specific intention, you have to have success. Music rules the world, you know.
KING: You're not kidding. What's the loss meant to you?
WARWICK: An awful lot. Michael was very, very special to me. And he was probably one of the sweetest, kindest, gentlest men I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with.
KING: And thank you so much, Dionne Warwick. For more information about USA for Africa and Impact Your World, go to CNN.com/Impact. Michael's friend Miko Brando is back next.
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KING: Miko Brando, close friend, long-time employee, Michael's best man at his wedding, godfather to his daughter. He's the son of the late, great Marlon Brando. First let's take care of the Cherilyn Lee thing, which Anderson just discussed. We spoke with here. Do you know her? heard of her?
MIKO BRANDO, FRIEND OF MICHAEL JACKSON: First I've heard her tonight. Never met her, never heard the name.
KING: Michael ever mention her to you?
BRANDO: No.
KING: Did Michael ever mention Diprivan to you?
BRANDO: Never did.
KING: What can you tell us -- a few days have passed now -- how the family's doing?
BRANDO: I think they're doing OK. I think they're feeling okay. It's still a shock to all of us.
KING: What do you know about the plans?
BRANDO: I haven't heard anything. I heard that they were going to go up to Neverland, and there was going to be something over the weekend, but nothing for sure. Nothing's been pencilled in.
KING: You know why they were planning on the July 4th weekend?
BRANDO: I think it was coincidentally the July 4th weekend. I don't think it was done purposely.
KING: The roads are going to be mobbed anyway.
BRANDO: It's going to be ridiculous. I don't think they should -- they should think twice. It's going to be ridiculous.
KING: Did you ever talk with him at all about how he would like his death to be handled if it ever happened?
BRANDO: No.
KING: Some people do talk about that.
BRANDO: No, we talked about my dad's, I know that. But we never really discussed his or mine.
KING: Michael talked about Marlon's death, though?
BRANDO: Oh, yes, about how he died and, yes.
KING: Did he go to Marlon's memorial service?
BRANDO: Absolutely. He was the first man I called. He attended, absolutely.
KING: Well. All right, Miko, the nanny for Michael Jackson's children, Grace Morowamba (ph) -- I think I pronounce that right -- has this to say -- This is the quote, "in addition to being my employer over the past 17 years and entrusting the care of his beloved children to me, he was my dear friend. While our friendship and challenges -- as do all challenges, had challenges, he was loyal to the end. I cherish and honor his memory. I'm shocked, hurt, and deeply saddened by recent statements the press has attributed to me in particular, the outrageous and patently false claim that I routinely pumped his stomach after he had ingested a dangerous combination of drugs. The statements attributed to me confirm the worst in human tendencies to sensationalize tragedy and smear reputations for profits."
You know her, I imagine.
BRANDO: Yes, I do.
KING: What do you make of the stories about her?
BRANDO: It's -- yes, I saw that today. No, she was just a good nanny to the kids. The kids loved her and still do think very highly of her. She did a good job with the kids. She was always with them. She raised them well. She did a good job.
KING: We talked about this, Miko. You came on the night we learned of his death.
BRANDO: Yes.
KING: And we talked about the possible aftermath of tabloid- ville taking over and all sorts of strange stories. That's coming true. Do you fear it to get worse?
BRANDO: Well, we're not even a week into this and it's -- are you kidding? We're not -- it's just begun.
KING: What do you think conventional media should do with all of this? What do we do?
BRANDO: Everyone's interested in Michael Jackson. He was a very private individual. So this even makes it worse. I think everybody wants to know the truth. And the truth eventually will come out regarding Michael. But until then, we just have to wait.
KING: We'll go back to Neverland for an update when LARRY KING LIVE returns.
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KING: We're back. The legendary Sir Paul McCartney has issued a statement about Michael Jackson. McCartney and Jackson performed "Say, Say, Say" back in 1983. Let's take a look at their hit, and then we'll hear from Sir Paul.
(SINGING)
KING: He collaborated with Michael several times. Here's his reaction to Michael's death: "it's so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones. I send my deepest sympathy to his mother and the whole family, and to his countless fans around the world."
Back we go to Neverland and Kara Finnstrom is standing by. Kara, first, Miko tells us plans are still not locked in stone. Do you hear anything locked in stone for the weekend?
FINNSTROM: Well, Larry, a source is telling CNN that plans are being made right now for a public viewing here of his body, and also for a memorial service, a private memorial service for the family. Now, as far as his burial and his final resting place, we have not heard any information about that.
But, you know, all of this still unfolding, and none of the details have been released yet.
KING: Are they aware that this is the July 4th weekend?
FINNSTROM: Yes, Larry, I think it just -- the point that -- they have reached the point that they want to give him that proper burial. And it just happens to be the July 4th weekend. It's a big concern for people in this community, as well, because this is a small country road that leads back here to where Neverland is. These are people who like their privacy. There are lots of concerns here about traffic issues, about security issues. It will be interesting to see how all of this plays out.
KING: Thanks so much. We will be calling on you again. Are you concerned about this, if that is the way they run it this weekend?
BRANDO: Yes, I think so. I think that's a big job on their hands. We think -- try to do it up there. I don't know. It's hard to say.
KING: What is that road like?
BRANDO: It's very narrow. It's a two-lane highway. One lane up, one lane down. It's a few miles up the road. There's nowhere to --
KING: What about parking?
BRANDO: Are you kidding? Going to have to bus them in.
KING: How are people going to have a public viewing there?
BRANDO: I don't know how. It's going to be a massive --
KING: Logistic mess?
BRANDO: Yes, to say the least.
KING: See you tomorrow. Miko Brando, part of our co-host on this, as we look into the sad aftermath of a very sad occurrence, the death of Michael Jackson. Now he's up stairs here in Los Angeles, here to cover through all of this as well, Anderson Cooper and "AC 360." Anderson?
