Zeenews Bureau
Washington, July 09: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday shot down calls for a formal congressional measure honoring Michael Jackson, warning a debate might air unpleasant "contrary views" about the late "King of Pop."
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"I don't think it's necessary for us to have a resolution," the California Democrat told reporters, days after Democratic Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee held up her bill to honor Jackson's life and work.
"A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different," she said, in an apparent reference to allegations of sexual abuse that swirled around the deceased pop superstar.
At the internationally televised tribute to Jackson on Tuesday, Jackson-Lee held aloft a framed copy of legislation declaring him "a global humanitarian and a noted leader in the fight against worldwide hunger and medical crises."
The measure would further praise Jackson "as an accomplished contributor to the worlds of arts and entertainment, scientific advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, and global food security."
Pelosi said Jackson "was a great, great performer, and lots of sadness there for many reasons" and that House members should feel free "to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish."
"If the idea is to praise the life and work, as I assume that resolution does, then why not do that?" she said.
'MJ's glove hid skin problem'
It was an iconic image of the performer that didn't leave public consciousness even after his death as Michael Jackson's brothers wore the white, sequined glove to his memorial.
Now, Hollywood actress Cicely Tyson says the glove his MJ's skin problem.
Talking to CNN, she said that the two shared a fashion designer in the 80s and he designed the glove for the King of Pop. "All of a sudden, he said, 'I'm doing this glove for Michael,' " she said. "Michael was beginning to develop the vitiligo and it started on his hand.
"The glove was to cover the vitiligo; that's how that glove came into being."
Jackson was called The Gloved One after he wore it in the video of 'Billie Jean'.
MJ to be buried in Forest Lawn?
The mystery that surrounds the whereabouts of Michael Jackson's body and plans for his burial after his great memorial service has been resolved, claims a newspaper. According to latest report, the megastar will be buried at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood.
Speculation had escalated over Jackson’s burial in the absence of a formal announcement by the pop star’s family.
The Forest Lawn Cemetery is the resting place of Hollywood biggies and it was the venue for Jacko’s private memorial also. Now, The Sun has confirmed that the 'Thriller' hitmaker will be buried there.
It is reported that in the past few days a fresh grave has been dug in the south section of the park, in the Jackson family's plot where the pop legend's grandmother is also said to be buried.
First Published: Thursday, July 09, 2009, 23:47