14 DAY TRIAL // A few hours ago, the world paid a last tribute to the man who has often been referred to as the King of Pop, the ultimate entertainer and the black artist whose passing has left a void no one will ever be able to fill. The two-hour ceremony at Staples Center in Los Angeles was a celebration of the life of Michael Jackson, the megastar – and father, thanks to a brief, highly emotional ending speech held by 11-year-old daughter Paris Jackson.
The morning ceremony held many surprises for the fans who were lucky enough to win a ticket, including a rendering of Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile,” one of Michael’s favorite songs, by brother Jermaine. However, what no one saw coming was his three children taking to the stage at the end of the ceremony to thank the fans for their continued support and unconditional love. Even more surprising was Paris Jackson’s seemingly impromptu desire to speak about her father, as The Examiner can confirm.
“Prior to the service, there was no indication that any of Jackson’s children would speak, sing, or get up onto the stage. They entered the Staples Center within the safety of their family. […] When the family went on the stage to thank the fans for coming and supporting them, it was a shock when Paris asked for the microphone. As the family adjusted the microphone to her level, you could hear someone whisper if she was sure she wanted to speak. It was clear that no matter how difficult it was, Paris wanted to say something to the world about her father.” the publication writes about the moment that saw literally all of the one billion viewers tuning in for the ceremony in tears.
Clearly struggling to fight back tears and get her message across, Paris, closely comforted by grandmother Katherine and aunts Janet and La Toya, wanted to speak of Michael as few knew him: the Daddy. “I just wanted to say, ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him – so much.” Paris said before succumbing to the powerful wave of emotion and falling into Janet’s arms to cry.
Brothers Prince Michael and Blanket were also standing by Paris, but they did not speak. As several US and international media outlets point out, this brave gesture of the 11-year-old girl came to show that, while the world lost an icon and an irreplaceable megastar, the three of them lost more than all the fans put together: a doting and loving father.