perhaps OK magazine should re-think what it means to ‘pay tribute.’ their latest edition, slated to hit newsstands thursday of this week, features an incredibly offensive last pic of michael jackson. (if you really wanna see it, click here) the magazine reportedly spent close to $500,000 to obtain their cover pic of the legendary mj on a stretcher being carried out by paramedics. what kind of tribute is that?
next to the close-up of jackson’s lifeless face are the words ”in loving memory.” i think it goes without saying that cataloging the chaotic and tragic last moments of someone’s unexpected death is hardly a “loving memory.”
OK!’s editorial director sarah ivens defended the cover: “it’s a photo that captures the surprise and the upset and the moment of this breaking news story . . . i hope the cover will provoke readers. it celebrated the man, but it also does expose that he was an eccentric character who lived a very controversial life.”
so far, the reaction has been 100% negative. people are obviously outraged. a petition has even been started to stop the presses on the issue. what’s weird is that ok mag owner richard desmond purchased the pic as an attempt to bolster sales. i think this move has done exactly the opposite, and will receive more and more criticism as the hours pass. in the meantime, enjoy a classy tribute cover of mj, by people magazine.
