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Comment: A new low for OK! magazine

Tue Jun 30 03:19PM

OK! magazine sank to a new low this week by publishing on its front page what it proudly calls "the last ever pictures of Michael Jackson".

It would appear the term ‘rest in peace' is lost on OK! with its publishers Northern & Shell forking out an estimated £300,000 for rights to use the image.

The photograph shows Michael seemingly unconscious with tubes coming out of his mouth as medical staff try to resuscitate him.

The magazine then has the cheek to call it an "official tribute issue". To me the word "tribute" indicates a certain amount of respect. Now, please somebody show me where on the page any respect is shown to Michael Jackson or his family.

Sarah Ivens, OK!'s editorial director, said: "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."

This is a pale attempt to try and avoid saying what they have really done, which is publishing wholly unnecessary and intrusive images in an attempt to sell a product.

The media can be a cut-throat industry, that's no secret. I, myself, have to try and engage readers from events such as the death of Michael Jackson, but there's a line and OK! has crossed it.

As Andrew Marr foresaw last week, there are three stages to the Michael Jackson reporting; first his death was reported, then the inquest into his death was covered; now the final stage will then be the picking apart of the man. It would appear we're well into that now.

Comments11 - 20 of 697

So why have you gone and done exactly the same thing and published the offending cover?

From tonteau on Tue Jun 30 03:30PM
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this is disgusting - how low can ok magazine go! i will NEVER buy a copy again.

From morvencook on Tue Jun 30 03:31PM
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An awful tactic from an awful magazine - I expect nothing less for the trash that publishers churn out these days about celebrities e.t.c

From jamesehomepage on Tue Jun 30 03:31PM
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As long as people keep buying this tat it will continue.

From karenshaw64 on Tue Jun 30 03:33PM
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Personally I don't think they should be allowed to do this - not only out of respect but also as children of all ages can see the picture. It's not tasteful or pleasant.

From slopey1 on Tue Jun 30 03:36PM
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SICK SICK SICK!!
Lets hope their readers have the good sense to boycott this issue.

From susanthomas78 on Tue Jun 30 03:36PM
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I think its so sad that someone could do this to an obviously dying man who is so unaware of his surroundings and whats going on that he cannot agree or disagree to have the pictures taken. Michael did not like being in the puplic eye if he was not prepared first and the media took so much from him in his life time why then do they take his last piece of dignity with pictures like this that nobody wants to see. Its so obvious that the photographer and the editor of this rag mag will do anything for money they cant have a concience and i dont know how they can sleep at night. I guess humaanity means nothing to them. R.I.P. Michael and Thank You for all your music dance and entertainment all of your life. Noone can hurt you any more God Bless Michael Love Lolo Daniel and Denis in Ireland. x x x x

From lolooneill01 on Tue Jun 30 03:36PM
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we all have to start thinking when did we stopped being human that is what this is to me i decided no matter what OK publishes in future i will never buy this magazine

From bentapilch on Tue Jun 30 03:37PM
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Disgusting - used to buy the rag, never will again!!

From chrisbell999 on Tue Jun 30 03:37PM
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beyond distastfull, bloody disgusting. They should be ashamed of themselves. They are forgetting one thing, behind the music and the showman, this man is a Father to 3 little children. How would they feel about a picture of their loved one splayed all over a magazine for the world to see when they are in the midst of grief. Heartless heartless B******S!!!!!!

From lynseyperry on Tue Jun 30 03:40PM
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