"Without God, my children, my family and you, my fans, I could not have made it through," Jackson wrote to his short statement fans. "Your love, support and loyalty made it all possible. You were there when I really needed you. I will never forget you. Your ever-present love held me, dried my tears and carried me through. I will treasure your devotion and support forever. You are my inspiration."

The statement was signed "Love, Michael Jackson".

There was some speculation that Jackson would take part in Live 8. The event organizer Bob Geldof told the Sunday Times that he turned down the opportunity to have Jackson headline the Philadelphia event because he believed that Jackson wasn't ready for the spotlight quite yet.