In attendance were Michael Jackson's brother Tito, sister Rebbie, David Gest, the film's director Andrew Eastel and lawyers Thomas Mesereau and Susan Yu (who successfully acquitted Michael Jackson of all charges during his child molestation court case in 2005). Joining them at the event were more than 100 celebrities including many of the music industry's top recording artists, motion picture and television stars, sporting legends and other well-known personalities.
Musical legends who performed at the exclusive after-party include Russell Thompkins, Jr., the original lead singer off all the Stylistics hits, Peabo Bryson, Deniece Williams, Kim Weston, Brenda Holloway, Jimmy Ruffin and Martha Reeves.
"Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon" is a powerful behind-the-scenes account of the star's life, providing fresh insight into his early years with the Jackson 5, his rise to global solo-stardom through to the final moments of his sudden death in 2009 featuring exclusive interviews with Katherine Jackson, Tito Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, Smokey Robinson, David Gest, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston, Paul Anka, Michael's manager, the late Frank DiLeo in his last interview, Valerie Simpson and her husband, the late Nick Ashford in his last interview, Petula Clark, Mickey Rooney, legendary record producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, the song writing team of Brian Holland-Lamont Dozier-Eddie Holland and more than 50 friends, peers and associates share intimate and fascinating stories about the singer's celebrated life.
Directed by Andrew Eastel and produced by Michael Jackson's childhood best friend David Gest, the film gives Katherine Jackson the first chance to tell her side of the story about Michael's upbringing in Gary, Indiana, his relationship with father Joe, her support for her son during the court cases and her thoughts on the life he faced afterwards. Rebbie Jackson, Michael's eldest sister, gives a very rare interview and recounts the star's childhood growing up and his extraordinary bond with mother Katherine. Gest's other best friend, Michael's brother, Tito provides an in-depth look into Jackson's history and what his mother and family went through during the sensational child molestation trial in 2005 that he was acquitted from an all counts.
Michael's mother Katherine says: "'Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon' is a truly remarkable film that captures the true character, wit and sensitivity of my son. Producer David Gest takes you on an emotional roller coaster that will bring people to tears as well as really understand who the man behind the music was and is."
