Does NOI’s Involvement With Michael Jackson Matter?

Pat Lalama of ‘Celebrity Justice’ was on CNN’s ‘American Morning’ on Monday to discuss with host, Bill Hemmer, Michael Jackson’s involvement with the Nation of Islam, and whether or not it even mattered the group was assisting him. “You know, Bill, I’m not sure that really, in the end, it matters,” he told Hemmer. “I think there are two elements happening here. One is I think there’s a psychological impact to having the Nation of Islam’s aura surrounding Michael Jackson. You know, if you read one of the latest issues, I believe it’s Newsweek, Mike Tyson, who is a member of the Nation of Islam says you hire the nation of Islam for security to do two things: one, to make the white man think twice and the black man respect you. I don’t think I could say it any other way. I think there is that psychological impact. Secondly, I don’t care what anybody says, I’m willing to bet my next three paychecks there are some financial dealings that are going on between the Nation of Islam and Michael Jackson. I know he does have some cashflow issues. And Mark Geragos wants to get paid, I’m sure. This is going to be a huge cost. I mean, the legal cost for something like this are just insurmountable. I think underneath all this Nation of Islam aura is probably some talk of quid pro quo. It’s I’ll do this, you do that, you give me this, and I’ll stand behind you strong.” Read more.