Last night I spent the evening watching the Michael Jackson tribute on BBC2, and I have to admit, I spent the two hours going through a whole box of tissues as I found the whole thing so moving, but what was up with the BBC commentary?
The reason I am writing this blog is because I want to know if anyone watched the commentary on BBC2? For me, some of the comments made by Trevor Nelson and Paul Gambaccini were just disrespectful and completely uncalled for when millions of people were watching this tribute to their hero.
We do not need remarks such as “bet Simon Cowell will be happy†with regards to the Shaheen Jafargholi performing Who’s Loving You? or “I thought she was to go on for ever and ever” after one of the speeches. Fair enough if they were commentating on a light-hearted event such as Eurovision or something, but this was a memorial, would it hurt to retain a little bit of professionalism.
The BBC are supposed to be a credible news source, but they way these commentators behaved last night was appalling, even I – who isn’t a huge Jackson fan, but appreciates his music and mourns the loss just like millions of others – became angry at their scathing remarks as the night went on.
When Usher walked over and touched the gold casket they couldn’t help but jibe; “I wondered how long it would be until someone came down and touched it.†and then, the final nail in the coffin, if you excuse the pun, had to be after Paris’ emotional speech, when they bantered; “Oh I’ve never heard her before” …. “yeah its her public début”
So, as the world bid a final, and very emotional farewell to a musical genius, the BBC showed their view on the King Of Pop as they made snide comments at every opportunity. It’s a shame that what should have been a celebration of his life, just turned into a sham at the hands of the British taxpayers money.
But please, tell me, am I being over dramatic or do you agree with me?
Ruth.x
Ruth, I watched the BBC 2 coverage and I agree with your comments entirely. Whilst enjoying the music of Michael Jackson I was not a huge fan. However the disrespectful, snide and inane comments made in particular by Paul Gambaccini showed a total disregard for what was effectively his public funeral service. The disgraceful manner in which both commentators behaved I hope will impact on their future ability to work in the media. Shame on you both.
I have to say I watched the whole event, all 2 hours 45 minutes of it!!
I too had the tears rolling down my cheeks at many ocassions.
I agree with you in a half hearted way, for instance ‘I thought she was going to go on forever’ not really necessary, it was a memorial, some people do have a lot to say when talking about their feelings towards the dearly departed.
Berry Gordy also made a long speech, I notice that they didn’t comment on that.
Also another guest, I can’t quite remember who he was but I know he spoke very loudly and they did make a comment on that too.
Those would be the only down points, but in my opinion that really would be nit picking, I believe that may their comments were more of a way of lightening the mood, possibly, as beautiful as the event was by then end of it I was in deperate need to find something funny to watch as I may well have balled my eyes out for a good half hour afterwards.
I believe that the Simon Cowell comment wasn’t actually a bad thing, that kid was 11 years old, what child of that age gets to sing in such a place for the worlds best entertainer ever.
I honestly thought that the show last night was wonderful, I don’t believe the BBC ruined in anyway, atleast not intentionally, MJ wanted a big ceremony that would be remembered for years and years to come and I believe that’s what he got.
May he rest in peace now, I know there are still people out there saying evil, horrible things, but I pray that he can’t hear those words, I for one believe he never hurt a living soul xxx
YES I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THIS.. I WAS VERY HURT TO THINK THESE PEOPLE WOULD MAKE JOKE THROUGHOUT THE TRIBUTE..
I WON’T BE TUNING INTO BBC FOR ANYTHING AGAIN AND EXPECTED TREVOR NELSON TO BE BETTER
Hi Ruth, I 100% agree with your comments it was plainly embarrassing and farcical. I do like Paul Gambaccini but his commentary and banter which he may have thought was light hearted was disrespectful and not appropriate. I was somewhat surpriseded that commentary was even needed professional or not as on this occasion. Having watched a rerun on BBC News no commentary is provided, which reaffirmed the fact it wasn’t needed as it was somber occassion and the viewer does not require to be patronised by so called experts. Yes it was a poor choice by the BBC, Trevor Nelson is a huge fan of Michael Jackson and he was somewhat no doubt bemused by Paul Gambaccini’s interpretation of events. Beautiful tribute for Michael Jackson, spoiled by needless farcical commentary.
I totally agree with you. I was watching with my box of tissues and it made me really angry that these two commentators were really take the p!!! Why can’t they leave him alone now. I’m happy in a way that he has gone because he can’t see or hear these nasty things anymore. My heart goes out for his kids and family.
I absolutely agree and thought the service very moving – it was the funeral for the death of a loved one. I placed my own comments regarding the disgraceful way the commentators behaved on the BBC website this morning but they have not been shown.
I 100% agree. Trevor Nelson even talked over the official silence at the beginning of the ceremony, even after someone told him (and he commented on) it WAS a silent part marking Michael’s passing. He, and Paul Gambaccini waffled on and on with irrelevant trivia, speculating as to when the service would start, while we at home strained our ears to hear what was really going on. I personally would have preferred to have just listened to the crowd general noises and soak up as much of the atmosphere that way, than have to put up with the unprofessional, sometimes farcical commentary. It was definitely a huge error on the part of the BBC to have used radio presenters, who will have been trained to fill all the empty air between music tracks,
Ruth your comments are far from being ‘over dramatic’. I whole- heartedly agree with you and Davids comments. In fact the reason why I deliberately looked up this page was to find who the commentators were in order to complain directly to the BBC!
Any host of people would have been happy to do the job they were given last night to the credit of the occasion. Love him or hate him Michael Jackson was a superstar who was known world-wide he and his family deserved a little more respect that was shown by Paul and Trevor. They were unbelieveable with their comments and I was truly disappointed. It was a disgrace and they need to get this feedback in case they think they did a good job and go on to ‘perform’ in this way again.
I completely agree. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion whether MIchael Jackson is guilt or not guilty, however a memorial service is not the time to express such cynicism. This was not the Eurovision Song Contest but a person’s death, a person who many people feel genuinely saddened by.
I actually googled this to see if any other person thought it was bang out of order! It’s equally interesting to see that a lot of us here appreciated MJs music but were not “die hard” fans so we cant be accused of being too emotional about the loss of “our hero”. honeslty I dont do this at all but I really think we should write to the BBC and demand an apoloy. Does anyone know how to do this and how to make sure we get this word out to people who want to express their displeasure! If my brother was being buried and someone said anything like this about the tributes that people were paying… I would struggle to remaina gentleman! what disrespect. There was just such a huge sense of voyeurism! Where would people like Trevor Nelson be without people like MJ! Seriously…
Please come back to me on how to write to the BBC. Thanks
I too found the comments of Paul Gambaccini to be disrepectful – on a previous appearance on breakfast news he was making rather light of Michael Jackson’s death showing cynicism that I might expect in a newspaper opinion piece but not on the balanced and respectful BBC. This is far more inappropriate when commentating on a memorial. In hindsight I should have switched to five.
Yeah, you can email BBC, i’ll be emailing too.
I was disgusted at some of the comments made by them. They should be ashamed of their behaviour, it was disgusting. Without MJ, there would be no Trevor Nelson and the other random commentator dude, I strongly appreciated MJ’s music and it’s healing effects but even more so his impact on the world and what a wonderful, warm, sensitive person he was, i never knew him or met him but he touched me as well as many people of the world who weren’t blessed enough to be in the presence of someone so wonderful. Those two commentators were so so disrespectful, snide and unnecessary. I personally will be emailing BBC demanding an apology, to those touched at home, and the Jackson family as not only were they disrespecting the feelings of those watching at home through such an emotional ceremony, they also disrespected Michael, his family and his friends also. I am ashamed to say they were representing England.
I am just disgusted, angered and full of fury at this outrage.
Here is the URL to complain.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/complaints_stage1.shtml
I too am no huge fan of MJ but was so angry about the insensitive nature of the commentary have complained to the BBC and looked this up to see if anyone else felt the same. Paul Gambaccini was the worst offender, he was crass to say the least. Saying Usher was ‘caressing’ Michael’s mother, and Paris was ‘making her public debut’ after the most moving tribute I have ever heard. The guy should not work in broadcasting again.
Hi
I agree entirely and have given my complaint to the BBC. The bbc need a kick up the backside. Totally out of touch. Its obvious that Trevor Nelson and Paul Gambaccini failed to realise that the were commenting on a memorial service and not an evening of entertainment.
I expect them to make a public apology.
to make a complaint to the BBC, go here – http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/
Hey everyone, it’s Ruth (who wrote this blog)
I have also complained to the BBC on behalf of everyone who commented on this, when i hear back from them I shall let you all know what they have to say for themselves.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me… keep them coming!
Ruth xx
I have complained to the BBC as well. The commentary was awful. I agree with all the above comments. If I was the Jackson family I would be so hurt and offended and would find it very difficult to forgive.
I thought they were excellent the show was not abouit michael jackson but about the jackson family who even in his death were thinking of ways to make money and publicity out of him.
the brothers were dressed up like it was a wedding with matching ties and roses.
It was disgusting.
I too was appalled by the commentary by Trevor Nelson and Paul Gambaccini.
I have already made a complaint to the BBC. You can do the same here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/complaints_stage1.shtml
I am a Michael Jackson fan, but not a crazy one.
Everyone deserves a peaceful send off, not these spiteful and sarcastic remarks spewed by Gambaccini and Nelson. It felt as though I was watching the Eurovision song contest, not a memorial service.
The worst moment was when Jermain Jackson broke down in tears after singing MJ’s favourite song ‘Smile’. Gambaccini disrespectfully said something along the lines of ‘I don’t think he’s faking.’ He then went on to talk about Jermain’s short lived solo career.
He also nitpicked at Al Sharperton’s and the pastor’s speech.
To be honest Gambaccini was the bigger culprit out of the two, Nelson was just too weak minded and played along.
Agree completely. Complaint lodged with BBC.
Tracey, I have to disagree with you. The show was indeed a tribute to MJ, yes his family were all dressed up and had one glove on each but that was a light hearted tribute to Michael. They did this memorial for the fans, and since they and AEG paid thousands of pounds to organise the event and gave away free tickets to his fans, how could they have made any money out of him?
I did watch a little bit on the BBC but then decided to turn over to Sky News with no commentry whatsoever, which was great, it was as though you were there. The only interuption Sky had was putting the names of the people up when they were giving their ulogies. The whole event was so moving and for the BBC to spoil that is disrespectful.
I concur with the comments made regarding the distastful commentary made by paul gambaccini. It was uncalled for and unnecessary given the occasion. Who wants to listen to his cynical views on those paying their last respects. It was a moment to celebrate the life and achievement of a great person, therefore he should have left his feelings aside. As far as I am concerned michael jackson is the the greatest entertainer the earth has ever seen. I havent witnessed another human being who is as talented as he is. He is truely second to none.
I absolutely agree with these comments and glad to see that I was not being ‘over-sensitve’. Really cannot understand why the BBC employs such disrespectful presenters. RIP MJ
I’ve sent my complaint to the BBC. People lets not just talk about it. Send one too. As Michael said take a look in the mirror and make that change…well in a matter of speaking. Thanks Ruth. Please keep me informed anyway you can on this.
I actually googled this to find out if i was being over sensitive. I have not only made a complaint to the BBC but to Ofcom as well. The comments were so disrespectful that I had to switch over to Sky midway. You would have thought they were commenting on Eurovision and not a memorial. Please if you were offended, make a complaint as well. Jonathan Ross/Brand were pulled up for insulting a live celebrity talkless of a memorial.
Unfortunately, Paul Gambaccini seems to share the erroneous belief, in common with many other broadcasters, that if he stops talking his mouth will heal up. Or perhaps he was being paid by the word?
Anyway, after the first 30 minutes or so of his idiotic ramblings, I turned over to the the BBC News channel, where they were showing the memorial service without any commentary… much better!
Trevor Nelson and Gambaccini are the people who MJ sang bout. Why do you continue with your intense hatred of good. I am totally disappointed with both of you equally. Your lack of care for other peoples who are mourning someone special to them. He just died for Christ’s sake and you couldn’t wait to spit on his grave!!!
You forget that you are who you are today cos of US black lisnteners who felt a brotherhood to you. Well you lost me as a fan n am sure you have lost a lot of fans. I hope you lose your jobs and so you can truly LOOK IN THE MIRROR.
I agree with you TOTALLY! I was disgusted with the remarks made by those losers how on earth did they end up being allowed to commentate at someones memorial,there was even sniggering from one of them at one point!There was no need for any of it.Ruined it for me thouroughly,when i should of been smiling,laughing, remembering the good times,and feeling sad about the loss of such an amazing man,i was getting more and more furious with the disrespectful remarks.
I chose BBC2 to watch the memorial on as i thought it would be the best choice,NEVER EVER AGAIN. I’ll be writing to everyone i can and complaining
Is it going to be repeated
I agree. Comments like, “It’s their party” when sneering at one of the speeches. The commentary was so inappropriate. The event was touching.
I agree.
They spoke and acted like air heads.
Thank you for writing your comments. I thought trevor nelson paul gambaccinni were so disrespectful. The comments they made throughout the show were in approriate and uncalled for. Did these men forget that this was a LIVE show and furthermore someones funeral!!! Regardless of whether they liked Michael Jackson or not they should have a little respect . Throughout the service words like CARESSING michael’s mother and Paris making her PUBLIC DEBUT??? Were totally inapproriate!!!
IS THIS WHAT I AM PAYING MY TV LICENCE FOR ??? I found the whole commentary disgusting. As a black person I have been to many African american funerals, the emotions that were displayed yesterday were real – this is how we do things in our communities ( Trevor Nelson of all people should know better!!!)- it is not a Spectacle but a celebration of life. As we say in the Christian community a funeral is a ‘ home coming’. Whether you believe in God or not these men did not deserve the privilege of commenting on this event. I WILL BE SENDING THIS COMPLAINT TO THE BBC AND WOULD URGE ANYONE WHO FEELS THE SAME TO DO THIS AS WELL
totally agree, their comments were disrespectful and not what the occasion called for. I am on the BBC complaints website and am writing an official complaint because I feel that strongly that it was not an occasion to me mocked. please join me and let the bbc know how we feel……
Ruth, thank you for your comments. You are 100% correct. I am close to MJ’s age but wouldnt exactly say I am a fan though I certainly admired his awesome talent. Like millions of others I cried my eyes out at the sadness of it all, except for the times when I was spitting feathers about those two commentators words. Why did they have to do that – it was so rude. It totally spoilt it for me. They should be ashamed of how they behaved. It was not eurovision and they are not Terry Wogan. I was so upset that the second it finished I emailed a formal complaint on the BBC website. I would urge anyone who feels the same to let the BBC know also. I will not be watching or listening to anything those two are doing again.
I completely agree with all of the above comments their commentary was completely out of order for such a solemn occasion. I too also shed tears not becaouse I am a huge MJ fan, but I found the whole memorial ceremony really moving especially at the end with Paris’s speech. Shame on you Paul Gambaccini and Trevor Nelson with your crass behaviour and total desrespect to the memory of MJ. I hope the BBC never employ these two idiots to appear on any of their stations again. Is this what we pay our licence fees for two uncaring twats. An apology is due from the Beeb on their behalf. God Bless you MJ and Rest in pefect peace.
i am so glad i’m not the only one completely disgusted by the commentary of michael jackson’s memorial service. it doesn’t matter how genuine this service was but what does matter is that ALOT of people tuned into see it, because they are a fan of michael’s. i can see someone introducing the person or people about to come out and what their connection is, but to tease and make jokes was just unbelieveable. the most tacky thing about the entire program, by far.
does anyone know if they, paul gambaccini and trevor nelson, have gotten into hot water over this? surely, the way they behaved was worse than jonathan and russell…
(thanks for the place to vent)
I thought that too, the nit about Paris’s Debut was in very bad taste!
After reading all of the above comments I am so glad I watched this on the BBC News channel. I thought the whole ceremony was very tastefully done with no commentary. Even in death MJ is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t. He never stood a chance in the real world did he!
I was a bit confused when after Rev Al Sharpton’s speech, where he made the point that MJ said feed the children before LiveAid, the commentators said something like ‘well dont let a few facts get in the way of a good speech’ and then emphasised the point by telling us viewers that ‘dont worry, Bob Geldof came before We are the World’. Well I just checked these facts and unless I am very wrong, MJ did his bit a good 6 months before LiveAid. He started it. Why would they take so much glee in telling us that the American didnt say feed the children first?
I too agree that this tribute to MJ was spoilt by the crass remarks made by the commentators. In fact it so irritated me that as soon as it had finished last night I looked up how to complain on the bbc webside and emailed them straight away to do so.
I enjoyed Michaels’ music over the years even though I cant remember buying any of his cds nor do I consider myself to be a die hard fan. It is true to say though that you could guarantee that his music would get people on the dance floor in a heartbeat. He really was a talented man and to belittle a tribute to his memory in such a way as Nelson and Gambocinni did is a disgrace.
i complained too, i felt they could at least have got commentators that liked micheal jackson…. felt they were disrespectful, salacious and cynical… make sure you put a complaint to the bbc- they should make a public apology…
Thank God you made this. I missed the start but watched the rest of it on Sky News and there was no talking over the farewell show. A friend of mine taped it and i just watched the start of what i missed (the BBC Version) and i am livid!!!!!
Thank god there are people on the same page. I am going to make a complaint on BBC. This is no good enough!
I was originally watching sky news then someone texted me saying its on bbc2 so i switched over. After a short while i noticed i was becoming increasingly annoyed at the commentaters – which i have NEVER done before. I was so agitated by them that i actually asked my 11 year old daughter if she knew who it was!!!
I turned back over to sky in the end – the bbc were spoiling my viewing. Who put them in that position i dont’ know.
Totally disgusted! I thought I was the only one that noticed the cruel and unjustified commentary from these individuals, “its their party” did it look like a party to them? “he got a few facts wrong but there we go” Who cares, just has just died that was held in high esteem by people who actually knew him and appreciated what he stood for. I am still going to write a formal letter to the BBC on this one and possible one to OFCOM because I have been deeply upset and saddened by this. The BBC should have put someone in who actually knows how to be sensitve about this kind of things someone who has in some capacity met him or appreciated his work or a master of this kind of things, rather than two insensitive puppets who have no sense of sympathy for the bereaved feeling the loss of a father, a brother, a friend, idol and an Icon. Bet you they are never ever going to get halve as far as one tenth of what he (MJ) achieved. Nelson, Gambuccini, BBC, you lot are simply get no commendations from me.
We totally agree with you and will be complaining also to the BBC. We turned over to SKY later on and realised that this showed a much greater level of respect and decency.
Hi, I came across this story and I 100% agree. I had to change to Sky news as I couldnt stand it! There was no need for them to say anything at all!!
PLEASE EVERYONE COMPLAIN
Check out what Trevor Nelson has to say…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/1xtrabreakfast/
I agree the american guy was the worst!
Uhm, Hello? Have you all lost the plot? What made me angry is that they even bothered to show full coverage of the memorial.
Michael Jackson was not a world leader, a royal or even someone who was particularly known for his philanthropy.
What he was, was a 80′s pop star who made a couple of great albums and who would have, by now, faded into relative obscurity if it wasn’t for the bizarre behaviour and controversy surrounding his life.
Paedophile or not, he was certainly guilty of inappropiate behaviour towards children. He also was guilty of extravagant greed, even buying 3 children whom he paraded around in masks when he wasn’t dangling them from some balcony or ripping them from their mother’s arms whilst still covered in placenta (his own words).
That’s not to mention the obsession with mutilating himself.
Quite frankly, the level of coverage of his death has been grotesque, especially as it is fairly clear that his death was self-induced by his drug taking.
Maybe if his so-called fans had shown a bit of rationality when the man was alive instead of feteing his every move he may have woken up to his behaviour and been able to turn his life around.
As it is, all those who encouraged his worst excesses by hero-worshipping him should bear some responsiblity for his demise.
None of this is surprising and is the specific reason I chose to watch MJ’s Tribute on Sky News. Given the lack of coverage on Michael’s death and the BBC’s blatant racism in the past – I am NOT surprised to hear of this DISRESPECTFUL and EXTREMELY POOR showing in the least!!!