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Jacko to Diana Ross: Beat It?

Tue., Dec. 4, 2007 4:35 PM PST by Marc Malkin

WireImage.com, Theo Wargo/WireImage.com

Where in the world was Michael Jackson?

One would think the King of Pop would have jumped at the chance to pay tribute to Diana Ross at Sunday’s Kennedy Center Honors.

But no, Ross’ onetime best buddy and costar in the movie musical The Wiz decided not to take part, according to an insider.

While I had heard rumblings that producers ditched plans for Jackson to appear because accommodating him would have been a logistical nightmare, I’m told they were willing to make it work.

Now, I'm told Jackson declined the offer to attend.

Still, Ross probably wasn't too worried about it. Ciara, Jordin Sparks, Lyle Lovett—not to mention Ross' five children, including Girlfriends star Tracee Ellis Ross—were all in attendance to celebrate the event.