INFdaily.comWasn't there a story years ago about M.J. wanting to freeze himself after death? Is there a possibility of that happening?
—T. Ellsworth, via Facebook
A family friend—a title that seems to apply to everyone—told the press in 2005 that Michael Jackson did explore cryogenic preservation during his child-molestation trial. Michael Luckman claimed that Jackson was so afraid of dying in prison, he planned to have his body frozen so that it could be brought back at a later date.
A Jackson family attorney didn't comment at the time. As for whether that might happen now, the family hasn't indicated any penchant for freezing the pop icon.
This by far isn't the only outstanding question about Jackson. Here are some more, plus—hey, bonus!—some answers.
Some loser joked about M.J.'s nose falling off on stage when he was awake; is it true?
—305_milli_x0x0, via Twitter
This friend-of-a-friend chestnut has been circulating for years. After much research, I have not found a single trustworthy report or source to confirm the tale.
Do you think the tragedy of M.J. will linger in the news just like Anna Nicole Smith's?
—JessLovesCoffee, via Twitter
Doubtless. Just like the aftermath from Anna Nicole, we're dealing with autopsies, toxicology reports, indications of possible polypharmacy and custody court hearings. Michael Jackson-related media obsessions may go on even longer than Anna Nicole's, however, given the ongoing interest in a permanent memorial; the likelihood of lawsuits from creditors or out-of-the-woodwork types; the mountain of reportedly unreleased M.J. songs that could trickle out over years, if not decades; and the very keen public concern over the fate of the Jackson children.
When do you think M.J.'s estate will be sorted out?
—TrishOhYeah, via Twitter
Uncle Sam needs to see an estate tax filing no later than 15 months from now—not that we'll get a chance to see it, because it's privileged info. As for what may be left in the Michael Jackson Family Trust once the debt has been assessed and paid off—well, I asked Todd Reinstein of the Beverly Hills law firm Ervin Cohen & Jessup.
"When it comes to the creditors"—filing claims, getting paid, that kind of thing—"that process may take three to five years."
The quickest everything might get tucked away? "The absolute fastest I have ever seen a trust administration and estate tax return completed," Greenberg Glusker attorney Laura Zwicker tells me, "is 12 months."
Does M.J.'s mother still live with his father? Why would M.J. want his kids to live with the man who allegedly beat him as a child?
—annfmcl, via Twitter
Katherine and Joe reportedly have been living separate lives for years. She lives in Encino, Calif.; his address was listed as "to be provided" in custody documents Katherine recently filed. Katherine wrote in her autobiography that her Jehovah's Witness faith kept her from filing for divorce.
Ask me anything on Twitter @answerbitch
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Be there as the world says good-bye to the King of Pop. Watch the Michael Jackson memorial on Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT live on E! and E! Online