World pays tribute to a troubled icon

FIGURES from the world of showbiz – and politics – paid homage to legendary king of pop Michael Jackson, who died on Thursday after a suspected heart attack.

Among those leading the tributes was Barack Obama, who said he was a “spectacular performer, and a musical icon”. But the US president broke with the generally adulatory messages to acknowledge the more troubled aspects of Jackson’s life, adding that aspects of his life were sad and tragic.

Close friend Elizabeth Taylor yesterday said her “heart and mind” were broken.