More than a decade has passed since Michael Jackson’s shocking death, yet questions and controversy surrounding his final hours continue to haunt the public and his family. In 2022, TMZ reignited the discussion with a revealing documentary that examines the circumstances of Jackson’s untimely passing on June 25, 2009—shedding new light on the people, decisions, and medications that may have contributed to his tragic end.

Michael Jackson, a global icon who shattered racial barriers with albums like Thriller and Bad, revolutionized pop music and performance with his signature style, groundbreaking choreography, and powerful messages on race and social issues. Known as the King of Pop, he won 13 Grammys and forever changed the music landscape with the Moonwalk, unforgettable fashion, and cinematic music videos.

But behind the glittering success was a man plagued by insomnia, pain, and increasing dependence on powerful medications. After divorcing Lisa Marie Presley in 1996, Jackson married Debbie Rowe the same year. Their marriage ended in 1999, but together they had two children, Prince and Paris Jackson. His youngest son, Blanket, was born via surrogate.

Jackson’s death was caused by a cardiac arrest due to acute intoxication of propofol and benzodiazepines—drugs typically used in surgeries, not bedrooms. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 and sentenced to four years in prison, though he served only two. However, many still believe Murray was just one piece in a much larger, more troubling puzzle.

In the TMZ documentary Who Really Killed Michael Jackson?, several shocking revelations emerged. Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s ex-wife and former nurse, broke years of silence with an emotional confession: “I’m guilty too.” She revealed her time working for Jackson’s dermatologist, Dr. Arnold Klein, and accused Klein of supplying Jackson with dangerously high doses of pain medication—morphine-like substances administered almost daily. Rowe admitted she had enabled the system that fed Jackson’s dependency and expressed deep regret: “I was as bad as Klein. I’m sorry I allowed it.”

The documentary also featured testimony from Jackson’s former head of security, Robert Wegner, who recalled driving Dr. Klein to Jackson’s Neverland ranch at the singer’s request. Upon returning, Wegner said Jackson appeared dazed and “like a zombie,” confirming Rowe’s claims of heavy medication use.

Adding weight to the documentary’s claims, retired LAPD investigator Orlando Martinez stated bluntly: “We knew there was more than one doctor doing what Dr. Murray did.” He emphasized that Jackson, despite being warned, would always find someone to provide the drugs he wanted. Martinez believed Jackson’s death was inevitable under such a system of medical enablement.

Dr. Murray, who also spoke in the documentary, expressed remorse but defended himself. He said Jackson manipulated those around him to get what he needed but denied knowingly feeding Jackson’s addiction. Still, his inclusion in the film stirred anger from Jackson’s fans and family.

Perhaps most surprising was the participation of Debbie Rowe, who had remained silent for years. Her emotional breakdown and acknowledgment of guilt stunned Jackson’s 92-year-old mother, Katherine, and brother Randy, who believed her confession came far too late.

Even now, 13 years after Jackson’s death, uncertainty remains. The mysterious 911 call, the disappearance of Murray after Jackson’s collapse, and the untraceable cocktail of drugs all keep the door open for speculation. Some conspiracy theories even claim Jackson faked his death to escape fame and financial ruin.

Regardless of the theories, one truth endures: Michael Jackson’s death left a hole in the world of music. His dazzling performances, artistic innovation, and humanitarian legacy continue to influence generations. As documentaries like TMZ’s attempt to uncover the full truth, fans around the world remain united in mourning, celebration, and memory of a man whose life was as extraordinary as it was tragic.