Celebrity Corpse Titillates Tabloids By Prof. James Murray - Friday, 26 June 2009

With the passing of Michael Jackson, there have been many touching and inspirational tributes from all around the world. In the coming days and weeks, many will use their talents to honour the memory of the King of Pop through creative expression. In the breakneck world of the media, Jackson has already been paid tribute to through some of the most stunning journalism seen this century.

Running a close-up of his cadaver as a front-page feature mere hours after his death shows the enormous level of regard that Fairfax Digital editors held Jackson in. By bucking all social, ethical, journalistic and judgmental norms, he has been immortalised through an unparalleled editorial masterstroke. While most news sites were content to run photos of Jackson smiling or in a dignified pose, Stuff.co.nz chose to show him at his absolute most vulnerable. By shocking their visitors with a horrific image when they were expecting to see an award-winning news site, Stuff created a truly unforgettable moment.

Stuff's use of the Jackson photo has already shaken the celebrity world. Already pursued by paparazzi most of their lives, many celebrities are negotiating deals around their inevitable death footage in attempts to outshine Jackson.  Miley Cyrus is rumoured to have signed a six-figure deal with Disney, guaranteeing that her final moments will be shown on their homepage in streaming high-definition video. Although he has not known to have finalised any deals at this stage, Tom Cruise has contracted the services of a tailor known to specialise in outfits fashioned from raw meat, and is believed to be courting the attention of several prominent wildlife photographers.

< Vicious Chimp Linked with Jacko Death

Don't Have a Fag, Man >