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President Barack Obama regarded Michael Jackson as a “spectacular performer”, a White House spokesman has said.
Robert Gibbs told reporters at the White House this afternoon that the President felt Jackson was a music icon.
But he also acknowledged his elements of the singer’s life were “sad and tragic”.
The President is thought to have waited until more details about Jackson’s death were released before speaking about the singer.
British prime minister Gordon Brown said earlier that he was “saddened” by the star's passing, while opposition leader David Cameron described Jackson as a “legendary entertainer”.
Tonight (June 26) there is still mystery around Jackson’s death, as the LA Coroners Office conducts an autopsy on his body.
A statement is expected shortly. CLICK HERE to read more about this story.
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