VIDEO: This Is It Premieres In Los Angeles - Some Jacksons Attend; Others Boycott
Oct. 28 2009, Published 4:08 a.m. ET
Various members from the Jackson family -- including Jermaine, Jackie, Tito and Marlon -- were snapped walking the red carpet at the the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday night at the premiere of the new Michael Jackson film, This Is It.
Tito later told Larry King that while he walked the red carpet, he wasn't going to watch the actual screening for personal reasons.
"I'm not going to be able to view this movie tonight, like other members of my family, who didn't attend today, because it is emotional and I think I will be better watching it at a time when I'm more comfortable with it," he said.
Not all were in attendance: LaToya Jackson has said many family members are boycotting the film because Michael wouldn't have wanted his rehearsal footage leaked publicly, let alone be the basis of a feature film. Jackson's three kids, Prince, Paris, and Blanket attended a private screening at the nearby Sony studios. Mother Katherine was a no-show because, according to Jermaine, the film's release is "tough for her."
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Michael Father's Joe Jackson did not attend the Los Angeles premiere; instead, he attended the film's Las Vegas premiere, also held Tuesday night.
This Is It director Kenny Ortega introduced the film by telling the audience that Jackson was "all about love." Throughout the 112-minute film, Jackson fans bellowed roars of approval, even shouting out: “Michael Jackson -- we love you!”
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The L.A. premiere was a star-studded event. Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Neil Patrick Harris, Paula Abdul, Katy Perry, Paris Hilton, Adam Lambert, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ashley Tisdale were among the celebs attending.
PHOTO: Invitation To The Premiere Of This Is It
The film showcases the late Beat It singer's final set of rehearsals at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles this past spring, as he was preparing for this summer's planned residency at London's O2 Arena.
This Is It has already sold 6,000 tickets prior to Tuesday's screening. The film officially opens Wednesday, October 28th, in 75 countries for its limited two-week run.