Michael Jackson's friend Mark Lester is stunned by his death

News of Michael Jackson's death saw the internet grind to a halt as people scrambled to find out whether the reports were true. "RIP MJ" is the top 'tweeting' topic on Twitter as fans pay tribute to the King of Pop online. Actress Demi Moore paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!" Her husband, Ashton Kutcher, also posted: "RIP. Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids." He added: "Plea to the press to respect his wishes of maintaining the anonymity of his children. I plea to the public to refuse to consume media that does not respect the anonymity of Michael's children." Music producer Quincy Jones, who collaborated with Jackson on three of his best-selling albums, Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad, said in a statement: "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. "For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at this young age, I just don't have the words. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today and part of my soul has gone with him." Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of rock great Elvis Presley and who was married to Jackson in the mid-1990s, said in a statement: "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. "I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me." Actress Brooke Shields, a longtime friend of Jackson, said in a statement: "My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. "He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing." Madonna told People magazine: "I can't stop crying over the sad news... I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats but his music will live on forever. My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless." Representatives for actress Elizabeth Taylor, another of the singer's longtime friends, said she was "too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time" but promised one later.

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ITN | June 26, 2009