Michael Jackson loses a close confidant

Washington (ANI): Michael Jackson's great and loyal publicist, Bob Jones, died on September 20, reportedly of an apparent heart attack. The 70-year-old had been handling Jackson's PR for 35 years. According to Fox News, Jones guided the pop legend through his several scandals, including his troubled marriage with Lisa Marie and Debbie Rowe, and the Jordy Chandler episode.

However, their association came to an end in 2005 when the singer, who was being tried for child sexual abuse, fired Jones without prior notice. Consequently, Jones along with writer Stacy Brown, published 'Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Mask' threatening to expose the true Jackson. He also agreed to testify against Michael in court right before his book hit the shelves.

Jones, however, withdrew from his stand in the court unable to testify against his former employer. Following his death, Jackson has now lost another close advisor and surrogate father, the previous being Bill Bray.