The world is marking an emotional 25 years since the horrific attacks in New York on September 11, 2001. The terror attacks, which destroyed the World Trade Center, killing thousands of innocent people, changed the trajectory of modern history.
The horrifying scenes saw the world watch on as multiple aircraft were hijacked, unleashing unprecedented destruction, with militant Islamist terrorist organisation al-Qaeda seizing control of several commercial jets.
Michael Jackson's near miss
Through the years, there has been many harrowing accounts of the tragic events, with many celebrities also affected. Among them was the devastating revelation that Pete Davidson's father, who was a firefighter, died in the devastation.
But one celebrity who reportedly had a near miss was Michael Jackson. The legendary performer, who died on June 25, 2009, is said to have been close to being present when the Twin Towers came crashing down that fateful morning.
It's claimed he had been set for an appointment at the location but actually overslept, meaning he missed it. He had traveled from his Neverland Ranch to New York to perform at his 30th Anniversary Solo All Star show on September 7 and September 10 at Madison Square Garden.
Brother's revelation
Just hours after the second show concluded, the World Trade Center was attacked. And in the years that followed, the Billie Jean star's brother, Jermaine, explained how close to death MJ came at the time.
In his autobiography, Jermaine revealed his late brother had been up until the small hours of the morning in conversation with their mother, Katherine, and sister, Rebbie. Writing in his book titled You Are Not Alone: Michael: Through a Brother's Eyes, Jermaine said: "Thankfully, none of us had had a clue that Michael was due at a meeting that morning at the top of one of the Twin Towers."
"We only discovered this when Mother phoned his hotel to make sure he was okay. She, Rebbie [Jackson] and a few others had left him there around 3am."
"Mother, I'm okay, thanks to you. You kept me up talking so late that I overslept and missed my appointment," Michael is said to have told his mum.
Legacy and memorial
Eight years later on June 25 2009, Michael died at the age of 50 after suffering a cardiac arrest caused by a fatal combination of drugs.
Today, the world marks 25 years on from the tragedy on 9/11. The date will forever remain labelled as one of modern history's darkest days after almost 3,000 people died and the world changed forever.
In total, 2,753 people were killed in New York, 184 people were killed at the Pentagon and 40 people were killed on Flight 93. Many more have died from, or are suffering with, health conditions linked to the toxic dust which spilled into the streets of Lower Manhattan.
Memorial services will be held throughout the day in New York and London. There will also be a service at the Pentagon in Virginia where US President Donald Trump is set to make a speech after skipping out on the memorial event at ground zero.
