30 Jun 2009, 0423 hrs IST

Entertainment News: MELBOURNE: Nearly a dozen of Michael Jackson's fans have reportedly committed suicide following the King of Pop's sudden demise.

And Australians fans are said to be seeking help from a suicide prevention hotline.

As many as 50 callers seeking help from suicide prevention hotline Lifeline Australia have told counsellors that Jackson's death on June 26 has left them distressed.

According Sky News, Gary Taylor from London, who owns Jacko's online fan club has said that he was aware of about 12 suicides following the performer's death.

"It is a serious situation that these people are going through but Michael Jackson would never want this," News.com.au quoted Taylor as saying."He would want them to live," he added.

Lifeline CEO Dawn O'Neil said that while there has not been "a dramatic increase" in calls to counsellors, people have spoken about how Jackson''s death has affected them."We have had some calls related to this," said O'Neil.

"In some cases, (a celebrity's death) can be very distressing," O'Neil added.The calls came as a friend to the famous family, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, urged fans not to "self-destruct"." This is a time when hearts are heavy," Jackson said.

"There is great pain but great cause to celebrate Michael''s life. It made Michael happy saying We Are The World. Don't self destruct," he added.