Michael Jackson Estate Foundation Statement to Fans (In Response to Latoya Jackson and Aaron Carter’s Remarks)
The Michael Jackson Estate Foundation has sent us the following statement:
Fans have asked the Foundation to explain its decision to respond to Latoya Jackson’s statements (Michael’s sister), who is promoting her new book, and also to not provide an official response to an Australian magazine that had quoted and presented false and misleading claims about Aaron Carter.
When someone misrepresents the facts of the Michael Jackson Estate Foundation and brings up extremely serious, careless, and false accusations, if the Foundation does not respond, Michael’s name and legacy will be tarnished and, in addition, the Foundation’s financial interests—and therefore the financial future of Michael’s heirs—could be put at risk.
When a local news outlet publishes a story similar to what happened with Aaron Carter, the Foundation is faced with a question: How credible is this news source? Is the news something that can be verified, or does publishing an official statement not cause that story to receive even more attention?
In this recent case, the Foundation’s trustees knew that the news had been released by a fringe source that specializes in fabricating stories about celebrities. The author also has a long history of stirring controversy around Michael and his family. Beyond that, the trustees knew that Aaron Carter had previously denied those claims in an interview with People magazine. This decision was the best solution for Aaron Carter in this matter. Any reaction from the Foundation in such cases could cause the fake and false stories to become even more prominent.
As for Latoya Jackson, the Foundation concluded that it had to respond to irresponsible and insulting remarks that are completely contrary to the facts. Latoya appeared on multiple television programs and repeated her usual fabricated claims. The Foundation concluded that it was time to prevent further harm. Unfortunately, the Foundation has already been harmed by such statements, and various news outlets publish these remarks as if they were the truth in order to increase their news coverage.
It is certainly impossible to make a decision that satisfies everyone. Some agree and some do not. But in the end, it is the Foundation’s trustees who have the ultimate responsibility to carry out their duties and make the best decisions—so that each and every one of Michael’s wishes and desires can be fulfilled, and his legacy can be preserved and expanded.
[Latoya Jackson, Michael’s older sister, has said in her statements that her brother was murdered. She says Michael knew that one day he would be killed. Latoya also said that his killers now control the Foundation. Two of Michael’s longtime friends and colleagues, John Branca and John McClain, are in charge of his Foundation according to a will obtained from Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson’s three children are the only heirs to a fortune that is said to have reached $2 billion after the King of Pop’s death. Of course, 20% of this fortune, according to the will, must be spent on charitable causes.]
Source: eMJey.com / The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate