Joe Jackson brands Dr. Conrad Murray a "clay pigeon"

The physician is due to stand trial for the involuntary manslaughter of the legendary singer - who died of acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009 - but the pop patriarch insists he and Michael’s mother Katherine are still convinced other people had a hand in the 'Thriller' hitmaker's death.

Joe said: “Everyone is thinking about this doctor. The doctor is just a clay pigeon. Other people are involved. Michael told his mother they were trying to kill him for his publishing. I didn't know anything about it until he passed.”

Joe also spoke about his controversial plans to turn his son's Californian ranch Neverland into a theme park, as well as a second site, Happyland in Vietnam, insisting it is what Michael always wanted.

Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival to promote the Michael Jackson-branded perfumes, Jackson Tribute, Legend and Legacy, he said: "I want people to know that it’s (the Jackson Family Foundation) a legitimate foundation to make money and carry on what we have to do. It is for the health of people in need, like any foundation, in any part of the world.

“Michael had Neverland. It was his mission before Michael passed away to create a theme park and we are taking over that mission."

Joe had a strained relationship with Michael – who shot to fame as a member of family band The Jackson 5 when he was just seven - but insists he always did everything he could for his children to drive them to success.

Joe – who was accused by Michael of beating him when his rehearsals went wrong - added: “Michael was a type of person the whole family went behind who crossed all borders with his music. All kids in all parts of the world, they know about him. His mission was to help people and he sold more records than anyone in show business history. It wasn't easy to get the family to this point. I had to work two jobs. I had all nine kids. I stayed there with them and got them all into showbiz. I don't care what anyone else said I did my job.”