Michael Jackson tribute concert causes family rift

Jermaine and Randy Jackson announced today that they are refusing to back the star-studded show – Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert – because it clashes with the manslaughter trial surrounding his shock death.

Earlier today, the King of Pop’s mother Katherine Jackson and her children Marlon, Tito, Jackie and LaToya held a press conference at a Hollywood hotel to announce the “spectacular tribute”, which is due to take place in Cardiff, in October. Details of the artists set to appear in the four-hour extravaganza have yet to be confirmed.

But Jermaine and Randy have said they feel the concert is “ill-timed” and “inappropriate” and that the show’s promoters Global Live have “disrespected” them by going against their “strongest wishes”.

In a statement issued today, the pair said: “Today's press conference in Los Angeles announced a tribute concert to Michael to be attended and supported by the Jackson Family. However, we want to make clear that this does not reflect the position of the entire family.

“While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honours our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death.

“As everyone knows, those proceedings commence on 20 September, and this Michael Forever concert takes place in Cardiff, Wales, on 8 October. In light of this, we feel it is inappropriate to be involved with such an ill-timed event and its promoter, Global Live.

“Furthermore, the decision to proceed with this concert disrespects opinions and wishes expressed in the strongest terms to Global Live during conversations in April, when this event was presented to the majority of the family as an idea already in its advanced stages.

“There will come a time and place for an amazing and deserving tribute to Michael. But we feel that the most important tribute we can give to our brother at this time is to seek justice in his name.”