Katherine Jackson blasts Michael's estate executors
Wednesday 13 April 2011
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Katherine Jackson has lashed out at the executors of her son, Michael Jackson's, estate for their lawsuit against charity Heal The World.
The mother of the late 'King of Pop' - who died from acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009 - has he claimed legal action by John Branca and John McClain against the foundation over the use of Michael's name and likeness would have been against her son's wishes.
Katherine said in a sworn declaration obtained by website RadarOnline.com: "It is not my desire, nor would it be the desire of my son Michael, to continue this lawsuit against Heal the World Foundation. Michael would be very upset, if he knew our charity was being torn down by people who say they are doing what he wanted."
Katherine, 80, also claims the executors are refusing to donate funds from Michael's estate to charity as he wished, and even hiring lawyers to prevent his family doing so, much to the horror of Michael's children, Prince Michael, 14, Paris, 13 and nine-year-old Prince Michael II.
She added: "Nearly two years after my son's death, the estate's funds are being used to hire lawyers that suppress my family's ability to support charity, instead of giving away the 20 per cent according to his wishes."
"Continuing to sue his charity, even a charity that myself and my son's children support, is only one example, where the estate executors are doing the opposite of what Michael wanted, the opposite of what I want now, and instead, they do what they want and what is in their best interest.
"Michael's children absolutely do want to carry on their father's legacy of giving and healing and to demean and distort that desire for greed is as awful as you can get."
Howard Weitzman, the attorney for Michael Jackson's Estate denies he is acting against Michael's wishes.
He said: "Mrs. Jackson's declaration is unfortunate. Michael Jackson created a Trust to protect and preserve his legacy for the ultimate benefit of his children.
"Michael did not and would not give away the rights to use his name, likeness and related brands to Melissa Johnson for her Heal The World Foundation."
The case is scheduled to go to trial on April 29.
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