Michael Jackson Fake Will Controversy
Jul 20, 2012
Tito Jackson, Randy Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Janet Jackson and Rebbie Jackson showed solidarity in an aggressive five-page letter to lawyers for the estate of Michael Jackson, refuting their deceased brother's will as phony, accusing the attorneys of lying, forgery and fraudulent practices.
Further, the five Jackson family members (now referred to as "The Jackson 5") demanded that attorneys John Branca and John McClain immediately resign as executors of Michael Jackson's estate.
"Our brother told us, in no uncertain terms and without hesitation in the months prior to his death, that he despised both of you and he did not want either of you to have anything to do with his life or estate for that matter," wrote Michael Jackson's siblings. "We know that and you know that."
"We know there is most certainly a conspiracy surrounding our brother's death, and now coarse manipulation and fear are being used to cover it up," they wrote. "Your heartless pursuit of wealth, fame and power is at the expense of our family."
The Jackson 5 claim they have iron-clad proof that brother Michael Jackson was in New York City on the day he was alleged to have signed his last will and testament in Los Angeles.
Their assertion is that the lawyers forged the signature of Michael Jackson on the will while the singer was 3,000 miles away from L.A. on July 7, 2002.
"According to what is witnessed in the document, it is impossible and illogical that he could have been in two places at one time," the Jacksons' letter said. "We have evidence that undoubtedly supports and proves that Michael was absolutely not in Los Angeles, California, on the date of his signature reflected in the will at hand."
The Jacksons also claim that attorneys John Branca and John McClain lied to make mother Katherine Jackson, 82, agree to increase their percentage of the gross income from her late son's estate."Your actions are affecting her health," the Jackson siblings wrote to the attorneys regarding their mother. "She's not equipped to handle the stress load you are putting on her."
"She too knows and acknowledges the will was forged," their letter continues. "She wants to do the right thing, and move in the direction of justice for her son and family, yet she fears the POWERS THAT BE."
In Michael Jackson's alleged fake will, he named only his mother and three children as beneficiaries of his estate and ignored the rest of his family, even his extremely close sister Janet Jackson.
"Your greed and hasty business decisions have shown that you have no regard for the preservation of his legacy, nor the quality of work that he exemplified," they said.
"You have disrespected our parents and family too many times. We do not respect you as executors, and we don't respect the projects and choices you've made, nor do we appreciate the public perception that the Jackson family is behind all of this, exploiting Michael our brother for financial gain, when it's the two of you and your affiliates who do so."
Finally, Michael Jackson's brothers and sisters wrote that they would "take every appropriate action to seek justice and to see to it that the truth be known.""Be informed, we are considering retaining a law firm, Baker Hostetler, who have advised us on the potential criminal misconduct in your actions. We will hand this over to proper authorities," the Jacksons stated in their letter.
Accused lawyers Branca and McClain deny any wrongdoing, characterizing the accusations by The Jackson 5 as baseless with a statement issued through spokesman Jim Bates:
"We are saddened that false and defamatory accusations, grounded in stale Internet conspiracy theories, are now being made by certain members of Michael's family whom he chose to leave out of his will," the attorneys retorted.
What The Jackson 5 want is to re-open Michael Jackson's will and direct a larger amount of funds to the late superstar's blood relatives, who were with him throughout the course of his life.
What would Michael say today?
