Jackson's Mom Again Backs Britain Tribute Concert
The mother of late pop icon Michael Jackson on Monday again threw her support behind a tribute concert scheduled to take place in Britain in October, despite criticism from two of her other sons.
Pop diva Christina Aguilera, Motown legend Smokey Robinson and singer-songwriter Cee Lo Green have confirmed they will perform at the massive concert set for October 8 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, organizers say.
Jackson's brothers Randy and Jermaine however have voiced their opposition, saying the family should be concentrating on the upcoming manslaughter trial of their brother's doctor, which will begin on September 26 in Los Angeles.
But Katherine Jackson told CNN the show should go on.
"I can understand how they feel. I feel sort of the same way, but at the same time it's been two years and the court has to do what they have to do but this is a tribute to my son and I support it," she told the news network.
"I just want them to remember Michael. This concert is going to be a very good concert and that's why I joined with my partner to support it," she said, seated next to Paul Ring, one of the U.S. promoters of the event.
Jackson's sister La Toya and brothers Tito, Marlon and Jackie also support the project, which will also star British singer Leona Lewis and rock band Alien Ant Farm, who have covered Jackson's "Smooth Criminal."
When Katherine Jackson and her children made public their plans for the tribute concert in late July, Randy and Jermaine issued a sharp rebuke, blasting the timing of the Wales event.
"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," the pair said on Twitter.
According to entertainment website TMZ.com, which cited a spokesman for the family, Jackson's children Paris, Blanket and Prince "have been asked to attend the MJ Tribute in Wales and they have decided to go."
Fans have until August 16 to register for the ticket lottery. Seats cost from 55 to 240 pounds ($90-395). Some of the proceeds from ticket sales will be given to charity.
Conrad Murray, the last doctor to treat Jackson, has been charged with involuntary homicide in connection with the singer's death on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50 after an overdose of propofol, which he used as a sleeping aid.
The trial is due to begin on September 26. If found guilty, Murray could face up to four years in prison.
Source: Agence France Presse
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