Michael Jackson’s estate has hit out at American TV station ABC for a planned special that will focus on his death.
The Last Days of Michael Jackson, a two-hour documentary due to air in America on Thursday night, will allegedly reveal new information, with the focus on his declining health in the days prior to his death on 25 June 2009.
The estate said in a statement that the documentary is not sponsored or approved by any of his heirs, including children Prince (21), Paris (20), and Blanket (16).
“We believe the special to be another crass and unauthorised attempt to exploit the life, music and image of Michael Jackson without respect for Michael’s legacy, intellectual property rights or his children.”
The estate further alleged that ABC is using a copyrighted silhouette and a photo to promote the special, but stopped after demands from Jackson lawyers.
They say they expect other intellectual property to be used without permission, including music, photos and artwork.
Responding to the backlash, ABC says their documentary on the King of Pop explores a newsworthy subject.
“ABC News’ documentary explores the life, career and legacy of Michael Jackson, who remains of great interest to people worldwide,” the network says in a statement.
During his career, Michael sold an estimated 350 million records and collected 13 Grammy Awards.
He died in 2009, aged 50, from an overdose of the anaesthetic propofol which had been prescribed to him by Dr Conrad Murray. In 2011 Dr Murray was convicted of killing the King of Pop.
