17 Jul 2012
http://www.celebuzz.com/2012-07-17/michael-jacksons-family-demands-estates-executors-resignation-effective-immediately-fake-flawed-and-fraudulent-exclusive/#comment-7053462
In a scathing letter — obtained exclusively by Celebuzz and signed by Michael’s sisters Janet, Rebbie and brothers Tito, Randy and Jermaine Jackson — the family maintains that executors John Branca and John McClain faked the King of Pop’s last Will and Testament prior to his untimely death on June 25, 2009.
“At the time we couldn’t possibly fathom what is so obvious to us now: that the Will, without question, it’s Fake, Flawed and Fraudulent,” states the legal letter.
Received by Branca and McClain Tuesday, the Jackson family accuses the executors of falsifying a legal document in order to gain control of Michael’s estate against his wishes and using the court to seal any documents that might prove otherwise.
“Since the passing of Michael, our beloved brother, you have failed to perform your duties as executors of his estate, but what you have not failed at is taking advantage of a grieving mother, father and a grieving family,” says the Jackson’s letter. ”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 that he did not want either of you to have anything to do with his life or estate for that matter.”
The letter from the family also goes on to point out numerous inconsistencies, as well as alleged missing pages of Michael Jackson’s will.
“John Branca, when we called you regarding the Will you didn’t want to interrupt your vacation,” the family contends.”You said you wouldn’t return for four days, at which time you presented to our family an incomplete Will.”
“The Will that you presented did not have our brother’s signature on it, nor did it have a signature page attached to it. When asked about the missing signature page, John Branca replied, ‘it was on its way, and you were having just a little problem finding it.’”
“Amongst many other inconsistencies in the Will, there is also a conflict around Michael’s location on the day he supposedly signed the Will, July 7, 2002. 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 threaten to escalate their claims to police for investigation of “potential criminal misconduct,” as well as having law firm Baker Hosteller launch legal action against the pair.
“We are going to take every appropriate action to seek justice and to see to it that the truth be known,” the letter states.
“You’ve dishonored everything that our brother Michael stood for. 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.”
The Jacksons accuse the executors of robbing Michael’s children, Prince Michael Jr, 15, Paris, 14 andPrince Michael II “Blanket,“ 10, and his mother, Katherine Jenkins, of rightful inheritances by increasing the percentage of the gross income the executors receive from the estate, as well as mismanaging projects the estate undertakes.
“Tragically your deceitful actions abrogate our brother’s hopes and dreams for the lives of his children, family and legacy,” the letter states.
Additionally, the family accuses executors Branca and McCalin of manipulating the court system during Michael’s mother’s wrongful death lawsuit against AEG, the entertainment company behind the star’s final tour.
The Jacksons say the company is using “heinous and heartless threats” against Jackson’s 82-year-old mother — who they reveal recently had a “mini-stroke” — to call off the suit.
“AEG has been very vocal about how they are going to destroy her and her family publicly and blame her for Michael’s death,” the family says.
“However, you did not hesitate writing a letter to Judge Palazuelos presiding over the AEG wrongful death case, wherein, you asked the judge to keep ALL documents handed over by AEG for discovery under court seal, clearly protecting AEG, but not protecting our mother nor our niece and nephews Paris, Prince and Blanket,” the letter contends.
“Who are you working for? What is it that you don’t want to be known?”
“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.”
The family state in no uncertain terms they will stand united to ensure the executors step down:
“THIS HAS TO STOP NOW; NO MORE!! You will not succeed. John Branca, after our brother passed, you said to our mother, ‘I AM MICHAEL JACKSON NOW.’ How dare you. Make no mistake, Mr. Branca, before we hit the stage, were a family and still to this day we are a family.”
Noticeably missing from the group of signatures, however, are Michael’s other siblings Jackie, Marlon and his outspoken sister LaToya Jackson.
Response from the Estate Attorney's
STATEMENT FROM MICHAEL JACKSON ESTATE ATTORNEYS:
Recently, a letter was posted online from some of Michael Jackson's siblings, whom Michael chose not to name in his will, questioning the document’s validity and the naming of John Branca and John McClain as his Executors. Here is a statement from attorneys for the Estate in response to the online posting:
Any doubts about the validity of Michael’s will and his selection of Executors were thoroughly and completely debunked two years ago when a challenge was rejected by the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the California Court of Appeals and, finally, the California Supreme Court.
Under the supervision of Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff, Co-Executors John Branca and John McClain have diligently carried out their fiduciary duties as well as their obligation to Michael to make sure that his Estate benefits the only family members he named in his will – his mother and his three children.
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. We are especially disheartened that they come at a time when remarkable progress has been made to secure the financial future of his children by turning around the Estate’s finances as well as during a time when so many of Michael’s fans, old and new, are enjoying his artistry through exciting new projects.
Randy Jackson's Twitter account claims the letter is real.
Randy Jackson @randyjackson8
We ask that everyone respects that this is a serious matter that will be handled by the proper authorities.
Randy Jackson @randyjackson8
Yes, the letter is authentic.
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