The estate of Michael Jackson has raised objections to an ABC TV special on the final days of the King of Pop’s life, calling it “a crass attempt to exploit Jackson” without respect for his legacy or children.
The estate said in a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday that The Last Days of Michael Jackson is not sponsored or approved by Jackson’s heirs, and will most likely violate their intellectual property rights.
According to Deadline, the estate wrote in a statement: “It is particularly disheartening that Disney, a company known to strongly believe in protecting its own IP rights, would choose to ignore these rights belonging to the Estate.”
“We believe the special to be another crass and unauthorized attempt to exploit the life, music and image of Michael Jackson without respect for Michael’s legacy, intellectual property rights or his children,” the statement says.
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But the network says the documentary is a legitimate work of journalism on a newsworthy subject. “ABC News’ documentary explores the life, career and legacy of Michael Jackson, who remains of great interest to people worldwide,” ABC said in a statement.
An autopsy determined that Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication. The superstar had been taking the prescription anaesthetic as a sleep aid during preparations for a series of comeback concerts called “This Is It.” Former cardiologist of Michael Jackson, Conrad Murray was convicted in 2011 for giving Jackson a fatal dose of the drug. He served two years in jail for causing Jackson’s death. Murray’s conviction was upheld in 2014.