Michael Jackson's Estate Threatens Lawsuit Over Tribute Concert

The Michael Jackson estate is up in arms over Michael Jackson Forever, a star-studded tribute concert to the King of Pop that will feature musical icons like Smokey Robinson, Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green. The show is slated to take place on October 8 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, and also features less visible acts including Alien Ant Farm (who covered Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal'), Leona Lewis and two groups who are related to Michael himself: 3T and The Jackson Brothers.

The event is being organized by Jackson's parents, Joseph and Katherine, as well as siblings Jackie, Tito, Marlon, LaToya and Rebbie. Brothers Jermaine and Randy have declined to participate due to the fact that the event falls during the involuntary manslaughter trial of Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's doctor, as MTV reports.

Estate lawyer Howard Weitzman sent a letter to the show's organizer's part of which reads: "I represent the Executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson. As the legal caretakers of Michael's intellectual property, we believe it is our duty to contact you directly regarding the growing number of questions that have been addressed to the Estate, as well as multiple concerns that have emerged in recent days."

The letter went on to claim the estate was "especially disappointed" at the inclusion of rock act Kiss due to the fact that bassist Gene Simmons has been outspokenly critical of Jackson in the past. "It was extraordinarily embarrassing when no sooner had you announced this 'news' that [Simmons] would participate in your concert that TMZ posted an item noting that Mr. Simmons called Michael Jackson ... a child molester, notwithstanding the fact that Michael was acquitted by a jury," the letter reads. As Noiscreep reports, Kiss' invitation to perform was rescinded by the concert's promoter, Global Live Events, after a huge outcry from fans.

The estate also raised concerns over the concerts promotion as a charity even though it is not strictly a charitable event. "It appears from your interviews and from your website that none of the (approximately $90-$390) per person ticket price is committed to charitable causes," the letter reads. Sounds like more fun, tabloid-ready times for the Jacksons.

Watch Michael Jackson's Video for 'Smooth Criminal'