Billboard requires a JavaScript enabled browser to get the full experience

Janet Jackson Cancels Tour Dates to Support Family During Trial

by Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Associated Press  |   October 24, 2011 8:45 EDT
Getty Images

Artists in this Article

Janet Jackson
Michael Jackson

Janet Jackson is rescheduling part of her Australian tour so she can support her family during the trial of the doctor accused of involuntary manslaughter in her brother Michael's death.

Dr. Conrad Murray is on trial in Los Angeles. He is accused of being negligent in his care of the superstar, who died in 2009 of an overdose of the anesthetic propofol at age 50.


Witness: Jackson Doctor Caused Singer's Death

 

The prosecution is wrapping up its case this week, and the defense is about to present its case. The Jacksons have been a regular presence at the trial; Janet Jackson was there at the beginning.

"When I planned these shows, the schedule in California was completely different," she said in a Sunday statement to The Associated Press. "After talking with my family last night, I decided we must be together right now. .... This saddens me in so many ways."

The shows for her "Number Ones" tour were scheduled in Melbourne on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; to make them up, she'll perform one night, on Nov. 3, in Rod Laver Arena. She thanked her fans for their support and understanding.

Jackson also has the support of her promoter.

"It is important that Janet is with her family at this critical point in the hearing. While Janet and our company apologize for any inconvenience for the reschedule of the Melbourne shows, we thank Janet for the great and successful concerts in Perth and Adelaide and eagerly await her return. ... Our thoughts and prayers are with Janet and the entire Jackson family," promoter Paul Dainty said.

 

© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Up for Discussion

Connect with

More Features

All features

All of Billboard.com's Great Lists

Billboard chart app

Billboard archives

Thanks For Joining Billboard

Log in to create your profile, speak your mind and connect with listeners like you.

Why Join ?

Don't just hear it. Live it. Go deeper than a casual listen: Voice your feelings, build a profile around your favorite music, connect with people who share your passions and discover new ones. Sign up for free.

Complete Your Registration at Billboard.com!

Haven't Joined Yet ?

For the full Billboard experience, you need to be a member. Sign up. It's free.

Join Billboard

Forgot your password?

Enter the e-mail address you used to sign up and we will email you the password .

Email Sent !

Your password has been sent to the email address you provided. Please sign in below :

Log In

Forget your password ?

Action Successful

We'd love to hear your feedback on the new Billboard.com!

Whether it's a feature request or a bug

We want to hear from you. Please use this form to anonymously give us your input.