Billboard requires a JavaScript enabled browser to get the full experience

Michael Jackson Autopsy TV Re-Enactment 'In Shockingly Bad Taste,' Says Estate

by Linda Deutsch, Associated Press  |   December 30, 2010 10:10 EST
Getty Images

Artists in this Article

Michael Jackson

Executors of Michael Jackson's estate demanded Wednesday that the Discovery Channel cancel plans for a show purporting to re-enact the dead superstar's autopsy.

John Branca and John McClain fired off an angry letter Wednesday to Discovery Communications calling the planned show "in shockingly bad taste" and insensitive to the feelings of Jackson's family.

 

Michael Jackson Committed Suicide, Defense Will Claim

 

They accused the company of being motivated by "blind desire to exploit Michael's death, while cynically attempting to dupe the public into believing this show will have serious medical value."

Branca and McClain said they were especially outraged by an Internet ad now circulating for the show, "Michael Jackson's Autopsy."

They called it "sickening" and said it depicts a corpse on a steel gurney covered by a sheet with a hand sticking out wearing Michael's signature sequined glove.

"Discovery obviously views this as clever advertising...But in fact the ad makes light of Jackson's death and is debased, sick and insensitive," the letter said.

They said some viewing "this fictitious morbid image" on the Internet may think it is real. Discovery has had a reputation for fine TV programming which is why "we find your decision to proceed with an offensive, exploitative program like 'Michael Jackson's Autopsy' so mind boggling," the lawyers said.

Branca and McClain appealed on behalf of Jackson's family, fans, common sense and decency for cancellation of the program.

A call to Discovery headquarters in Silver Spring, Md., after hours was not answered.

 

 

© 2010 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.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.