Janet Jackson Not Going To Tribute

“Michael Forever – The Tribute Concert” has garnered its share of criticism since it was announced in late July. Scheduled for Oct. 8 in Cardiff, Wales, at Millennium Stadium, the show’s star power includes Christina Aguilera, Cee-lo Green, Leona Lewis and Ne-Yo. While MJ’s family will be represented by The Jacksons performing on stage as well as 3T, the band made up of Tito Jackson’s sons, the most famous living Jackson will not be in attendance.

In a statement released to Associated Press today on what would have been the Moonwalker’s 53rd birthday, Janet Jackson said the upcoming trial of her late brother’s personal physician will keep her in California on the day of the show.

“Because of the trial, the timing of this tribute to our brother would be too difficult for me,” Jackson said in the statement.

Janet Jackson’s statement almost mirrors what two of her brothers said on the day the tribute concert was announced. Although Jackson family matriarch Katherine endorses the show, sons Jermaine and Randy Jackson released a statement July 25 saying they found it “impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael’s death.”

Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, is charged with involuntary manslaughter for his role in Michael Jackson’s death. Authorities claim he gave the King of Pop a lethal dose of an anesthetic along with other sedatives just before Jackson died.

But the concert coinciding with Murray’s trial is just one of the criticisms aimed at the show presented by Global Live Events. Along with complaining about the show’s hefty ticket prices ranging from £62 ($101.75 U.S.) to £260 ($426.75), fans also dissed the show’s location.

Then there was the concert’s KISS Kontroversy. Announced two weeks ago as an addition to the lineup, KISS was removed from the bill within 24 hours after fans complained about Gene Simmons’ past remarks in which the bassist said he believed child molestation charges made against Jackson were true.

“Well, you know, where there’s smoke there’s fire,” Simmons said in 2010. “There’s no question in my mind he molested those kids. Not a doubt.”

For more information on “Michael Forever – The Tribute Concert,” click here for the event’s website.