Michael Jackson’s Family Comes to His Defense on Pain Killer Allegations

Michael Jacksonâs family is dismissing reports that the pop star is dependent on pain killers and alcohol.An open letter to the media, signed by Katherine Jackson and sons Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie, responds to what the family views as âtroubling and heinousâ rumors about Michael. An attempted drug intervention and takeover of Michaelâs business affairs are among the rumors denied by the family in the letter, which also takes aim at quoted âsourcesâ believed to be making false claims for profit. A particular target of the letter is People magazine, which has published a story on Michael and his children in their Sept. 17 issue. A rep for People magazine provided the following statement to âAccess Hollywoodâ: âWe stand by our story. Throughout the process we gave Mr. Jacksonâs rep, Raymone Bain, the opportunity to respond and we reported her comments.â Below is the text of the letter, dated Sept. 7 and issued by Jacksonâs rep, Raymone K. Bain: âPeople magazine has followed other publications in reporting untrue and inaccurate information about Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. Of these widely reported rumors, what has become the most troubling and heinous, is that my son, and our brother, Michael Jackson, is dependent on painkillers and alcohol. âPeople, and other news organizations, have quoted âsourcesâ indicating that our family has attempted a drug intervention, and engaged in an effort to take over his business affairs, because of this alleged drug and alcohol usage. âWe categorically deny ever planning, participating in, or having knowledge of any kind of intervention, whatsoever. We strongly believe that these âsourcesâ and others, no matter who they are, are making these defamatory, inaccurate, and untrue claims for monetary reasons. âMichael Jackson, and the Jackson family, has endured years of false accusations and misrepresentations. âIt is time for these unfair and hurtful rumors, for profit, to end. âThank you.â