Updated on
Summary The rock band dropped from the tribute concert after they said Jackson was a child abuser.
Kiss were removed from the bill after controversy over comments bassist Gene Simmons made last year. Jackson was cleared of child molestation in 2005.His brother Jermaine said: This mishandling reinforces my view that this promoter is getting it all wrong.Christina Aguilera and Leona Lewis are due to take part in the October show.The Michael Forever concert is being endorsed by Jacksons mother Katharine and several siblings, but has been opposed by brothers Jermaine and Randy.The furore over Kiss booking stems from an interview Simmons gave to Classic Rock magazine last February, in which he said: Where theres smoke theres fire. Theres no question in my mind he molested those kids. Not a doubt.Jermaine Jackson took to Twitter to say he was appalled that promoter Global Live had invited the group, echoing the views of many fans online.He continued: It also saddens me that my mother is being used to promote this event. Does Global Live really need an 81-year-old woman to prop up its event? Stop.I hear you all. Global Live mishandled this booking in the same way it has misjudged the events timing and mood of the fan community.Jermaine said a tribute concert should take place after the trial of Michaels doctor Conrad Murray, who is charged with involuntary manslaughter. The trial is due to start in September.
