Jackson charity single bogged down
Work continues in the struggle to release Michael Jackson's all-star charity single aimed at aiding victims of Sept. 11, reports Reuters. The song, "What More Can I Give", recorded shortly after the attacks on America, features the voices of Jackson, Ricky Martin, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and others, yet has not been released by Sony Music Entertainment, ostensibly due to a series of events that have only come to light recently. Last week, the Los Angeles Times revealed that McDonald's, which was to have made the song available at its burger outlets, backed out of the project once its customers complained about Jackson's personal reputation.
Then, the Times reported, Jackson severed ties with the executive producer of the song, F. Marc Shaffel, described as a former friend of the singer. Shaffel, it was also reported, acknowledges that in the past he has produced and directed gay adult videos. In a written statement received by Reuters on Saturday, Yasumi Takeuchi, president of Tokyo-based Music Fighters, said that his company had bought the rights to "What More Can I Give" in the hope of releasing it to coincide with a proposed Jackson tour of Japan. But that tour appears to be in doubt. Furthermore, Sony Music Entertainment Inc. and Jackson's lawyer, Zia Modabber, appear to be blocking the release of the single, says Reuters, citing the fact that both parties are attempting to block Music Fighters from gaining clearance from some of the artists involved. (People) Many thanks to Mariah Central.
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