Michael Jackson's Death Was Mother's Fault? 'Preposterous,' Says Lawyer
June 14 2010, Published 8:10 a.m. ET
Joe Jackson’s bizarre suggestion that son Michael’s death was a result of his wife Katherine’s inaction is “preposterous,” according to the attorney with control over the King of Pop’s assets.
In a statement to RadarOnline.com, lawyer Howard Weitzman said: “The inference by Joe Jackson that Mrs. Jackson was in any way responsible for Michael’s death is preposterous.
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“Katherine Jackson was a supportive and loving mother throughout Michael’s life.
“His love and respect for her is reflected in his Estate plan.”
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In a video interview with Britain’s News of the World, the Jackson patriarch accused his wife of 60 years of failing to prevent Jacko’s death.
"Mothers are always the person their sons look up to. I wanted her to step in and look at Mike a bit, keep him cheered up," Joe said.
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"She didn't want to do that because she was afraid that she was invading his privacy."
Joe insisted that he and Katherine had been fought for months prior to Michael's death about getting him into rehab for his alleged pill addiction.
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But Katherine remained firm about not interfering, he said.
“I wanted Katherine to step in and go in and… keep him cheered up,” Joe added.
“She didn’t want to do that because she was afraid she was invading his privacy.”
Joe, who was left out of his son's will, has been pushing to get an allowance of Michael's estate.
He has asked a team of legal experts to examine the validity of his son’s will and trust fund, even though it appears to have his signature and initials all over it.