As you all know by now, an Open Letter on Behalf of Michael Jackson fans to Global Live Events was sent to the organizers of the Michael Forever Tribute. The open letter was signed by 35 fan groups, representing thousands if not millions of fans. Other fan groups expressed interest in signing the letter after it was sent, as well.
With the announcement that Beyonce will now be "beamed" into the tribute, Reuters picked up the open letter from fans and it has been published on major media sites throughout the world. In response Global Live Events CEO Chris Hunt and the rest of the team have issued a statement.
"We are 100% going ahead," said GLE spokeswoman Juliette Harris. "We will continue to announce names for the line-up. We are moving forward and now we will try to address issues that have been raised by fans."
Founder and CEO of the under-fire promoter, Chris Hunt, even claimed that there wasn't enough evidence for fans to attack the concert like they have, and that the clash of the concert and doctor Conrad Murray's trial was a coincidence.
"There has been insufficient information for the fans," Hunt said. "Speculation has run riot about what it's all about, who the beneficiaries are, why it's taking place. That rumour has got completely out of hand.
"The trial has been moved several times already. In fact, there's speculation that the trial will in fact be moved again."
Global Live Events has announced that there will be a global conference call on August 30, between MJ fans and GLE to address concerns.
I find it quite interesting that GLE felt they should respond to fans, but not to the Michael Jackson Estate, who sent them an open letter voicing their concerns PRIOR to the fan letter. Considering that the Estate owns Michael's intellectual property, including the right to his name, likeness, and any songs belonging to MIJAC or the ATV, one would think that GLE would at least take a conciliatory stance.
As we take a look around the net, let's see what Jackson's fans have to say about this tribute. The Huffington Post did a poll and as of tonight, 3 out of 4 people believed that the tribute should be canceled due to mismanagement.
Like their response to the Michael Jackson Estate, I have not heard that GLE has reached out to any "verified" fan club owners for this apparent global conference call to address fans' concerns. It would seem that Global Live Event's response to anything other than mass negative media attention is the equivalent of *crickets*.
This is, yet again another public relations ploy on the part of Global Live Events. What GLE fails to realize, as evidence once again by their invitation to Gene Simmons to perform in this so-called tribute, is that Michael Jackson fans are not stupid. We see you, Global Live Events, for exactly what you are.
5 comments:
Not just that - the overall approach and language of Chris Hunt's statements are dismissive and/or patronizing. It is like - uncle Chris will take time and sit down with you and help you a little bit along the path of your personal enlightenment... you can see how much that concert distracts from the upcoming trial. We should be looking into this and get prepared and not have to spend time with La Toya's business endeavours - as this is what it is. See what Gene Simmons had to say now, and see what La Toya mumbled into the TMZ camera - granted, these were leading questions but still. There is, as usual, NO statement from any Jackson regarding distancing themselves from Gene Simmons (remember Aaron Carter, another recent example?). It was Howard Mann who took the blame with Opis None Edition I (with an apology that was a plain insult to fans) - no statement from the Jacksons. It was Chris Hunt who took the blame with Opis None Edition II (Kiss) - no statement from the Jacksons either. And that apology came complete with an insult to Michael and his fans - "oversight" - as well.
Sorry, I got so carried away... I meant to thank your for this blog.
brilliant, Andjustice...and thank you for your good work! you are a gem in the MJ community :)
- WG
I am a bit puzzle who is this tribute for and who are the attendee To be?
1) if it to be a MJ tribute then one would think the promoter would be working with the estate to do thing right.
And if MJ fan are to attend the tribute then one would think the promoter would be working with the fans.
So I am thinking it must be none fans global live are promoting to.
If it's not a money grab for all the parties, then why not put the so-called tribute off for a more appropriate time?
Plan and ask for fans? yes fans input , why the big rush?
No real artist are not even on the bill,
I am sure if this was organize right many top artist would be in the line up to give a proper tribute to MJ.
Where is the LOVE in this tribute?
@Blanaid X live : you call it right MJ family never address any of the miss aap they pass the blame on to someone else, that is how they function, they show no respect to MJ fans and only talk to us when they want to sell us something. MJ was the other sheep in that family totally a different human, it's so true the good one go first.
@ justice
just to add mj children dont need any trust fund set up for them, their father leave them more them enough money.
Why not give it to a more needy cause?
This tribute need to go back to the drawing board and come again.
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