Executors To Michael Jackson's Estate Respond To Jackson Family's Claims That Will Is Fraudulent

Members of the Jackson family fired off a letter yesterday demanding that John Branca and John McClain resign from their positions as executors of Michael's estate. Janet, Tito, Jermaine, Rebbie and Randy Jackson claim the two attorneys "failed to perform" their duties and knew the will is a fraud.

The Estate released the following statement in response to the letter:

Any doubts about the validity of Michael's will and his selection of Executors were throughly and completely debunked two years ago when a challenge was rejected by the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the California Court of Appeals and, finally, the California Supreme Court.

Under the supervision of Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff, Co-Executors John Branca and John McClain have diligently carried out their fiduciary duties as well as their obligation to Michael to make sure that his Estate benefits the only family members he named in the will - his mother and his three children.

We are saddened that false and defamatory accusations grounded in stale internet conspiracy theories are now being made by certain members of Michael's family whom he chose to leave out of his will. We are especially disheartened that they come at a time when remarkable progress has been made to secure the financial future of his children by turning around the Estate's finances as well as during a time when so many of Michael's fans, old and new, are enjoying his artistry through exciting new projects.

As for the claims that the will is fraudulent, the Jacksons say Michael was not in California at the time the will was signed which was on July 7, 2002.