The will of deceased pop legend Michael Jackson is once again being scrutinized, this time in federal court.
Howard Mann, who published a tribute book on Jackson, filed legal documents on Monday claiming that he was “in possession of evidence that casts substantial doubt on the validity of the will.” Mann told the New York Daily News this week that he hopes to present the evidence in court during the upcoming trial concerning copyright on his book.
Janet Jackson, along with siblings Randy and Rebbie, believe that the 2002 will is fake because it was signed in Los Angeles on a date when Jackson was allegedly in New York at an event with civil rights leader Al Sharpton. Moreover, Mann is considering calling experts regarding “variances” in the will’s handwriting, as well as the misspelling of the kids’ names.
“I am not backing down from my court fight with these guys. I’m not interested in settling with them. I came out and said these guys were a fraud two years ago,” Mann told The News.
“I have many people who will come out and give testimony that the entire administration is a fraud and a collusive operation that is designed to take assets away from Katherine and Michael’s kids.”
Two of Jacksons siblings had differing sentiments about the matter. Jermaine and Tito Jackson’s views were initially in tandem with the rest of the family but they later backed off. Jermaine recanted “all the claims made against” the Estate while Tito rescinded his signature to address the issue in a more private manner.
In their pursuit, the rest of the Jackson family remains insistent upon their claim of having no hidden motives.
“What will be gained by a finding of invalidity is that the executors will be replaced and the Estate and the guardianship will be managed in the best interests of the children, which is what Michael wanted,” said the Jackson family in a statement.
