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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Organizers of a Michael Jackson tribute concert
dropped Kiss from the lineup after receiving widespread criticism
for booking the band despite critical comments toward the late pop
singer by bassist Gene Simmons.
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The announcement Tuesday came a day after Global Live Events
announced Kiss would join the show planned for Oct. 8 in Cardiff,
Wales. Fans, media and the singer’s estate quickly noted that
Simmons has said in recent years that he was convinced Jackson
molested children. Some of the critical comments came within days
of Jackson’s June 2009 death.
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Jackson was acquitted of molestation charges after a 2005 trial in
California.
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Some of Simmons’ harshest comments came last year in an interview
with Classic Rock magazine. “Well, you know, where there’s smoke
there’s fire,” Simmons said regarding accusations that Jackson
abused young boys. “There’s no question in my mind he molested
those kids. Not a doubt.”
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Global Events Live CEO Chris Hunt accepted blame, calling Kiss’
booking an “oversight.”
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“Under the circumstances, we fully agree that even though Kiss is a
band Michael admired, we have no choice but to rescind our
invitation to them to appear in our tribute concert,” Hunt wrote in
a statement.
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A spokeswoman for the band was not immediately available for
comment.
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It is the latest stumble for a show that is endorsed by Jackson’s
mother and several siblings but is opposed by brothers Jermaine and
Randy. The brothers have noted that the show is scheduled to happen
during the involuntary manslaughter trial of a doctor charged in
Michael Jackson’s death.
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Fans have protested ticket prices -which start at nearly $100 – the
lineup and the show’s faraway location since “Michael Forever – The
Tribute Concert” was announced last month.
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Howard Weitzman, an attorney for Jackson’s estate, questioned the
show in a letter sent to Hunt on Tuesday, questioning whether any
of the show’s proceeds would be going to charity, as promoters have
claimed.
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Kiss’ departure leaves Smokey Robinson, Christina Aguilera and Cee
Lo Green as the show’s superstars.
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—
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