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| Michael Jackson News Xscape has made a spectacular entry on this week's official Top 20 Australian club chart. The yet-to-be-released Michael Jackson track had the week's highest new entry at #13, according to the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA). Since Xscape is not commercially available, it is unable to qualify for most of the music charts in Australia. The exception of cource is the official club chart, dictated solely by airplay. source: MJ News International by Michael's Spokesman "Michael asked me to personally thank his fans around the world for the overwhelming love and support that he received during the most recent media reports following the airing of the Martin Bashir/ITV television documentary. Michael says, “I am truly grateful and feel extremely fortunate to have such loyal and dedicated fans.” Michael is deeply upset and feels utterly betrayed by Mr. Bashir's distortion of the truth. He is particularly concerned that Mr. Bashir misrepresented his life and his abilities as a father. We all know that Michael's children are very important in his life and that he would never harm any child. Michael believes that his fans can recognize that Mr. Bashir was indifferent to the effect the interview would have on Michael personally, his family and his friends. Michael has consistently overcome adversity and this time it will not be any different. Michael will win this battle and with your help he can concentrate again on his true passion, which is, his music, his art and his creative pursuits. Accordingly, the Fox Network agreed to air a two-hour special on Thursday, February 20, 2003 at 8/7c featuring Michael's own footage of “The Bashir Interview.” In the footage you will see the real Michael as you have known him all of these years. You will see some shocking statements in which Martin Bashir says on the last day of production (three months after Berlin) such things as “your relationship with your children is spectacular.” Bashir is also shown on tape saying; “It almost makes me weep when I see you with them (children) because your interaction with them is just so natural, so loving, so caring.” The Fox special, entitled, “The Michael Jackson Interview: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See,” will give fans a chance view what was really said behind the scenes. It will show Bashir's intent to harm Michael's reputation. Now is the time for us to rally around Michael. His fans all over the world can get involved by writing letters or sending E-mails to local T.V. Stations, radio and newspaper outlets demanding an end to the onslaught of misinformation and blatant disregard for the truth. The man who thrilled us with his spirit, kindness and generosity and touched millions around the globe remains as always “on top!” Warm Regards, Stuart Backerman Spokesman for Michael Jackson" The Sun, February 20th, 2003 "MARTIN BASHIR has pulled out of presenting a Brit award tonight after getting death threats from angry MICHAEL JACKSON fans. The interviewer was going to hand out the Best International Female gong with CAT DEELEY during the star-studded ceremony at London’s Earls Court. But he told organisers at 4pm yesterday he was dropping out after worries about his safety. Bashir also wanted to avoid stars who had defended Jacko following his explosive ITV1 documentary, Living With Michael Jackson, in which the singer admitted he sleeps with boys. Jacko’s close pal JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE — who is expected to sing NENEH CHERRY’s Buffalo Stance with KYLIE MINOGUE tonight — had already told organisers to make sure he did not bump into Bashir backstage. Justin said: "That guy is despicable. He had better keep out of my way. Michael is a really nice guy who looks at the world through the eyes of a child." Bashir decided he would not attend the Brits — where he was planning to walk out to one of Jackson’s hit songs — after the singer’s fans sent hate mail to his offices in London. They are still furious at the way their idol was depicted in the warts-and-all programme. A Brits source told me: "Martin was due to give out the award and had even agreed to walk out on stage while Thriller was being played. But because feelings are still so high, he started to get nervous. "Jackson fans are very passionate and he was worried he could have been targeted as he walked up the red carpet. He also felt he would be vulnerable when he left Earls Court. "As well as all the fans, it's clear his programme has angered some of the performers at the Brits. He wouldn't want to bump into an angry Justin. "After careful consideration, he has decided to pull out."
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