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Wacko slams industry
07/07/2002 20:54 - (SA)
New York - Self-proclaimed "King of Pop" Michael Jackson has accused
recording companies, including his own Sony label, of exploiting
musicians and artists - black ones in particular.
"The record companies really do conspire against the artists.
They steal, they cheat, they do everything they can. Especially the
black artists," Jackson told fans and reporters at civil rights
leader Al Sharpton's National Action Network offices in Harlem on Saturday.
Sharpton and lawyer Johnnie Cochran have announced they plan to
take legal action against record companies they believe have taken
advantage of black artists for decades.
Jackson is embroiled in an acrimonious dispute with Sony Music
and its CEO Tommy Mottola, whom he accuses of not having fully
promoted Jackson's most recent album, "Invincible," which has
posted disappointing sales and been critically panned.
The reclusive star then surprised some 150 fans protesting
outside Sony Music offices in the city by dropping in on their
demonstration against the company.
Sony in a statement described Jackson's accusations as
"ludicrous, spiteful and hurtful".
"It seems particularly bizarre that he has chosen to launch an
unwarranted and ugly attack on an executive who has championed his
career for many, many years," added the record label, which was
also involved in a notorious music industry dispute with pop star
George Michael. - Sapa-AFP
- SAPA
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South Africa
