Michael Jackson Estate Condemns TV Projects

(Radio.com) Michael Jackson's estate has released a statement emphasizing that it did not sanction upcoming Netflix or Lifetime TV projects based on the life of the singer.

The estate added that they have several projects in development, that 'respect, honor and celebrate Michael's life and legacy." Earlier this month, Lifetime TV revealed a trailer for their film, Michael Jackson: Searching For Neverland, which is based on the book, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson In His Final Days, written by the singer's bodyguards, Bill Whitefield and Javon Beard. Jackson impersonator Navi is slated to star as the late pop idol.

Also, Netflix is reportedly closing a deal for a script on the life of the singer -- from the perspective of his pet monkey, Bubbles. The Jackson estate statement implied that it would pursue litigation if the projects go forward since the films seek to exploit the artist's legacy and make unauthorized use of Jackson's music, images, videos and other official movies. Read the full statement from the Michael Jackson Estate here.