Discovery Drops Michael Jackson Autopsy Special

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LOS ANGELES: Discovery has canceled its plans to air a reenactment of the autopsy on Michael Jackson’s body, which had been set to air in several countries across Western Europe and in the U.K. this month. 

Discovery says the show, Michael Jackson’s Autopsy: What Really Killed Michael Jackson, was pulled due to the upcoming court hearing and concern by the late pop star’s estate.

Indeed, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson Estate issued a letter to Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav that said the plans to air the program were in "shockingly bad taste, insensitive to Michael’s family, and appears motivated solely by your blind desire to exploit Michael’s death, while cynically attempting to dupe the public into believing this show will have serious medical value." The letter, from John G. Branca and John McClain, concluded: "On behalf of Michael’s family, fans, common sense and decency, we urge you to reconsider and cancel this program."

A Discovery spokesman declined comment beyond the statement. Co-executors of the estate responded in their own statement saying they were "pleased" with the decision.