Chris Brown won't perform at a Michael Jackson tribute concert in Austria, contrary to statements by promoters, a person close to the situation said Wednesday. A publicist for Mary J. Blige, also touted for the show, said she won't be there either.
Brown never committed to perform at the concert in Vienna, said the person, who was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. Karynne Tencer, a publicist for Blige, said Wednesday that she wanted to attend the Sept. 26 concert, but had another commitment.
Organizers at a press conference in Vienna on Tuesday told reporters that Brown, Blige, Natalie Cole and Akon were among the confirmed artists.
Cole spokeswoman Maureen O'Connor said the singer had discussed it with organizers, but she may have a conflict and is not 100 percent confirmed. A representatives for Akon did not immediately return messages left Wednesday.
A concert spokesman did not immediately return an e-mail message.
Jackson's brother Jermaine, who first announced the concert last month on "Larry King Live," said in London on Wednesday that he was confident Brown would appear. And concert promoter Georg Kindel said that a Los Angeles judge was scheduled to rule Wednesday on whether Brown, 20, could travel to the show.
No motion has been filed with the judge handling Brown's criminal case, court spokeswoman Vania Stuelp said, and the person with knowledge of the singer's situation said none would be filed. Brown, who is serving five years of probation for beating his former girlfriend, Rihanna, would need the judge's permission for any international travel, Stuelp said.
"Chris Brown is working out some situations but he definitely expressed to us that he wants to be here and it's just up to what he's going through with his court case right now but he's definitely going to work that out and be here," Jermaine Jackson said Wednesday at the London press conference. He said "people make mistakes" and Brown deserved forgiveness.
The concert is being billed as the main global tribute for the King of Pop, who died June 25 in Los Angeles.
Jermaine Jackson also said he hoped Stevie Wonder would take part in the show, to be staged in front of a 17th-century palace in the Austrian capital.
(China Daily/Agencies September 10, 2009)
