Los Angeles - Three top stars initially named to appear in the tribute concert for Michael Jackson later this month in Vienna will not be taking part, according to US reports Thursday. Chris Browne, Mary J Blige and Natalie Cole were touted earlier this week in Austria by Jackson's brother, Jermaine, when he released details of the concert. But his plans have been dogged by reports that the rest of the Jackson family does not back the event, which has been criticized for its lack of top superstars in the performer line-up.
Celebrity website TMZ.com reported Thursday that Cole was the latest announced star to distance herself from the event. It quoted her representative as saying that Cole was set to attend an event with the Dalai Lama around the same time in Memphis, Tennessee.
Brown's representatives revealed Tuesday that he would not attend the concert because he needs special court permission to leave the country following his conviction for assaulting his former girlfriend Rihanna earlier this year. Blige backed away from appearing at the tribute concert due to a concert at the same time in Madrid.
