The Michael Jackson Estate has donated $100,000 each to aid Broadway Cares, MusiCares and Three Square Food Bank’s COVID-19 relief efforts. The estate’s donation to MusiCares will help musicians around the world who are dealing with the loss of revenue because of the virus. In New York, the estate’s donation to Broadway Cares will help those in Broadway deal with the theater closures until mid April. Meanwhile, their donation to Three Square Food Bank will provide 300,000 meals to those in need.
“This virus strikes at the heart of the communities we are close to,” Michael Jackson Co-Executors John McClain and John Branca stated.
“We learned today that the legendary Manu Dibango passed away from the virus. Other performers and support staff in music and on Broadway are sick or have been left without work and are facing an uncertain future. And in Las Vegas, which has been so welcoming to Michael Jackson, the entire city has been shut down leaving thousands of workers and their families devastated and without an income,” the two added.
COVID-19 has greatly impacted the world of music and entertainment. Most recently, legendary saxophonist Manu Dibango died due to the virus. His work was sampled by Kanye West and Michael Jackson. In addition, Slim Thug and Jackson Browne have tested positive.
