Michael speaks on Eminem's slanderous video (2004)

I would like to thank you, Steve, Radio One, the African-American community, my fans from around the world, and some of the members of the media, for the support that you have given to me.  I would also like to thank Mr. Robert Johnson, Chairman and Founder of BET for pulling the Eminem video from BET’s airplay.  I appreciate very much the love and support that you all have shown me.

I am very angry at Eminem’s depiction of me in his video.  I feel that it is outrageous and disrespectful.  It is one thing to spoof, but it is another to be demeaning and insensitive. 

I’ve admired Eminem as a artist, and was shocked by this.  The video was inappropriate and disrespectful to me, my children, my family, and the community at large.  It is my hope that the other networks will take BET’s lead and pull it.