Palm Beach, FL, February 9, 1996...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed outrage that Michael Jackson has reinstated anti-Semitic lyrics into his song "They Don't Care About Us" for its video release. Mr. Jackson had assured ADL last June that he would re-record the song to eliminate the offensive lyrics.

"We were outraged to see Michael Jackson perform the song with the anti-Semitic lyrics on a nationally syndicated television show," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "We had taken Mr. Jackson at his word that the anti-Semitic lyrics were deleted from the song."

After ADL protested the lyrics, "Jew me, Sue me" and "Kick me, Kike me," in the song which was released as part of the album HIStory, Mr. Jackson wrote to Mr. Foxman on June 22 saying, "...I have chosen to re-record it ["They Don't Care About Me"], deleting the words found offensive." In the letter to ADL, Mr. Jackson said, "I acknowledge that I seriously offended some people which was never my intention and for that I am deeply sorry... I have come to understand over the past days that these words are considered anti-Semitic...I sincerely hope that anyone offended by my words will forgive me for not recognizing this sooner."

"We accepted your apology, and we assumed that the video would conform with our understanding. Apparently we were wrong...," Mr. Foxman wrote to Mr. Jackson on February 6.

"Anti-Semitism and racism have no more place in the entertainment business than they do in the rest of society," Mr. Foxman added. "...with the release of such a video, instead of remaining a spokesman against hate and prejudice, you have made a decision which reinforces intolerance."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.