Michael Jackson Says Downloading Music Shouldn't Be Felony
Pop Superstar Says Jail Is Not Answer
POSTED: 11:59 p.m. EDT July 21, 2003
LOS ANGELES -- Michael Jackson says Congress should not make any laws that could land music fans in jail for downloading songs illegally over the Internet.
"I am speechless about the idea of putting music fans in jail for downloading music. It is wrong to download, but the answer cannot be jail," Jackson said in a statement released Monday.
The pop star's comments referred specifically to a bill before Congress that would make it a federal felony to obtain copyright works over the Internet without permission.
"Here in America we create new opportunities out of adversity, not punitive laws ...," he said. "It is the fans that drive the success of the music business; I wish this would not be forgotten."
The recording industry blames illegal music file-swapping and CD burning for lackluster sales. It is currently preparing to file hundreds of civil lawsuits against people it suspects of music piracy.
Jackson, who's seen his own record sales lag in recent years, suggested the music industry and music fans work together to figure it all out.
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