New York, NY, June 15, 1995...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said it was deeply troubled by the anti-Jewish epithets in a song on Michael Jackson's new album, "HIStory."

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement:

We are deeply troubled by the anti-Jewish lyrics in Michael Jackson's new song, "They Don't Care About Us."

At best, if the lyrics were intended to be a protest against prejudice as Mr. Jackson claims, then they were inartfully crafted and can easily be misunderstood and misused.

At worst, his use of anti-Jewish epithets and stereotypes casts doubt on Mr. Jackson's explanation that his song was intended to be a statement against all forms of hatred. The words are hateful and hurtful, and hate is too serious a subject for subtleties. Why single out Jews?

We are also concerned that those involved in the production and marketing of the album did not object to this use of anti-Jewish language. We believe it is important for those producers now to speak out against this language and for Mr. Jackson to issue a commentary attached to the album and video.

Mr. Jackson is an influential personality and has a tremendous impact worldwide, especially on young people. His repeating of anti-Semitic epithets without a proper context can encourage their further use and serve to legitimize them.

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.