New York, NY, June 22, 1995...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed Michael Jackson's decision to remove the anti-Semitic lyrics from They Don't Care About Us by re- recording the song.

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

"We are pleased that Michael Jackson will be re-recording, They Don't Care About Us, and removing the anti-Jewish lyrics from his hit album HIStory. We have always believed that Mr. Jackson never intentionally meant to be offensive, yet the anti-Semitic words cut deeply.

Mr. Jackson has assured me that he now completely understands the depth of the pain he caused the Jewish people, and that the words he used were anti-Semitic.

The decision to delete the lyrics and re-record the song is a major one and we greatly appreciate Mr. Jackson taking this enormous step.

However, because his influence and impact on young people around the world is unparalleled, we would like to see Mr. Jackson use his celebrity to speak out against the use of anti-Semitic, racist and hate words."

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.