Jackson estate 'slams Discovery autopsy'

Lawyers for Michael Jackson's estate have expressed their outrage at an upcoming Discovery Channel show, which will feature a re-enactment of the late star's autopsy.

TMZ reports that co-executors John Branca and John McClain have written to the network's president regarding the programme, which is due to air in the UK next month.

The letter accuses the channel of "shockingly bad taste... motivated solely by your blind desire to exploit Michael's death, while cynically attempting to dupe the public into believing this show will have serious medical value".

In particular, a print advertisement, which shows a sheet-covered body wearing a rhinestone-jewelled glove, has prompted the most criticism.

Although Branca and McClain have reportedly accepted that there is no legal precedent to stop the show, they are appealing that Discovery voluntarily withdraw the programme.