Janet reschedules to support family

New York - Janet Jackson is rescheduling part of her Australian tour so she can support her family during the trial of the doctor accused of involuntary manslaughter in her brother Michael's death.

Dr Conrad Murray is on trial in Los Angeles. He is accused of being negligent in his care of the superstar, who died in 2009 of an overdose of the anaesthetic propofol at age 50.

The prosecution is wrapping up its case this week, and the defence is about to present its case. The Jacksons have been a regular presence at the trial; Janet Jackson was there at the beginning.

"When I planned these shows, the schedule in California was completely different," she said in a Sunday statement to The Associated Press. "After talking with my family last night, I decided we must be together right now. (...) This saddens me in so many ways."

The shows for her Number Ones tour were scheduled in Melbourne on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; to make them up, she'll perform one night, on November 3, in Rod Laver Arena. She thanked her fans for their support and understanding.

Jackson also has the support of her promoter.

"It is important that Janet is with her family at this critical point in the hearing. While Janet and our company apologise for any inconvenience for the reschedule of the Melbourne shows, we thank Janet for the great and successful concerts in Perth and Adelaide and eagerly await her return. (...) Our thoughts and prayers are with Janet and the entire Jackson family," promoter Paul Dainty said.