I agree. There is no evidence of actual wrongdoing on Branca's behalf concerning Michael only rumour and speculation. I also haven't come across evidence of wrongdoing in his dealings with the
multitude of other artists and companies he has represented.
http://www.johnbranca.com/artist-representation
In fact there is plenty of evidence of his numerous accomplishments, not only whilst working as Michael's attorney, but also whilst working with others:
Part of a 2006 Super Lawyers Article on Branca:
'And a third key is his creative deal-making ability, praised even by those who sometimes sit on the other side of the table.
Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, calls Branca "a good friend, a great quarterback, and the Smokey Robinson of deal making."
Jordan Schur, president of Geffen Records, gushes, "John is an innovator. He's constantly thinking of new ways to do deals."
And Jeff Kwatinetz, head of the giant entertainment management company The Firm, says, "It's very easy for lawyers to find reasons deals shouldn't work. John's a deal-maker, not a deal-breaker.
He's as good an entertainment lawyer that has ever lived or breathed."
After the ceremony honoring [Carlos] Santana, the new doctor describes Branca in terms attorneys don't hear very often: "Lawyers are like shamans. Shamans use the law of nature; lawyers use the laws of reason...I feel very protected by John."'
http://www.superlawyers.com/califor...ble/9dd713b1-1420-4355-9d4f-299d7446244c.html
Branca being brought back shortly before TII doesn't surprise me as in the past, he effectively helped to exploit the Michael Jackson brand via the Pepsi commercials, and is therefore someone in my opinion, Michael may have wanted onboard prior to the launch of an international tour. Of course, as has already been pointed out, even if Branca didn't return to MJs' team on a consultancy basis, he would still have been an executor of Michael's will.
Part of a 2007 Branca interview with a Michael Jackson Fan Club:
Q. If you look back, what do You consider as the greatest thing in Your career?
A. Working with Michael not only on the “Thriller” album but in helping him acquire the Beatles catalog and the merger with Sony, as well as getting Michael the ownership of his masters, are among the accomplishments I am most proud of from my work with Michael.
I also helped Michael make the two Pepsi deals which pioneered modern commercial tie-ins for artists.
Q. As it’s been widely reported in the media, You are no longer working with Michael. How could this happen?
A.
Although I am not currently working with Michael, I wish him well and would certainly help him in any way I could if he asked. I believe Michael has a lot of great music and performances in him.
Q. What’s next for You? Where can we hear about you in the future?
A. I’ve been fortunate my practice is thriving. I’ve represented 29 members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame thus far. I’m also representing a number of very important current artists in the industry.
But I always felt I had a very special connection with Michael and I look forward to seeing him again soon. In some ways I look upon him as a brother.
http://kingofpop.info/news/2007/03/01/michaeljacksonhu-interview-with-john-branca/
Brief interview on 30 June 2009:
'So what did he and Michael talk about? "We discussed how to exploit his valuable brand and the upcoming concert," says Branca.
http://thresq.hollywoodreporter.com/2009/06/michael-jackson-will-estate-john-branca.html
Unless proof to the contrary is found I believe John Branca is the right man for the job as specified by MJ in his will and, in my view, someone who actually
cared about Michael.