Officials at Michael Jackson’s Heal the World Foundation have slammed a lawsuit filed against them by the star’s estate administrators over trademark infringement.

John Branca and John MCClain turned to court, accusing the charity bosses of using the King of Pop’s name and likeness without permission.

But the foundation officials denied the claim, insisting that they were “friends” of the singer, and have no desire to harm his memory.

“This suit has not been brought against the charity to ”protect” Mr. Jackson, his estate, his legacy and certainly not his humanitarian aims as has been claimed,” Contactmusic quoted the charity as saying in a statement.

“You don”t ”protect” yourself from a friend and we are no adversary,” the charity added.