Backstreet Boys respond to media

Yesterday, media criticised the Backstreet Boys for refusing to meet Morgan Zalewski, a young girl suffering from leukemia.

Today, the Backstreet Boys responded to the story.

"We are hurt by these reports that we deliberately did not see an ailing child in Detroit," said the Backstreet Boys in the statement. "We are committed to our fans, and whenever possible make every effort to meet as many as possible.

Due to our current tour schedule and the amount of requests we receive, we're unfortunately unable to meet everyone. We offer our regrets to the Zalewski family and send our best wishes to Morgan."

According to Launch, the band's statement went on to point out that they were recently named the 1999 Wish Grantors of the Year by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

A spokesperson from Make-A-Wish said this about the group:

"We are thankful for the generosity that the Backstreet Boys have shown and continue to show our wish kids," said Paula Van Ness, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. "As one of today's most popular music groups, the Backstreet Boys are extremely busy, but they make a special effort whenever they can to fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses." Talk about this story