Aaliyah’s team has laid out a preemptive defense against those who are trying to “leech off” the singer’s life’s work.

On Wednesday night, the Estate of Aaliyah Haughton issued a strongly worded statement about the unsavory tactics used by those who are trying to release unauthorized projects associated with the late artist. The message reiterated the estate’s commitment to protecting Aaliyah’s legacy, but cautioned fans that some would try to attack their collective character.

“… For 20 years we have battled behind the scenes, enduring shadowy tactics of deception with unauthorized projects targeted to tarnish,” the statement read. “We have always been confused as to why there is such a tenacity in causing more pain alongside what we already have to cope with for the rest of our lives.

“Now, in this 20th year, this unscrupulous endeavor to release Aaliyah’s music without any transparency or full accounting to the estate compels our hearts to express a word – forgiveness. Although we will continue to defend ourselves and her legacy lawfully and justly, we want to preempt the inevitable attacks on our character by all the individuals who have emerged from the shadows to leech off of Aaliyah’s life’s work.”