Jackson Attends Court On Video

Michael Jackson gave his deposition yesterday, in the court case over the dispute with Marc Schaffel and $3.8M, via videotape.

In the video he said that he thought Marc Schaffel had been compensated, because he seemed happy.

Schaffels' attorney, Howard King, showed a portion of the tape (which was made in London) and noted:

"I've wanted Mr. Jackson to be here to tell his story.

He won't be here except by deposition. I had to go to London to take it. He will make a fine presentation. He's finely made up, costumed. You'd think he'd been in front of cameras his whole life."

In the tape, made in September 2005, Jackson was asked if he thought Schaffel wanted to be paid for his services.

Quote:

"I know he wanted something from me, of course... I do remember these long letters. He wanted me to pay him."

Jackson then continued:

"I'm sure he got money."

How could he be sure?

"Because he always seemed to be happy."

King noted "Money doesn't buy happiness."

King raised Schaffel's connection with the gay porn industry:

"Mr. Schaffel has a successful business background and one of these was in the legal adult entertainment business. In 2000 he was done with that and he began to work with Mr. Jackson."

Jackson's lawyer, Thomas C. Mundell, noted the Jackson is forgetful and accused Schaffel of fraudulently moving funds from Jackson's accounts to his own pocket and billing Jackson for expenses when he no longer worked for him.

He went on to contend that Schaffel in fact owes Jackson money.

Quote:

"The evidence will show Mr. Schaffel should have left well enough alone. He could have gotten away with a chunk of money from Michael Jackson ... but he sued for several million dollars."

King called Allan Whitman, a longtime Jackson business manager who was fired this week, as a witness.

Whitman detailed the advisers who came and went, as Jackson hired and fired them.

Some, according to Whitman, were paid $100K a month for services while others such as billionaire Ron Burkle and business magnate Alvin Malnik gave their services for free.

The trial continues.