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.

Hey Hoh Back To Court We Go

As is the custom in the summer months, Michael Jackson makes sure that he has a court case to worry about.

This one involves a dispute between Jackson and Marc Schaffel, a former disgruntled business associate; it reached court yesterday.

Schaffel claims that Jackson owes him $3.8M for loans, unpaid wages and expenses.

The case is expected to last over a week, and is being held in Santa Monica.

Jackson has announced that he has split with his accountants, business managers and lawyers.

Jackson To Move To Europe

Seemingly Michael Jackson has grown tired of Bahrain, and is planning to move the Europe. That at least is the theory according to his spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, who said Jackson has also severed ties with his longtime business managers as part of a "sweeping restructuring" of his affairs.

Quote:

"He's just decided that with all of the projects he's going to be involved with and all of the people he's beginning to work with in the music industry, it's easier (to live in Europe).

He'll be going back and forth to Bahrain but Europe will be his principal residence."

According to Bain, she has been promoted to general manager.

The smart money is on; Scotland, Ireland, France or Germany for Jackson's next home.

Janet Jackson On Trial

Janet Jackson, the woman who claimed Michael Jackson molested her son, was ordered on Wednesday to stand trial on a charge of welfare fraud.

Janet Jackson is accused of accepting $8,000 in fraudulently obtained assistance, and four charges of committing perjury on welfare applications.

Prosecutors allege that she hid the fact that she received a substantial settlement in a lawsuit against J.C. Penney before she filed for welfare.

Her lawyer, Patricia Hattersley, said that she hopes that the case can be resolved without a trial.

The prosecutor's office said the case will go to trial unless she makes restitution.

The trial is scheduled for August 7th.