Jackson's Lips Explodes

It is reported that Michael Jackson has had to undergo emergency surgery to fix his lip, after it exploded and collapsed.

Seemingly Jackson's five-year-old son, Prince Michael II, smacked Jackson on the face and damaged the lip. Jackson then hot footed it to the plastic surgeon for emergency repairs.

Jackson's spokesperson has denied the singer has undergone any work.

New Year's Eve

It is reported that The Jackson 5 are to play a New Year's Eve show in Atlanta.

According to hip-hop producer Jermaine Dupri, they will play a greatest hits set at his Studio 72 club to mark Dupri's engagement to Janet Jackson.

Michael Jackson and his four brothers will be flown into Atlanta by helicopter for the party.

Dupri told US radio station V-103:

"It's the Jackson 5 Party.

I swear to you it's going to be the biggest party this town has ever seen."

We shall see.

Jackson Goes Green

Michaal Jackson has reportedly paid $20K for an environmentally-friendly car.

The car is powered by electricity and petrol, and is the car of choice for Hollywood celebs keen to display their green credentials.

Janet Keeps Her Distance

It is reported that all the Jacksons, including Michael, have agreed to perform a 40 city world tour.

All of them except for Janet it seems.

A source has reportedly told New York Post's Page Six that Janet's music producer, Jermaine Dupri, is:

"...wary of having her be associated with Michael because he's gotten such bad press."

Reunited?

It is reported that The Jackson Five are planning to reunite for a tour next year, that at least is what Jermaine Jackson has told the BBC.

Jermaine said that Michael would take part, and concert dates had been discussed.

Quote:

"Michael will be involved.

We feel we have to do it one more time.

We owe that to the fans and to the public.

There's been so much going on, getting over all the hurdles that we all were faced with during Michael's trial.

But we are stronger than ever. I'm gonna say thank you, thank you, thank you so much to all the fans and the supporters of my family all over Europe, all over the UK especially, who came out to show their love and their support."

Michael Jackson's representatives have not confirmed the veracity of Jermaine's claims.

The Kindness of Strangers

Following the example of Blanche Dubois in "A Street Car Named Desire" it seems that Michael Jackson, according to reports, is relying on the kindness of friends. He spent last week at the Beverly Hills home of his good friend Ron Burkle.

A source is quoted in Pagesix.com as saying:

"The whole family has been hiding out. They were holed up in Burkle's place behind the Beverly Hills Hotel. They even refused to come out of their rooms and hid when Burkle had guests over".

Friedman Attacks Bain

Fox's Roger Friedman has turned his guns on Michael Jackson's spokesperson, Rayomone Bain. In a stinging attack on Bain, entitled "Neverland Nevermore: Jacko's PR Lies", Friedman describes Bain's recent statement that Jackson was never in default on his $23M Neverland loan as a lie.

He then ups the ante, by noting that he has been receiving emails and faxes from Jackson's fans blaming Bain for Jackson's recent difficulties.

Friedman claims that the emails show evidence of Bain sanitising the Jackson's web fan pages of all criticism of her.

Then, for good measure, he notes that the fans despise her.

The clock is ticking on the loan default, Jackson has until 19 January 2008 to resolve this; then it will be clear as to whether Bain is right or wrong.

Neverland Safe?

Despite reports about Michael Jackson being in danger of losing Neverled, as a result of defaulting on his debts, Raymone Bain insists that all is well.

She claims that Jackson's former advisers refinanced the loan in 2006. The loan matured last month, and now he is refinancing the $23M loan again.

Quote:

"Mr. Jackson is in the final stages of refinance and will not lose Neverland Valley Ranch."

So that's alright then.

Jackson doesn't live in Neverland anymore; he now resides in Washington, as does Rayomone Bain.

No Change

In an interview published in Ebony, Michael Jackson claims that he has barely changed since releasing Thriller.

Quote:

"That Michael is probably the same Michael here."

I guess he is ignoring the change in skin colour and facial features then?

Refinancing

Fox reports that Michael Jackson has edged forward in his battle to remain vaguely solvent.

His business partners, Sony, are helping him refinance his $300M loan with Fortress Investment Group. In theory, if the deal goes through, Barclays will buy the loan.

However, this does not cover the separate debt of $23M with Fortress held on Neverland.

Therefore he still faces losing Neverland, that being said he doesn't live there anymore.

Does it therefore really matter to him whether Neverland is lost or not?

Ebony

Michael Jackson has been spotted in Brooklyn doing a photo shoot for the front cover of Ebony magazine.

Apparently, during the shoot, he went on about hwe he loves children.

Given that he has deliberately changed his skin colour, and is in financial freefall, why is a magazine that focuses on the contribution that African Americans have made to the world so keen to put him on the front cover?

Jackson Bankrupt

The Mirror reports that with debts of over $320M, and having learned that Neverland may be repossessed in 90 days, Michael Jackson is considering declaring himself bankrupt.

Then what?

Jackson To Lose Neverland?

Reality may finally be catching up with Michael Jackson, as his Neverland ranch is now under serious threat of repossession.

He has 90 days to pay back a $23M loan plus interest, or he will lose Neverland and other property.

Jackson has reportedly defaulted on the $23M loan with Fortress Music Trust, which he was to have settled by October 12.

A notice of default was filed in Santa Barbara Country on October 22.

The value of Neverland is reported to be $17M. However, any sensible person buying it would undoubtedly have to spend a large amount of money removing the amusements and other assorted paraphernalia.

Jackson's Drug Issues

Fox reports that Jackson has admitted to being impaired by his prescription medication in the past.

Jackson has used this impairment as the basis for explaining why he doesn't recall signing various legal documents.

Thriller

Fox reports that Michael Jackson is putting together a 25th anniversary edition of his best-selling album, "Thriller."

The theoretical release date is 2008.

However, given Jackson's mounting financial problems, even a second "Thriller" may not be able to save him from bankruptcy.

Bizarre

The most bizarre story, related to Michael Jackson, currently doing the rounds is the one which claims that Britney Spears is seeking Jackson's advice about parenting.

Good grief!

Jackson Ordered To Pay Legal Fees

Michael Jackson has been ordered by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant to pay $175K in overdue lawyers' fees to Ayscough & Marar, a law firm that sued Jackson in February 2006.

Jackson now owes more than $430K to Ayscough & Marar for work that they performed on his behalf not paid for. The work included obtaining court orders to delay discovery in civil cases, and keeping information from being publicly released while Jackson was being tried for child molestation.

In July Chalfant awarded Ayscough & Marar's $256K in unpaid fees. The additional $175K represents the costs incurred by Ayscough & Marar in hiring a lawyer to sue Jackson.

Ayscough & Marar have stated that, as yet, Jackson hasn't paid any of the money that he owes them. There is a 10% per annum interest charge on the overdues, therefore the longer Jackson leaves the bill unpaid the worse it will get.

Jackson attempted to countersue Ayscough & Marar in August 2006, alleging that one of the firm's lawyers threatened to expose confidential information about him to the media. The case was dismissed as it lacked merit.

Quite how long Jackson can continue to "function" without honouring his debts and commitments is difficult to predict. However, it is clear that these problems will not go away and that there will be a reckoning.

Prince Sues King

Prince Abdulla Al-Khalifa of Bahrain is suing the "king of pop", Michael Jackson in London for $7M plus damages.

Prince Abdulla, according to Fox, claims that he as an agreement with Jackson that obligates Jackson to record two albums, write and produce a live Broadway kind of show with Jackson's music and a cast album, and to write and publish an autobiography.

Unfortunately, it appears that despite the Prince bankrolling Jackson for a year in Baharain after the child molestation trial and advancing him $7M, Jackson has not honoured his obligations and left Bahrain (seemingly for good) in June 2006.

A very silly way to behave to someone who has helped you out.

Jackson Has Lupus

Following on from recent reports that Michael Jackson's nanny, Grace Rwaramba, has lupus. Fox reports that this story is utter fantasy, and that it is Jackson himself that has the disease.

I wonder what new twist will be added to this story in the coming days?

Jackson Writes To Fans

Michael Jackson has written a letter to his European fanclub, in which some claim he hints that he might be releasing an album.

Quote:

"Soon, I will be sharing exciting and surprising news with you from my other efforts."

The full text of the letter can be seen here.

It is interesting to note that one of the comments posted on the forum shows that at least one person is not convinced that Jackson actually wrote the letter.

Spin and Counter Spin

The recent story that Michael Jackson had married his childrens' nanny, Grace Rwaramba, was vehemently disputed at the time by Jackson's spokesperson Raymone Bain.

However, as with many Jackson related stories, this has cropped up again with a new twist.

It is now reported in the New York Daily News that Grace Rwaramba is ill with lupus, and has been left to fight the disease on her own without any effective support (eg offers of help, or enquiries as to her health) from Jackson.

Rayomne Bain has been quick to deny this story as well, calling it an "hilarious rumour".

Quote:

"I can guarantee she is not very ill. I've spoken to her in the last two hours."

The National Enquirer reported that the marriage story was a PR stunt designed to shore up Jackson's image as a stable family man.

In a further twist, The New York Daily News reported that Jackson's lawyers had in fact made inquiries into Rwaramba's ability to get married (she remains legally married to her first husband, Stacey Adair).

As with all matters related to Jackson, nothing is ever quite as straightforward as it first appears.

Jackson on The X-Factor

ITV and Simon Cowell have signed up Michael Jackson to appear on the British version of X-Factor. On the assumption that all goes to plan, Jackson's first appearance will be in early December. He will be a mentor to the show's contestants.

An anonymous source is quoted in the UK newspaper, The Sun, saying:

"We've got some huge names but Michael Jackson really is a sensational signing. He is a truly global, worldwide superstar. And this will be his first TV appearance in Britain since the Martin Bashir interview. Given his background with ITV, it's even more astonishing that he agreed to do it."

The question is, will this really happen?

Marriage Story A Hoax?

Raymone Bain, Michael Jackson's spokesperson, has issued a categorical denial to the story doing the rounds that Jackson has married his nanny.

Quote, as per E! News:

"Wide spreading reports regarding Michael Jackson being married are not true.

Documents stating otherwise are a hoax."

Great publicity for Jackson though.

Michael Jackson Remarries

According to the US based National Enquirer, Michael Jackson has secretly married his children's nanny, 40-year-old Grace Rwaramba in Las Vegas earlier this year.

Jackson's entourage deny the story. However, the National Enquirer has printed copies of a new real estate document, in which Jackson states he is married.

A source is quoted in the Enquirer:

"Grace… is one of his dearest friends. She is one of the few people who stood by his side through all of his problems - including the child molestation trial in 2005."

Myth or truth???

A New Home?

It is reported that Michael Jackson has spent €20M on Luggala Estate, an historic castle and estate property in Ireland.

The estate is situated in Roundwood, County Wicklow, and was rented by Jackson for three months last year during a stay in Ireland.

As to whether this report is true or not remains to be seen. One very obvious question being, where will Jackson find the money to buy this property?

Jackson Comeback?

It is rumoured that Michael Jackson may be planning a comeback.

Allegedly he has been meeting music industry insiders and promoters, with a view to releasing a major new album and international concert tour to promote it late 2008 or early 2009.

It is also rumoured that his sister, Janet, and some of his brothers may also be involved.

A year is a long time in show business, and there is still the matter of the release of the charity single for the victims to Katrina to be "finalised".

You Are Not Alone

Twelve years on from Michael Jackson's release of "You are not alone", a Brussels court has ruled that the song is mainly similar to a song written by Belgian twins the Van Passels two years earlier in 1993.

All the authorial rights of the Jackson hit, written by Robert Kelly, are switched to the brothers according to the court ruling.

However, the judgement is only applicable in Belgium and acquiring the royalties will be an uphill battle (most especially as it has taken the Van Passels 12 years to get this far).

Song Leaked?

Mamacita a new song allegedly by Michael Jackson has reportedly been leaked on Pittsburgh's 96.1 KISS FM, a US radio station.

However, as with all matters relating to Jackson, nothing is ever quite as simple as it would first appear. Jackson's publicist, Raymone Bain, has denied that the track is Jackson's.

Quote:

"Michael Jackson has not released any new material. This appears to be a smooth criminal pulling a fast one!

However, if someone has leaked material illegally, my client's legal team will pursue the matter."

Good PR though!

Jackson's Properties Liened

F. Marc Schaffel, Michael Jackson's former business partner, has succeeded in placing a lien on Jackson's two properties at Neverland and his parents' home in Hayvenhurst Avenue in Encino.

The liens will remain in place until Jackson pays the $559K awarded by a judge in favour of Schaffel a fortnight ago.

In the event that Jackson is thinking of earning some money, by producing a record or appearing on stage, now might be a good time to start.

Suit Stopped

A lawsuit filed by the family of Manuela Gomez Ruiz, who died at a hospital soon after she was moved to make room for Michael Jackson, has been stopped by Judge Rodney Melville.

The Ruiz family had sued Jackson and Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria, claiming that she was kept from critical care after she had a heart attack on the same day Jackson was brought in with flu-like symptoms during his 2005 child-molestation trial.

Judge Melville on Tuesday allowed challenges to the complaint filed by attorneys for Jackson and the hospital, who had argued the facts of the case didn't justify the complaint.

Melville has given the plaintiffs' attorney, James McKiernan, 30 days to redraft their complaint.

The original complaint cites the "outrageous, circus-like atmosphere they orchestrated during the last hours of Manuela Ruiz's life and its obvious emotional and mental lasting effects upon the plaintiffs."

Bain Lashes Out

Michael Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone Bain, has lashed out at Roger Friedman the internet columnist.

Bain claims that Friedman's recnet story about Jackson "homeless, wandering, carting around three school-aged kids" and alleging that Jackson had developed a friendship with "former imprisoned crack addict and Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry" was lies.

Bain wrote to Friedman, and the contents of the letter has needless to say entered the public domain.

Quote:

"All of this is a complete lie. You continue to write untruths which can be verified as untruths. I do not know why you do not check to determine the accuracy of your sources. And, I do not know why you have such venom for Michael Jackson.

But, let me state for the record: Michael Jackson has neither met, nor does he know former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion S. Barry, Jr. While former Mayor Barry and I are friends, and, while we have oftentimes indicated our desire to have lunch, because of schedule conflicts, I have not seen him in at least two years.

Michael Jackson is not homeless, carting around with three school-aged kids. ... While where Mr. Jackson is currently residing is his own private business, Mr. Jackson will never be 'homeless' as long as he owns the 3,000 acre estate called Neverland Valley Ranch, which to my knowledge, and at this date, he has not sold.

Mr. Jackson has a tutor for his children who is certified and qualified. As we are in the summer months, and most children in the United States are on vacation until classes begin later in the month, the same applies to Mr. Jackson's children.

I will let Mr. Jackson's attorneys deal with other issues you have raised should they see fit."

It will be interesting to see if Jackson makes good on Bain's threat to sue.

The Jackson 5

A stash of unreleased Jackson 5 recordings may be released in the near future.

Richard Altomare, the head of luggage movement company Universal Express, bought a collection of unclaimed personal belongings from a New Jersey storage warehouse and discovered a set of tapes dating back to the 1970's. These tapes contained approximately 60 unreleased songs by The Jackson 5.

Altomare states that he is currently in talks with Michael Jackson, his sister Janet, and record labels including Sony in order to get the music released.

Quote:

"I've personally talked to Michael and Janet on the phone about the tapes, and even played on a couple of songs for them.

At first there was silence on the other end of the line, but that was quickly followed by giggles as if it brought them back to the day those songs were recorded."

Quite why these tapes were laying unclaimed for 30 years, or how they got there, is still not clear

Nona Loses Custody Battle

Nona Paris Lola Jackson has lost her custody battle for Michael Jackson's three children.

Judge Robert A. Schnider, in Los Angeles yesterday, denied Nona's request for custody.

Nona Paris Lola Jackson, based in London, had asked for joint physical custody of Prince Michael and Paris. She also claimed to be the mother of Prince Michael II.

Judge Schnider said:

"I feel her evidence fails to establish any genetic relationship between herself and the Jackson-Rowe children."

Schnider also denied Nona's request to nullify Jackson's marriages with his former wives Deborah Rowe and Lisa Marie Presley.

Nona Jackson claimed:

"Michael and I are a sexually active couple and have been this way from the beginning."

She also claimed to have written over 3,000 songs for him.

The woman's three previous attempts to interfere in the custody battle between Rowe and Jackson were rejected by Schnider last November, in February and in May on grounds that she had failed to notify Jackson and Rowe of the hearings.

It is unclear as to whether she will give up her claim.

Jackson Sued Again

Another day, another litigation.

Such is the daily grind for Michael Jackson, one time music superstar.

Jackson's former lawyers, Lavely & Singer, are suing him for $113,750 in unpaid legal fees.

They filed a suit in Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday. They claim that they set up a payment plan for Jackson to pay off his $180,000 debt, but that he failed to make the final payment.

Jackson To Be Sued By Prince

The words "Michael Jackson" and "sued" these days tend to be rather synonymous.

This time Jackson is being sued, as opposed to suing. His one time friend, Prince Abdullah of Bahrain, is taking Jackson to court.

Prince Abdullah took Jackson and his family in after the 2005 child molestation trial. Having looked after Jackson and entourage, the Prince wanted to start a record company with the King of Pop.

Various agreements were signed, then nothing happened. The Prince is now fed up with this inactivity and is suing Jackson to honour the agreement and to do some work, eg make a record.

The case is being brought in London.

All You Need Is Love

Beatles fans are venting their spleens on message boards across the net, in response to a decision by Sony/ATV Music Publishing to sell the rights to use the Beatles song "All You Need is Love" to Procter and Gamble for use in an advert for nappies.

Procter & Gamble has purchased the rights to use the song from Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which owns Northern Songs, the Beatles' catalogue.

This is a joint venture with Michael Jackson, who originally bought the songs. The company does not need permission from Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr or the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison to licence a Beatles lyric.

Beatles fans are calling for a protest campaign to stop the advert.

The ad features a baby jumping on a teddy bear in a disposable nappy which offers "ultimate leak protection", while a Beatles copy band sings All You Need Is Luvs.

A storm in a teacup, as far as I can see.

Arvizo Charge Reduced

The charge of felony welfare fraud against Janet Arvizo, the mother of the boy who accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse, was reduced on Wednesday to a misdemeanor and is eventually expected to be expunged.

Arvizo pleaded no contest (guilty), last November, to receiving fraudulent welfare payments.

Her lawyer, Rayford Fountain, said that she had paid over $8,600 in restitution and completed more than 150 hours of community service.

Fountain asked that she be placed on informal probation for 30 days to allow her to pay a court fine, and said he would then ask for the charge to be dismissed and expunged.

Jackson In Washington

Michael Jackson was in Washington last week, at the offices of Venable LLP, to give a deposition in the $30M lawsuit brought by his former manager, Dieter Wiesner.

The outcome of the deposition is unclear.

Sleepover

Mark Ronson claimed that he once had a sleepover at Michael Jackson's house.

The DJ-and-producer, whose stepfather was Mick Jones from rock band Foreigner, became friends with Michael and John Lennon's son Sean.

Ronson said:

"I had a sleepover with Michael Jackson once. I haven't seen him since. He doesn't call, he doesn't write."

This could be the start of a new celebrity fashion, to claim to have sleepover at Michael Jackson's house.

Prince Helps The King

Prince is advising the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson on how to save his career.

Jackson has allegedly turned to Prince for help with his comeback.

Prince has advised Jackson to play a series of acoustic shows in Las Vegas.

The New York Post quotes a source:

"Prince has been suggesting that Michael play a sequence of unplugged concerts in Las Vegas just Michael and the microphone. No gimmicks, no costume changes, no smoke or mirrors, just his voice."

Earlier this year Prince had snubbed Jackson's offer of a joint tour to help him re-launch himself on the world stage.

Mr Jackson Goes To Washington

Michael Jackson is in Washington for a few days, and took time out to tour the Smithsonian's National Air and Space and American Indian museums on Wednesday.

He arrived with his children before the buildings were opened to the public.

Lawyer Found in Contempt

David DeToffol, a who had acted for Universal Express Inc., was lawyer was found in contempt of court for his handling of the Michael Jackson memorabilia.

Clark County District Judge Elizabeth Gonzales said that DeToffol violated her court order barring his client, Universal Express Inc., from selling or giving away some of Jackson's personal items.

The memorabilia, which includes a Three Stooges collection and personal writings, have yet to be returned to Jackson but are being held in a "secure location" at the courthouse.

Jackson has been trying to get 25 pieces of memorabilia returned to him since May, when he and Universal reached an agreement to return the items to him.

Universal had paid $5M for the collection from a New Jersey businessman, who claimed the property after the Jackson's failed to pay a storage unit bill.

On June 1, a day after the auction at the Hard Rock Hotel, Universal threatened to sue Guernsey's, the company handling the auction, if it didn't give the items back to Universal.

Gonzalez said that action violated her order prohibiting Universal from "selling, giving, conveying or transferring by any means" the 25 items.

Guernsey's, later turned the items over to the court.

DeToffol testified Monday that he didn't intend to violate the court order, but Gonzales, found otherwise.

She ruled that DeToffol will have to pay Jackson's attorney's fees and a $2,500 fine.

Complicated isn't it?

Jackson Ordered To Pay Up

Michael Jackson has been ordered to pay over $256K in overdue fees to Ayscough and Marar, a California law firm.

Ayscough and Marar sued Jackson on February 21st 2006 in Torrance Superior Court, just outside Los Angeles.

The firm was employed by Jackson for work connected to his sex abuse trial two years ago.

A judge ruled last month in favour of the law firm, with Jackson's lawyers agreeing in principle to the judgement, which was signed last Friday.

Sony In Talks With Jackson

Sony is in talks with Michael Jackson to renegotiate the terms of their music publishing joint-venture, which would allow Sony BMG, the sister company, to sign songwriters for the first time.

Jackson Moves Into Compound

Michael Jackson has moved into a luxury $60M property in Las Vegas.

Jackson was forced to give up his 10-bedroom mansion in Vegas because his $1M lease on the property has expired.

Jackson and his children have now moved into Spanish Trail, the compound owned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.

St Michael's?

It is reported that Michael Jackson may be house hunting for a property in St Michael's (ironic yes?), on the Eastern Shore.

Seemingly Jackson stayed overnight at an inn in Saint Michael's, and that he was reportedly checking out estates nearby.

Unfortunately for Jackson, the neighbourhood may not be as good as it first appears, Vice President Cheney has a home there.

Intervention

It is reported that Michael Jackson's siblings are planning an intervention with their brother, that will include Thomas Mesereau (Jackson's lawyer from the child molestation case).

Allegedly, Jackson's health is failing; according to reports in the media, his liver is damaged and he has been seen vomiting blood.

The Jackson family are reportedly laying the blame for Michael's decline in mental and physical health at the door of publicist/manager Raymone Bain and aide de camp/nanny Grace Rwaramba.

Whatever the truth of otherwise of these allegations, the resulting media bun fight (as accusation and counter accusation is made by the interested parties) will not make pleasant reading for Jackson, who to some extent appears to be caught in the middle of this.

More Law Suits

Michael Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, issued a statement on Thursday in response to various reports about Jackson that she called "untrue, defamatory and malicious in nature."

One report, denied by Bain, was that Jackson was confined to his bed and relying on medication.

Quote:

"In fact, Mr. Jackson is doing very well, and conducted a meeting with his advisers yesterday, which included former Attorney General Benjamin R. Civiletti and Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. among others."

Regarding speculation that Jackson suspects that his older brother Randy has been stealing from him, Bain said:

"Mr. Jackson does not believe that his brother Randy Jackson has stolen monies from him.

Nor does he believe that Randy, or any of his family members, would ever steal from him."

Bain also dismissed suggestions that Jackson was being evicted from the Las Vegas mansion that he has been renting.

Quote:

"He decided not to exercise the option to purchase the house.

Period."

She was also dismissive of reports that he was going to tour Europe:

"There was no press release issued from Mr. Jackson's organisation regarding any European tour plans.

Despite reports to the contrary, Mr. Jackson is currently in the studio putting finishing touches on his music."

Bain flatly rejected reports that Jackson is either losing or selling his share in the Sony/ATV catalogue, quote: "ludicrous" and "without merit."

However, whatever the validity or otherwise of those reports, Jackson has a few other problems to deal with.

An attorney for Jackson this week said that he would agree to a judgement ordering him to pay $216K to Ayscough & Marar, a Torrance California law firm, that sued him last year for overdue fees.

Ayscough & Marar were hired by Jackson during his child molestation trial in 2005, to obtain court orders to delay discovery in civil cases and to keep information from being released publicly during the trial.

Abelson & Herron, a Delaware law firm, filed suit against Jackson this week. They claim that he owes them $110K, for services regarding a concert promoter who accused Jackson of backing out of two performances scheduled for New Year's Eve 2000.

It never rains, but it pours.

Jackson Leaves Mansion

Michael Jackson is leaving his rented 10-bedroom mansion in Las Vegas.

Jackson and his three children, Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II (Blanket) had moved to Las Vegas in December after previously living in Ireland.

However, Jackson's spokeswoman Raymone Bain said that Jackson will move out of the Vegas home on Saturday, because his $1M lease on the property has expired.

Quote:

"He loved the house but decided to allow the lease to expire because of concerns that security wasn't sufficient."

In response to reports that Jackson was planning to leave the U.S. and return to Europe, Bain said:

"I don't know of any plans to leave."

Jackson Sues Jay-Z

Michael Jackson, ever litigious, has decided to sue Hip-Hop star Jay-Z's New York nightclub.

Jackson is taking a joint action, together with R. Kelly and a dozen others, against the club for their allegedly breaking music licensing laws.

The group of artists/publishers filed a federal lawsuit on Monday against the 40/40 club, because it entertained clubgoers with "unauthorised public performance of musical compositions."

Broadcast Music Inc., who are leading the case, are seeking unspecified damages for copyright infringement from co-owners Desiree Gonzalez and Juan Perez.

Jackson's songs "Billie Jean" and "Don't Stop," "Thoia Thoing" by R. Kelly and Kanye West's "Gold Digger" were amongst the seven unlicensed songs playing during a surprise visit by a BMI researcher in 2006, reports The New York Post.

Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, is not named on the lawsuit.

Jackson Going Back to Court

In what seems to be becoming a second profession, Michael Jackson is set to return to court in July.

This time in a continuation of the dispute over the "Jackson memorabilia", that was withheld from a recent auction in Las Vegas.

Jackson is seeking the return of the withheld items.

Janet Jackson, Michael's sister, is also seeking the return of items held back during a May 30-31 memorabilia auction at the Hard Rock hotel-casino in Las Vegas.

Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez ordered 60 items impounded at the Clark County court, while she addressed the thorny issue of ownership. The outcome of that decision could lead to her punishing the company that brought the items to auction.

A contempt of court trial has been scheduled for July 16, after Gonzalez decided that Universal Express of Boca Raton, Florida, broke earlier court orders to withhold some of the 1,100-plus items offered at auction.

Joe Coppedge, a lawyer for the auction house, said that the auctioneer had no stake in the continuing dispute and was obeying the court order to deliver the contested items.

Quote:

"Per the judge's order, we have delivered 35 items claimed by Janet Jackson and 23 items claimed by Michael Jackson, with two in transit to Las Vegas."

Judge Gonzalez had accepted a confidential settlement on May 30, allowing the auction to go forward. However, she banned Universal Express from "selling, giving, conveying or transferring by any means" the 25 items specified by Michael Jackson's lawyers. Under the settlement, which had been confidential, Jackson's lawyers dropped their effort to block the auction.

Jackson Plans European Tour

It is reported that Michael Jackson is planning a European tour, this is his plan B following on from his failure to attract interest in a comeback tour in Las Vegas.

Seemingly Las Vegas entertainment executives believe that Jackson is too "explosive" to book at this time.

Jackson Settles Lawsuit

Michael Jackson has settled a lawsuit brought by Prescient Acquisition, of Hackensack, that claimed that Jackson owed them $48M.

The lawsuit was settled yesterday, just as jury selection was to begin in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. The terms of the settlement have not been released.

Steven Altman, a lawyer for Prescient owner Darien Dash, said that Dash was owed the money for helping Jackson refinance a $272M bank loan and secure $573M in financing to buy Sony's half of the Beatles' song catalog that Sony co-owned with Jackson.

Altman is quoted as saying:

"We're very pleased with the settlement, although the terms of it we've agreed to keep confidential at Mr. Jackson's request."

Jackson had claimed that he had never heard of Dash.

Jackson's lawyer, L. Londell McMillan, said that the settlement:

"presents a win-win for everybody."

Jackson Claims He Was Robbed

Michael Jackson claims that he was saved from financial ruin by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and billionaire Ron Burkle, during his child molestation trial in California.

The revelations come in a sworn deposition made by Jackson for a federal lawsuit set for trial this week.

Jackson believes that disloyal advisers stole from him while he was busy fighting criminal charges, thus causing his finances to teeter on the edge of the abyss.

Jackson claims that whilst his trial was going on, he was pressured to sign off on a multimillion-dollar financing deal with Don Stabler, one of his brother Randy's associates.

He said the Rev. Jackson and Burkle coached him on how to get through the issue with Stabler, adding that Burkle kept calling and telling him to not sign anything.

Jackson provided this information during discussions with lawyers for the Hackensack finance company, which is suing him in federal court in Manhattan.

Businessman Darien Dash claims Jackson owes his company, Prescient Acquisition, $48M for helping arrange financing to buy out Sony's half of the Beatles' song catalogue.

Jackson claims that he has never heard of Dash, and doesn't remember signing an agreement.

Either there is an agreement, in which case Dash will produce it in court, or there isn't.

Jackson Wants To Work With Eminem

Apparently Michael Jackson wants to work with Eminem. This is despite the fact that Eminem satirised Jackson in a music video "Just Lose It" three years ago.

Jackson is quoted as saying:

"The guy is a lyrical genius and I would love to work with him."

Jackson has recently acquired the rights to some of Eminem's biggest hits, after he purchased Famous Music LLC from Viacom.

Auction Proceeds Queried

The recent auction of Michael Jackson memorabilia was a success, from both the seller's and auctioneer's point of the view.

The only trouble is that they can't agree as to what the proceeds were.

The auctioneer claims that the proceeds were around $1M, whilst the seller says $2M.

A second auction will be held for items that were withheld from sale, or offered for sale but not sold during last week's auction.

No date for the second auction has been set.

Auction Outcome

The two day auction of Michael Jackson memorabilia, held by Guernsey's Auction House in the Hard Rock Casino and hotel in Las Vegas, seems to have gone well.

A black silk jacket that Jackson wore on stage in the 1980s fetched $17K, whilst the biggest sale was another glittery jacket that went for $19K.

Jackson's MTV music award for the song "We Are the World" made $16K, and gold discs for his album "Off the Wall" and the Jackson 5 single "I Want You Back" each raised $11K.

The auction got off to a shaky start, with several items selling for just a few hundred dollars. A platinum record for "Billie Jean" sold for just $100, and a copy of the contract for Jackson's purchase in 1987 of Neverland sold for just $100.

Prince Snubs King

Prince has snubbed the "king of pop", Michael Jackson, by refusing to join him on a comeback tour.

Jackson asked Prince to perform with him on a planned comeback tour. However, Prince delcined citing that he was busy.

A source is quoted in The Sun:

"Michael seemed pretty gutted about it. He said he's approached Prince to see if he would like to work together. But Prince wasn't interested in gigging with him.

There would be so much hype surrounding (his) first gig, it would end up turning into the Michael Jackson show.

Prince had his own plans. He is a legend in his own right. He doesn't need to be supported by anyone."

Jones Rejects Jackson

Quincy Jones has turned down the opportunity to work with Michael Jackson again.

Jones produced Jackson's 1982 album Thriller, the best-selling LP of all time, said that he has too much on his plate.

Quote:

"Man please, I've got enough to do. We already did that. I have talked to him about working with him again but I've got too much to do. I've got 900 products, I'm 74 years old. Give me a break."

The Jackson Auction

A collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia will be auctioned at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino tomorrow, May 30th.

The event is being billed as the largest Jackson auction ever. There will be over 1,000 original Michael Jackson costumes for sale.

Universal bought the items from the New Jersey businessman Henry Vaccaro, who bought them in 2002 from a bankruptcy court auction. Universal claim they have spent another $2 million just to transport the goods from New Jersey to Las Vegas.

Jackson tried to halt the auction, but two weeks ago reached a confidential settlement and dropped the opposition.

Some of the most popular items that will be offered at the casino auction are:

Bill Whitten-designed militaristic red coat with gold rope, that belonged to Michael Jackson

The 1987 contract detailing his $30M purchase of the California ranch now known as the "Neverland."

A worn telegram from July 6, 1984, from Marlon Brando encouraging Michael Jackson before a show.

Also many paintings, personal clothing of Michael and Janet Jackson, lyrics of the pop-singer and more.

Jackson Claims Food Poisoning

Michael Jackson cut short his $10M birthday appearance at the 25th birthday party of Brunei's Prince Azim this weekend, because he claimed that he was "ill".

Jackson had been paid $10M to attend the party at the Prince's country estate in England this Saturday. However, he left early claiming that he had food poisoning from the party buffet.

Jackson allegedly said:

"I am feeling ill and so weak. I had to go to the bathroom to vomit. I think it must be the food. I feel terrible.

I want to go now! Please call the prince, I want to say goodbye."

There were no reports of any of the other guests, eg Jerry Hall and Roberto Cavalli, falling ill with food poisoning. Neither is it clear as to whether Jackson will refund the Prince for his non appearance.

Vegas Show In Doubt

Michael Jackson's plans for possible comeback shows in Las Vegas are under threat, as he has reportedly demanded £100M to perform.

Not surprisingly those who are expected to fork out the £100M are of the view that Jackson is "taking the piss". Therefore talks have broken down.

I'll do it for £10M!

Party Party!

Michael Jackson is to be paid $10M, to attend Brunei's Prince Azim's 25th birthday party.

A source is quoted in The Daily Mirror as saying:

"Absolutely no expense has been spared for his party - Michael Jackson is his all-time idol and he said he’d pay whatever it took to get him over.

Even though Michael won't be performing, the very fact that he'll be in this stately home mingling with all of the prince's pals makes it worth every penny to Azim."

The party will take place this weekend.

Should Prince Azim be reading this, I am happy to attend his party for a mere $100K!

Jackson Visits UK

Michael Jackson has made a surprise visit to Britain, he flew in from Los Angeles to Heathrow.

It is believed Jackson will be meeting record company executives in London, and David Gest.

Jackson Drops Suit

Lawyers for Michael Jackson have dropped a law suit that attempted to block an auction of Jackson's personal belongings and other Jackson family items.

Jackson didn't appear in a Las Vegas court on Friday, where his lawyer told a judge that a confidential agreement had been reached with representatives of an auctioneer, the current owner of the materials, and a New Jersey man who claimed a warehouse full of Jackson memorabilia after a failed business venture wound up in bankruptcy court.

Gregory Cross, a lawyer for Jackson, told Clark County District Court Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez:

"The matter's been resolved."

Lawyers declined to describe terms of the agreement.

Slaughterhog

Family disputes often bubble to the surface, sometimes decades later. Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson's sister, has just demonstrated this.

Janet claims that Michael used to tease her about her weight.

Quote:

"He called me names. You don't even want to know! They're not very nice - slaughter hog, that's not very nice. There, I told you one, I'm not telling you any more. It gave me a complex. I've got issues."

Get over it!

Jackson Rejected

Another nail has been driven into the coffin of Michael Jackson's moribund music career.

Jackson has had his requests to both Simon Fuller and Simon Cowell to manage his comeback, turned down.

Nona Fights On

The British woman, Nona Paris Lola Jackson, who claims to be the biological mother of Michael Jackson's children; Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II (aka Blanket) has been given more time to produce/find some evidence.

Nona Jackson filed papers last October demanding that she have a say in the custody arrangement between Jackson and Debbie Rowe. last week a Los Angeles judge granted her more time to back the claims with evidence, delaying her case until August 1st.

Michael Jackson previously branded Nona Jackson's case "ludicrous".

Reagan on Jackson

The late President Reagan's diaries are being published. In them he recounts, briefly, a meeting with Michael Jackson in 1984 (who he says "surprised at how shy" he was):

"The sensation of the pop music world"

"He is totally opposed to Drugs & Alcohol & is using his popularity to influence young people against them."

The Jackson Retrofest

It is reported that Michael Jackson and Boy George will perform at Scotland's Retrofest outdoor music festival (1st-2nd September 2007).

They are in talks to appear alongside The Human League, Abc, Jimmy Somerville and Howard Joneson at Ayrshire's Culzean Castle.

Another Trial

Michael Jackson faces another trial, set for June, this time concerning money that he allegedly owes Darien Dash.

Dash claims that Jackson owes his company, Prescient Acquisition Group of Hackensack, $48M for refinancing a $272M bank loan and arranging $537M so that Jackson could buy out Sony's half interest in The Beatles' catalogue of songs in 2004 (during the child molestation trial).

Dash's attorney, Steven Altman, is quoted as saying:

"Many business people were unwilling to risk public association with a man who was then widely viewed as the world's most notorious paedophile."

Jackson's lawyer says:

"Michael is not going to be hijacked by the threat of fraudulent claims."

The trial is set to start on June 18th.

The Big Kid

Mark Ronson, the music producer, has likened Michael Jackson unto an 11 year old child.

Ronson first met Jackson when Ronson was a child guest at a socialite party.

Ronson says:

"I guess he did some bad things but never to me. He was a bit funny, running around and giggling like an 11-year-old boy.

He was never able to have any kind of childhood himself. Because of that he's ended up in a bit of a state."

Good Parent

Jamie Foster Brown, who publishes Sister 2 Sister magazine, travelled with Michael Jackson and Jackson's children to Japan last month.

Following on from the trip Foster Brown has stated that, even though the children were made to cover their faces in public, Jackson seems like a good father.

Quote:

"He just seemed to be a good parent.

More so than most of us!"

Foster Brown then spoke of Jackson's children; Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II:

"They were walking around me, and we were taking pictures without [their veils] they were very loose.

But when they did go outside, they put the scarves around the children's faces.

I just noticed also how nice the kids were. They're not privileged at all.

They have a lot of fun with [Michael].

They're intelligent, extremely well-spoken, and they like to play jokes."

Neverland Not For Sale

Despite mounting financial woes, and reports to the contrary, Michael Jackson has denied reports that he is preparing to sell Neverland at the "bargain" price of $20M (some $30M below his original asking price).

Reports had claimed that Jackson was going to sell Neverland to American debt guru Bill Huff.

However, Jackson's spokesperson Raymone Bain has denied the reports and insisted that Neverland is not even on the market.

So that's clear then.

Jackson Unhappy With Auction

An auction of 2000 pieces of Michael Jackson memorabilia, that will take place on May 30 and 31 at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel And Casino, is causing Jackson some grief.

The 2,000 pieces are from a larger 10,000 piece collection of Jackson material that was bought from a bankruptcy sale, and subsequently sold to Universal Express a Boca Raton transportation company.

Michael and Janet Jackson had tried to stop the former owner, Henry Vaccaro, from taking ownership of the goods after he purchased them. However, they failed when their suit was rejected last year.

Jackson is now pondering another legal action, to stop the auction.

Raymone K. Bain, Jackson's spokesperson, said:

"Mr Jackson was not aware and he is extremely upset that his memorabilia was included amongst the memorabilia that is being auctioned off."

On the assumption that the items have been obtained legally, I fail to see how Jackson can stop the auction. The US is, after all, a market based economy.

Jackson could bid for the items himself, but he is somewhat short of ready cash at the moment.

The Jackson Auction

Guernsey's will be auctioning off thousands of items from Michael, Janet, La Toya, Jermaine and the rest of the Jackson Family at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel on the 30th and 31st of May 2007.

Items include:

-"I WANT YOU BACK," ORIGINAL TEST PRESSING, 1969
-HANDWRITTEN "ABC" LYRICS BY TITO JACKSON
-MICHAEL JACKSON "THRILLER" GOLD AWARD, 1982
-MARLON BRANDO TELEGRAM TO MICHAEL, 1984

Luna To Play Jackson

It is reported that Mexican actor, Diego Luna, will play a young Michael Jackson in a new film directed by Harmony Korine called "Mister Lonely".

The premise of the film is that Luna's character meets Marilyn Monroe (Samantha Morton) in Paris and follows her to a commune in Scotland, where they both meet Charlie Chaplin and Shirley Temple. The action eventually move to Brazil.

Far too plausible!

The Jackobot

It is reported that Michael Jackson may be attempting to erect a 50-foot, robotic likeness of himself in Las Vegas.

According to entertainment company consultant Mike Luckman, his business partner Andre Van Pier has already designed the "Jackobot", which seemingly comes with laser beams that will shoot into the sky.

Why?

It is even rumoured that Sir Paul McCartney is said to be interested in this, how can I put it?, insane idea.

Were it not for the fact that it is not yet the 1st of April, I would have assumed that this was merely a wind up.

Now, I wonder if I can persuade the Mayor of London to erect a 50 foot statue of me somewhere?

Beatles Not For Sale

Despite recent media rumours, Michael Jackson is not interested in selling his stake in the Beatles' catalogue.

That at least is the reality according to Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone K. Bain:

"There is no truth to the rumor that Michael Jackson will be selling his Beatles catalogue...period..not back to Paul McCartney, or any other individual or entity. He has no intention, or interest, in selling his catalogue."

The question therefore arises, how does Michael Jackson intend to resolve his financial "difficulties"?

Ms Jackson Comes To Town

Michael Jackson popped into London over the weekend, but in an attempt to blend into the scenery he has checked into the Carlton Tower hotel under a false name:

"Ms Jackson"

Yes, that should do it!

In case that didn't quite give his presence away, he and his entourage took up the presidential suite (£3K per night) on the top floor.

Oddly enough, the media sussed out that he was in town.

Jackson Visits Troops

Michael Jackson paid a visit to US troops, and their families, at a US base in Tokyo last Saturday.

Approximately 3000 troops and their families turned out to greet Jackson, at a fitness center at Camp Zama.

Jackson read from a prepared statement:

"Those of you in here today are some of the most special people in the world.

It is because of you in here today, and others who so valiantly have given their lives to protect us, that we enjoy our freedom."

Earlier in the week, Jackson had attended a party of about 400 fans, some of whom had paid $3500 to spend 60 seconds talking to him.

Tickets Still Available

Despite the fact that the tickets are incredibly reasonably priced at $3500, it seems that there are still some available for those fans of Michael Jackson who wish to spend 60 seconds talking to him in Tokyo.

Jackson will attend two events in Tokyo in the next few days. On Thursday there will be a meet greet party, followed by a fan art contest the next day.

Fans who pay $3500, at Thursday's VIP party, will get to mingle with Jackson and spend up to one minute of exclusive face time with him.

Organisers are reluctant to say how many tickets have been sold or how many are left.

It is not clear as to whether Jackson will perform at either event. Cynics are not betting any money on that.

Jackson To Perform in Las Vegas?

Michael Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, has suggested that Jackson might perform in Las Vegas.

Quote:

"Mr. Jackson has been presented numerous proposals..proposals which he has not solicited, but were presented to him, several of which include performing in Las Vegas.

Mr. Jackson is currently reviewing and evaluating each proposal."

However, she is quick to disabuse those who think that a decision may be coming in the short term; as she notes that Jackson is under no pressure to make a quick decision.

One would have thought that his financial woes would provide him with this pressure...evidently not.

Bain added:

"Mr. Jackson did not move to Las Vegas to shop a Vegas show.

Mr. Jackson is in Las Vegas because he likes the city and found it a convenient location to record with the artists, songwriters and producers who are working with him in the studio...

Mr. Jackson has no current plans to appear or perform on 'American Idol.'"

Jackson is currently residing in Las Vegas.

As to whether Jackson ever appears on stage again, some are a tad cynical about that prospect.

Jackson Converting To Islam

The rumours about Michael Jackson converting to Islam are swirling around the media again.

As to whether this is just a cynical method of gaining publicity, or the fact that the media have nothing new to say about Jackson remains unclear.

Intervention Blocked

Nona Paris Lola Jackson, a British woman who claims that she is the mother of Michael Jackson's three children, has been blocked from intervening in Michael Jackson's settlement with his ex-wife.

Nona Paris Lola Jackson had filed a motion in October demanding a role in the custody settlement between Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe. Superior Court Judge Robert Schnider denied the motion in November, and then again this Wednesday.

He noted that she had failed to properly notify Jackson and Rowe of her claims, and that the woman hadn't provided "credible evidence" that she was the children's birth mother.

It is possible that the motion could be brought again, if Jackson and Rowe were served properly.

Nona Jackson's court papers stated:

"Michael and I are a sexually active couple and have been this way from the beginning."

She also claims to have written more than 3,000 songs for him.

Michael Jackson To Be Sued For Abuse

It seems that Michael Jackson may be facing another trial for abuse. This time not abuse of a person, but abuse of celebrity status.

Ironically this case stems from Jackson's appearance, or rather non appearance, in court on molestation charges in February 2005.

Jackson, in February 2005, missed a day in court and checked himself into Marian Medical Center (Santa Barbara) complaining of flu type symptoms.

The complaint alleges that Manuela Ruiz, who had been admitted to the hospital earlier in the day from a heart attack, was removed from her bed in a hospital Trauma Room. This room was then used by Jackson.

The complaint goes on to allege that relatives and friends of Manuela Ruiz were first ejected from the room, then (at the insistence of Jackson's security team and hospital staff) were forced to wait in the Emergency Waiting Room for 20 minutes.

Manuela was relocated to a room with no medical equipment; an Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Exam Room.

Manuela had a second heart attack, and died later that evening.

Jackson was removed from the Trauma Room to the empty Pediatric Unit.

The complaint alleges that Jackson's medical records, "will show that his purported "symptoms" not only did not require his placement in the Trauma Room, but that he should not have been admitted to the Hospital at all."

The family of Manuela Ruiz is suing Michael Jackson, the Marian Medical Center, Catholic Healthcare West, and 100 unnamed defendants, for unspecified emotional damages, related to Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress, Elder Abuse, False Imprisonment and Conspiracy.

No claim of Wrongful Death or Professional Negligence (or Medical Malpractice) is being made against the hospital, and no claim is being made regarding any cause or contributing factor Jackson might have had to the death of Manuela Ruiz.

Will this bring her back from the dead?

American Idol

The media are speculating that Michael Jackson is teaming up with American Idol creator, Simon Fuller, to manage Jackson's comeback.

Allegedly Fuller has flown to Las Vegas to meet with Jackson and discuss how can help resuscitate Jackson's career.

Jackson Sued By Another Lawyer

Michael Jackson's legal woes have taken a turn for thre worse, as it has emerged that he is to be sued by Bert Fields who represented Jackson in the early 90's during his original child molestation accusations.

Fields was responsible for the negotiating the $20M out-of-court settlement with Jackson's accuser, Jordy Chandler and his family.

Fields's firm, Greenberg Glusker Fields & Claiman, is representing Airport Industrial Real Estate in a lawsuit against Mjj Productions.

The suit was filed on 9 November 2006, and a hearing is scheduled for the 20th of February 2007.

Jackson is being sued for back rent on airplane hangers in Los Angeles, where he kept memorabilia.

Jackson is also being sued by former lawyer Brent Ayscough for $200K in unpaid fees.

Seemingly in Jackson's world, when it comes to legal cases, it never rains but it pours.

Jackson Should Covert To Islam

Jermaine Jackson, appearing on the BBC Asian Network after losing Big Brother, has said that Michael Jackson should covert to Islam.

Quote:

"If I didn't have Allah and my prayer rug, I would not have survived and the reason why is because it kept me focused, it kept me calm, it kept me...just...it's the ultimate power and the ultimate calmness of just patronising God and knowing that he's the peacekeeper in all things and that's what kept me calm."

He added:

"Michael, I feel, needs to become a Muslim because I think it's a great protection for him from all the things that he's been attacked with, which are false. There's a strength and a protection there. I brought him a lot of books from my first trip and he reads everything and he reads a lot.

I think he's...he's probably given it a serious...serious thought because he's spent a lot of time in Bahrain. I was the reason why he had gone there because I wanted him to get out of America and just go somewhere it's peaceful and quiet and people pray five times a day which is beautiful.

It's a beautiful thing."

Jackson's Back in The US

Michael Jackson has returned to the United States, for the first time since his trial in 2005.

He is preparing for two "fan appreciation events" in Japan in March, one of which will charge 400,000 yen for the opportunity to spend 30 seconds to one minute of face time with Jackson.

Why would anyone pay that?

Distressful Tape

Michael Jackson's former lawyer, Mark Geragos, gave testimony yesterday in his (Geragos's) court case against XtraJet for allegedly secretly taping him.

Geragos said that he went to "almost paranoid lengths" to guard Jackson's privacy, after Jackson was secretly taped on a private jet headed to Santa Barbara to surrender in a child-molestation investigation.

Geragos said that taping was one of the worst experiences of his 24 year legal career. He said that he obtained a court order preventing XtraJet's then-owner, Jeffrey Borer, from selling the footage after hearing about it in the media.

Quote:

"I can't think of any act more distressing to me at a professional level than what was done here."

Geragos then said that after the incident, he started to meet with some clients under freeway overpasses and in hotel rooms to prevent possible spying.

Borer and co-defendant Arvel Jett Reeves were indicted by federal prosecutors in the case. Under a plea deal, both admitted they installed two digital video recorders to record "a professional entertainer" and his lawyer.

Borer was sentenced in October to six months of home detention, three years probation, and was ordered to pay a $10K fine.

Reeves was sentenced in July to eight months in prison, six additional months in a halfway house and ordered to pay a $1K fine. Reeves testified on a videotape shown in court Monday that no sound was recorded on the tapes.

Jackson, was initially a plaintiff in the civil lawsuit against XtraJet. However, he has now dropped out of the case.

Jackson's Ex lawyer Sues Airline

Mark Geragos, Michale Jackson's ex lawyer, has launched legal suit against a charter jet company.

Opening statements were submitted yesterday in the non-jury trial against XtraJet.

Geragos is suing XtraJet, alleging that employees of the company secretly taped him and Jackson while they were on a flight to Santa Barbara, California in 2003.

This was when Jackson was flying from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara, to surrender on child molestation charges.

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge will decide the outcome.

Randy Hospitalised

Michael Jackson's brother, Randy, has been hospitalised in Switzerland after suffering a heart attack.

According to reports from the Jackson camp, Randy is "exhausted".

Beckham To Buy Neverland?

Reports suggest that Michael Jackson has offered to sell Neverland to David Beckham and his wife, Victoria, for $10M.

Jackson is desperately in need of some ready cash, and Beckham is looking for a home in the LA area.

However, it is more than unlikely that the Beckhams will buy the property:

1 It us run down and dilapidated.

2 It is 150 miles away from his training ground.

The $100K Pharmacy Bill

Michael Jackson likes to do things big. Therefore it should come as no surprise to hear that he has allegedly racked up a $100K pharmacy bill.

Unfortunately, the payment of this bill has been in dispute.

The owners of Mickey Fine Pharmacy sued Jackson last Wednesday, for reneging on an oral bill-paying agreement. They stated that Jackson owed over $100K from prescriptions dating back to 2005.

Jackson has now amicably settled the dispute, according to Jackson's spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain.

Quote:

"(Mickey) Fine Pharmacy has been paid."

However, it is unclear as to whether Mickey Fine agrees with this statement.

The Jackson Patent

Michael Jackson seemingly patented his anti-gravity 'moonwalking' boots in 1993.

The boots make it appear as if he was able to lean forward beyond the centre of gravity, via slots in the heels of the shoes attached to hooks on the stage.

Jackson Not Bankrupt

Michael Jackson's brother, Jermaine, has spoken up in defence of his younger brother.

Speaking to a fellow "inamte" on the trash TV show for simpletons, "Big Brother", he claimed that the bankruptcy was a myth created by the media.

Quote:

"No, not at all. That's what they (the media) want you to think."

So that's alright then!

Big Brother

Michael Jackson's brother, Jermaine, is one of the hapless 11 contestants who have entered the Celebrity Big Brother house last night.

Seemingly finances must be very stretched in the Jackson family, if they have to resort to this worthless garbage bag of a show.

He has claimed that both Michael and Janet will watch his trials and tribulations in the house.

Poor sod.