Auction

The BBC reports that Michael Jackson may be facing up to the reality of his financial situation, and is auctioning 2000 items including the wrought iron gates from Neverland.

Memoirs

It is reported that Michael Jackson is trying to do a deal to write and publish his memoirs.

Jackson Bottles Court Appearance

Those fans and paparazzi who were hoping to catch a glimpse of Michael Jackson at the High Court this afternoon may well be disappointed.

The Mirror reports that Jackson has pulled out, and will settle the $7BN case brought by Sheik Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khal ot of court.

Jackson Comes To London

In a surprising volte face, despite health concerns (alleged earlier in the week by his lawyer), Michael Jackson has agreed to come to London to give evidence at the high court where he is being sued for $7m by Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Jackson's lawyer, Robert Englehart, told the court that Jackson's doctors have given him the all-clear to travel this weekend.

Jackson will appear on Monday.

Sick Day

Seemingly, according to Michael Jackson's legal team, he is too sick to travel to the UK to appear at the High Court wrt the $7M allegedly owed by Jackson to Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Jackson wants to be able to give testimony via video link.

Sheikh Abdulla's lawyer, Bankim Thanki, is a tad cynical about the severity of Jackson's illness. He noted that if the alleged diagnosis is positive, it could be treated with a bandage.

Quote on Billboard:

"It's not the first time a sick note has been presented by Mr Jackson."

The question over whether Jackson appears or not will be answered tomorrow.

The case continues.

Shiekh Claims He Wrote Songs

Bankim Thanki QC, lawyer for Sheikh Abdulla (who is suing Michael Jackson for $7M), spoke int eh High Court yesterday.

"The idea was to create a new recording label to kickstart his musical career.

The idea was to relaunch his career from a base far away from his well-publicised criminal trial."

Mr Thanki claimed that Sheikh Abdulla wrote a song that Jackson recorded the day after his trial ended in California in 2005.

The sheikh wanted to release it as a charity single to help victims of the Boxing Day tsunami the previous year.

Jackson is expected to give evidence via videolink from Los Angeles.

The case continues and is expected to last 12 days.

Jackson Faces Court Case

Another day, another court case!

Michael Jackson is being sued for $7M in the High Court in London today by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, son of the King of Bahrain.

The $7M claim relates to allegations that Jackson reneged on a record deal made in 2005, when Jackson stayed in Bahrain.

The sheikh claims that the proceeds of the project were to be used to repay money he had loaned Jackson.

Jackson claims that the payments were "gifts", and that the project was never finalised.

It is unlikely that fans of Jackson will glimpse him in the High Court, the nature of such cases is that a settlement may well be agreed outwith court.

Jackson Hands Over Neverland

Michael Jackson has filed a grant deed that transfers ownership of Neverland to the Sycamore Valley Ranch Company.

The company is a joint venture between Jackson and Colony Capital, the property investment company owned by Tom Barrack, which purchased Jackson's debt in May when he defaulted on a $24.5M mortgage on the ranch.

Jackson Hits 50

Michael Jackson turned 50 last Friday.

He is quoted as saying:

"I feel very wise and sage, but at the same time very young."

Worst Hotel Guest Ever

Michael Jackson has achieved the dubious honour of appearing on concierge.com's roll call of honour of "Worst Hotels Guests Ever".

Jackson appears in the list primarily because he dangled his baby out of a hotel window in 2002, and for forcing the World Music Awards to book nearly the whole of London's Hempel Hotel before his performance in 2006.

He also asked staff to erect an 18ft wall on the first floor to protect his privacy.

Others on the list include Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Nicole Kidman and Amy Winehouse.

Something to be proud of, not!

Tito Sued

Michael Jackson's brother, Tito, is being sued in the UK over an alleged £12,000 debt.

The action has been taken by martial arts schools owner and fitness trainer, Matt Fiddes, a friend of the Jackson family.

The claim is for £12,051, the balance of a loan of £20,551 he made to Tito Jackson for Tito's flights from the United States to the UK, and expenses, for a visit and television programme earlier this year.

The Jackson Five Reunited

NME report that a Jackson Five reunion may be in the cards at the BMI eighth annual Urban Awards, which will be held at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills on September 4.

All well and good, except that they then go on to say that Michael is the only brother not to confirm his attendance; thus making it a reunion of the Jackson 4.

Cult Following

Zbigniew Colbecki, a London based roadsweeper, has developed a cult following on the Internet; sweeping the roads whilst performing a series of Michael Jackson style dance moves.

He can be seen performing on Chiswick High Road.

Wheelchair Bound

There are photos circulating in the media that show Michael Jackson wearing pajamas, whilst being pushed around a Las Vegas bookstore in a wheelchair.

Mike Lopez, who took the photos, is quoted in the New York Daily News:

"His skin was peeling and . . . he looks so thin and gaunt".

Fame and fortune exact their toll.

A Day Out Jackson Hunting

The Chicago Sun-Times seems to have had an entertaining day out in Pahrump Nevada trying to hunt down Michael Jackson, who may or may not be there.

They didn't find him!

World's Worst Dad

Michael Jackson has been voted the worst father in an internet Father's Day poll by Maxim.com.

He beat murderer Scott Peterson, who killed his wife and unborn baby.

The top five bad dads are:
1. Michael Jackson
2. Scott Peterson
3. Marvin Gaye Sr.
4. Joe Simpson (Ashlee and Jessica's manager/father)
5. Kurt Cobain

Jackson Pulls Out of American Idol

The Sun reports that Michael Jackson has pulled out of appearing on American Idol.

Jackson Incapable

Jack Wishna, a Las Vegas promoter, has stated that in his view Michael Jackson is incapable of performing in Las Vegas or anywhere else.

There has been media speculation that Jackson would headline at his own show in Vegas, following a deal done to save Neverland with a group that has links to the Las Vegas Hilton.

However, Wishna has poured cold water on that. He is quoted in the National Enquirer:

"Sadly, Michael's incapable of keeping promises, because he hasn't got the will to even show up anywhere, much less get himself into shape for a world-class performance.

He might drop by to wave at guests, or do a dance on top of a limo, but a longterm show? That dream will never come true, I'm afraid."

Appeal Rejected

Superior Court Judge Soussan G. Bruguera has rejected an appeal lodged by XtraJet Incorporated and its owner Jeffrey Borer against the damages awarded against it for $20.25M.

XtraJet Incorporated was ordered to pay damages to Michael Jackson's lawyer, Mark Geragos, and his associate, Pat Harris, for invading their privacy. Xtrajet taped Jackson and his lawyers as they flew to Jackson's surrender on molestation charges in 2003.

Neverland Loan Sold

Colony Capital LLC have bought the loan held by Fortress Investment Group on Michael Jackson's Neverland, as such the auction has now been cancelled.

Jackson issued a quote to the media via a spokesman:

"I am pleased with recent developments involving Neverland Ranch and am in discussions with Colony and Tom Barrack with regard to the ranch and other matters that would allow me to focus on the future".

Why does he want to keep the place, given that he has effectively abandoned it?

Colony are now negotiating payment terms for the $23.5M loan with Jackson.

Welcome Party

Tickets for a party being organised to welcome the family of Michael Jackson to North Devon have sold out within days of going on sale.

The event (organised by www.mjjparty.com) will be held at the Durrant House Hotel, Northam, on the 8th of June; 160 VIP table seats were sold, along with 80 seated tickets and 30 standing only tickets.

Tito Jackson has seemingly confirmed that he, and "other Jackson family members" will be in attendance.

I remain to be convinced that Michael will turn up.

Jackson Drops Case

Michael Jackson has dropped a lawsuit against account firm Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan in which he claimed that they made unauthorised deals. Jackson alleged negligence and breach of trust.

It is not reported as to whether he has agreed to a settlement deal.

Neverland

Fox reports that stories in some of the media about Michael Jackson making a new album are not true.

It also notes that the auction date for Neverland has been set for 14th May, and that bidders are preparing to go to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse where the auction will be held.

Jackson No Longer Named

Michael Jackson is no longer named as a defendant in a lawsuit that alleges intentional infliction of emotional and mental distress by Jackson, Marian Medical Center and Catholic Healthcare West.

The suit was filed by the family of Manuela Gomez Ruiz, a Santa Maria woman who died at the hospital in February 2005.

Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville granted a demurrer Tuesday that was filed by Jackson's attorney, Timothy Gorry.

The lawsuit alleged that the hospital moved Ruiz, while she was being treated, to make space for Jackson to be examined when he was brought to the hospital in 2005.

Ruiz died at Marian Medical Center shortly after she was reportedly moved to another hospital room to make room for Jackson.

Reality Show?

Michael Jackson and his family may appear in a Channel 4 reality TV show that will follow their attempts to fit into a small English fishing village.

The family will move into a rented five-bedroom holiday home in Appledore, near Barnstaple, in May, for an hour long Channel 4 documentary.

Tito Jackson said:

"My family love North Devon and the wonderful countryside and friendly people, I'm really looking forward to buying a home here. Michael likes it here too, as no one bothers him.

I am looking forward to living in Barnstaple and I hope the Barnstaple public will respect our family's privacy."

Channel 4 said talks are in the early stages.

The Rake's Progress

It seems that Michael Jackson is not the only member of the Jackson clan to be stony broke. The media reports the following:

Joseph Jackson, 79
Tries to promote various girl groups in Las Vegas. He has previously filed for bankruptcy.

Katherine Jackson, 77
She has also previously filed for bankruptcy.

La Toya Jackson, 52
She earns extra cash judging beauty and singing contests.

Rebbie Jackson, 57
The oldest, she's married to successful businessman Nathaniel Brown.

Tito Jackson, 55
Formed a blues band several years ago and plays at small venues for $500 to $1,500 a gig.

Randy Jackson, 46
Does odd jobs like changing tires to support himself. He ran into serious problems with friends after he persuaded three people to take out lines of credits against their homes to help Michael pay his attorney fees.

Marlon Jackson, 51
Lives in San Diego, where he works stocking groceries at a Vons supermarket. He fell on hard times three years ago when he was forced to leave his foreclosed home and move into an Extended Stay America hotel with his wife, Carol.

Jackie Jackson, 56
The oldest son started an Internet clothing business and is trying to produce records by his sons.

Jermaine Jackson, 54
Splits time between the parents' Hayvenhurst mansion and his girlfriend's home in the San Fernando Valley. He has over $5M in federal, state and other liens against him and a 1995 bankruptcy filing, he doesn't work or have a regular income.

The Neverland Saga

Despite protestations by Jermaine Jackson that Neverland will be sold "over my dead body".

Michael Jackson's lawyer, L. Londell McMillan, has a more realistic view of the situation. The auction of Neverland was postponed from the 19th of March until May 14th, by the "mutual agreement" of Jackson and his creditors.

McMillan says:

"That allows us to refinance or sell the property."

Why keep a property that Jackson clearly has no intention of setting foot in again?

Civil Case May Not Happen

The civil case against Michael Jackson and Marian Medical Center may not happen, according to the defendant's lawyer.

The family of Manuela Ruiz (a 74 year old at the time of her death) alleges that she was pushed out of her hospital room, in order to make room for Jackson in 2005. Ruiz later died.

Maria Ortiz, along with Rosa and Marcos Meraz, are suing over what they say was preferential treatment.

However, the plaintiffs did not appear in court on Monday. The hospital's lawyer says that they have not secured a lawyer.

A statement released by the hospital to Action News says:

"Patient care and safety is always our first priority at Marian. We have always been confident the care provided to Mrs Ruiz was exceptional. We continue to express our sympathy to the Ruiz family."

Neverland Update

It seems that Michael Jackson's reprieve from selling Neverland at auction this month, may in fact be only a temporary reprieve rather than a final solution.

Julie Wagner of Financial Title Company of San Francisco, which filed the default papers, said the auction has been postponed until May 14 by "mutual agreement".

Victory Snatched From The Jaws of Defeat?

Michael Jackson has, at the eleventh hour, managed to stop the auction of Neverland by agreeing a deal with Fortress (the holders of a $24M charge over Neverland).

Jackson's lawyer, L. Londell McMillan, told The Associated Press that Jackson has worked out a confidential agreement with Fortress Investment Group LLC allowing him to retain ownership of the estate.

However there are two unaswered, and obvious questions.

• Given that Jackson is in dire financial straits, he hasn't stepped foot in Neverland for some considerable period of time and that the place is shuttered and rotting how long will he keep it?



• More importantly, why does he want to keep it?

Time will tell.

Jackson To Move To Barnstaple?

The media are awash with rumours that Michael Jackson is planning to move to Barnstaple, in Devon UK.

Seemingly Jackson is to move into his brother Tito's new house.

Tito is quoted:

"We hope it will be a family hideaway where my brothers and sisters can escape media attention when we need to.

I can confirm that he [Michael] has been to Barnstaple on private visits in recent years along with my brother Jermaine and a few other Jackson siblings.

My family love North Devon and the wonderful countryside and friendly people. I am looking forward to living in Barnstaple and I hope the Barnstaple public will respect our family's privacy.

Michael likes North Devon, too, as no one bothers him."

Matt Fiddes a friend and celeb bodyguard is also quoted:

"Tito spoke with Michael on the phone the other night and all the family are certain that this is the area where they want to find a UK family hideaway.

Tito is staying with me until the weekend but if everything goes through OK, he will soon be able to use the home as a base from which to develop his career in the UK."

It is alleged that Jackson has made offers on two properties, following several viewings in villages on the outskirts of Barnstaple.

Why, if the Jackson's claim that they want a "hideaway" and privacy from the media etc, do they then embark on a publicity drive about this move?

iTune Story Denied

Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the joint venture owned by Sony and Michael Jackson, the owners of the rights to the majority of The Beatles music catalog has denied newspaper stories that The Beatles catalogue would soon be available on iTunes.

A spokeswoman for Sony/ATV Music Publishing said that the reports are "untrue."

Brit Buyout of Neverland?

The Sun reports that two British property tycoons from Newcastle, Liam Collins and David Bone, have offered to buy Neverland then rent it back to Michael Jackson.

David Bone said:

"We really want to see Jacko back on his feet. He's had a real hard time of it."

Does Jackson have the money, or desire, to rent it back?

NINJA Mortgage

CNN reported a week ago that one of their sources in Michael Jackson's camp is confident that the auction of Neverland will not go ahead, because Jackson will find the money to pay off the $24M debt.

Quote:

"Michael Jackson's ranch is not going to be auctioned off at the courthouse.

The financing is all being worked out.

There are plenty of lenders willing to work with him. The real estate market is very bad right now and Jackson is being affected just like many other Americans."

The credibility of the source's faith in Jackson being able to refinance his debt remains to seen. However, it is fair enough to allude to the shambolic property market.

This has been brought about by the greed an stupidity of the banks lending money to people who could never hope to pay their debts off, colloquially known as NINJA mortgages (no income, job or assets).

A pretty fair description of the situation in which Jackson now finds himself in.

XtraJet Fined

Jeffrey Borer, the owner of XtraJet an air charter service, has been ordered to pay Mark Geragos (a lawyer) and his associate over $20M for ordering the secret videotaping of them as they flew with Michael Jackson to his surrender on molestation charges in 2003.

$18 million should be paid to attorney Mark Geragos, the remainder is to be paid to Geragos' associate, Pat Harris.

Borer said that he would appeal, on the grounds that the tape had no audio therefore it did not violate the attorney-client privilege (the primary reason for the size of the punitive damages).

Taxes

Even if Michael Jackson is successful in selling Neverland, at an auction next month, he may well be liable for tax on the sale.

On the assumption that the property is sold for around $25M, given that he paid around $14M for it, there is a capital gain of $10M on which tax of around $5M will be payable.

Jackson will discover the truth of that old saw:

"There are only two certainties in life, death and taxes."

In Denial

It seems that Michael Jackson is in denial about the dire state of his finances.

Jackson's lawyers are desperately trying to refinance the $25M loan on Neverland, due to go to auction soon, so that he can keep it.

Given that he no longer lives there, why on earth does he want to keep it and waste more money on further loans?

Jackson To Lose Neverland

It seems that, as predicted, Michael Jackson will lose Neverland unless he pays nearly $25m that is owed to Fortress.

Unless he pays the three months' arrears on the property, it will go to auction on the 19th of March.

The auction will include the house and everything on the estate including "all ferris wheels, carousels, merry-go-round type devices... and all amusement ride equipment and facilities of every kind or nature".

Who on earth, in their right mind, would buy this?

Grammy's No Show

Those of you who have a remote interest as to why Michael Jackson did not attend the Grammy's the other week, despite all the hype from both the Jackson and the Grammy's camp about his possible attendance, may be interested to know why.

Seemingly, if reports are to believed, Jackson made a few too many demands:

-He wanted a special honouree to introduce him on stage.

-He demanded a special award, something that no one had or would ever receive again.

-He wanted the entire event dedicated to his career, with no less than 30 mentions referring to him as the "King of Pop".

Unsurprisingly, the organisers of the Grammy's said no.

However, both Jackson and the Grammy's did receive a very large amount of free publicity in the run up to the awards, as the media speculated as to whether he would attend or not.

Both Jackson and the Grammy's did very well out of it.

The Grammys

It looks like Michael Jackson was a no show, in any shape or form, at last night's Grammys'.

As predicted.

Jackson Pays The Taxman

Michael Jackson has seemingly had at least the common sense to pay some outstanding tax to the taxman.

It is reported that he has finally settled the outstanding $600K property tax debt on Neverland.

Jackson has paid off a state tax lien on the property, according to Santa Barbara County records.

The settlement amount included penalties and fees, but does not cover the $23M that he owes Fortress Investment after defaulting on loans he took out on Neverland.

Fortress Investment is two weeks overdue the time that it can begin foreclosing on the property.

The Grammys

It seems that the latest media gossip suggests that Michael Jackson will appear at the Grammy Awards on Sunday.

However, he won't be singing at the ceremony.

A leaked memo from Jackson's record label, SonyBMG, last week had hinted that Jackson would perform live at the ceremony, which takes place on the eve of the release of the 25th anniversary edition of "Thriller".

I wonder who leaked that?

Needless to say, the "will he, won't he?" speculation in the media provides excellent free publicity for both the Grammys and Jackson.

The Super Bowl Ad

Here is the Super Bowl ad, using Thriller as the soundtrack and Naomi Campbell as the talent, that has got the media so worked up.

Personally speaking, I can't see why.

Neverland Extension

Fox reports that Michael Jackson, facing foreclosure on Neverland for $23M secured by Fortress Investments, may have obtained an extension on that foreclosure.

Seemingly, according to Fox, Ron Burkle (big in groceries) may have interceded with Fortress and persuaded them to grant an extension.

How long Jackson has though is not clear.

Don't Believe The Hype

There is much chatter in the media over the issue of whether Michael Jackson will make an appearnce at the Grammy's, on the 10th of February.

Needless to say neither the organisers (CBS) nor Jackson have issued any confirmation or denial.

For why?

Simple, the ongoing speculation gives both the Grammy's and Jackson the oxygen of publicity which they both crave.

A definitive answer, one way or another, would kill off the speculation and the publicity.

Thriller Remake

The Daily Mirror reports that Michael Jackson intends to remake Thriller.

Jackson appeared by video at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, where he was awarded some form of medal, and said:

"I'm coming back. And I've got a very special treat for all of my fans.

I have been recording Thriller: 25th Anniversary, with a lot of surprise guests."

The Jackson camp claim that he will hold a European comeback at the O2 Arena in London in summer.

Time will tell.

Debt

The Sun reports that Wycelf Jean is claiming that Michael Jackson owes him a considerable amount of money.

The alleged debt goes back to when they worked together 10 years ago.

Jean is quoted:

"Michael owes me money. After Mike did Blood On The Dance Floor, I went into the studio with him. We did a couple of sessions. When I'm in the studio I'm very specific. I'm very tough in the studio.

It was a long time ago now, but I still haven't been paid. Mike knows the money he owes me. I just wish he'd get in touch."

It is also crunch time for Jackson in respect of his debt owed to Fortress, secured on Neverland.

Depp Wants To Play Jackson

Johnny Depp is reportedly hoping to play Michael Jackson, in a film about the life of Jackson.

Depp is quoted:

"There is still time to play him."

What does that mean?

Jackson 5 Reunion?

Rumours about a possible Jackson 5 reunion continue, with Janet Jackson discussing the issue with AFP.

Quote:

"I hope so. I really hope so because I'll be the first in line to buy a ticket.

I do know that my brothers want to and I know it's been kind of tough for Mike. He's kind of on the fence, from what I know about it."

She added:

"Maybe he just wants to continue to be a solo artist and if that's what he wants then you have to respect his wishes. But what an impact it would have on the world and he has to see that because everyone else does.

I think he'd have to be blind not to see that."

Michaal Jackson in recent years though has never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

Crazy Suit Dismissed

A lawsuit filed against Michael Jackson by Daniel Kapon has been dismissed after Kapon failed to show up for the commencement of the trial.

Kapon filed a lawsuit against Jackson which alleged that Jackson had molested and sexually assaulted him for 12 years.

Thomas C. Mundell, Jackson's lawyer, said:

"I think the judge realised how crazy the lawsuit was."

Kapon accused Jackson of child molestation, assault, battery, false imprisonment, plagiarism and fraud.

He said that Jackson had started molesting him when he was 2 years old and sexually assaulted him for over the next 12 years.

Kapon claimed that Jackson forced him into drugs and alcohol and subjected him to unnecessary cosmetic surgery, burned, tortured and beating.

He also accused Jackson of stealing his song ideas.

In his deposition, Kapon said that Jackson had him ejaculate into a jar and later used his semen to impregnate ex-wife Debbie Rowe.

"He was obsessed with geniuses and blood lines and he told me that he wanted to continue my blood line, which he believed to be related to the Rothschilds."

Jackson's lawyer was dismissive, saying:

"These are not good-faith deposition answers. They are the ravings of an unbalanced celebrity stalker."

Kapon's attorney, Barry Fischer, has filed a missing person report against Kapon.

Nowt so strange as folk!

The Girl Is Mine

To mark the 25th anniversary of his record-breaking album Thriller, Michael Jackson is releasing a new version of the hit The Girl Is Mine. Jackson has re-recorded the song with The Black Eyed Pea’s Will.i.am.

A link to a clip from the song is here The Girl is Mine

Going Going Gone

Fox reports that Michael Jackson's Neverland may be vulnerable to foreclosure this Friday (18 January).

It seems that there is no interest from anyone in helping Jackson refinance his $23M loan, secured on Neverland, held by Fortress Investments.

If Neverland is not refinanced, Fortress can foreclose and sell the ranch at auction.

A Nice Little Earner

Michael Jackson is reported to be about to announce plans for a one month residency in London's O2 Arena.

On the assumption that the reports turn out to be correct, it is estimated that he will earn a much needed $30M ($1M per night) from this deal.

We shall see.

Confusion Over Tour

Jermaine Jackson claims that his brother Michael is "in" for the Jackson Five reunion tour.

He told BBC 6Music:

"We have to do it one more time. We owe that to the fans and to the public.

He has to be, he is a Jackson. He was at the meetings.

Michael will be involved."

However, Raymone Bain is quoted as saying:

"at this time, I am not fully aware of the plans for said tour."

Sounds to me as though Jermaine is trying to publicly force Michael to come on the tour.